1. Bright Angel Trail - Arizona
No locale in the Southwest strikes the collective
imagination quite like the Grand Canyon, and no
trail at the Grand Canyon is quite as popular as the Bright Angel Trail. This
is not a trail for the light-hearted or half-hearted hiker: It is steep, often
difficult, and time-consuming.
With roundtrips ranging from less than an hour to
round trips up to 12 hours in length, you need to be serious about hiking to
take on the Bright Angel Trail.
2. Dinosaur
National Monument - Utah
After learning the area's history, going hiking in
Dinosaur National Monument is a fantastic way to more fully appreciate the
locale and the learning experience. Most trails are easily accessible from near
the visitor center. Trails range from the ¼-mile Plug Hat Trail to the more
difficult 8-mile Island Park Trail.
Unlike other national park trails, off-trail hiking
is permitted within Dinosaur National Monument.
3. White Sands
National Park - New Mexico
If a space alien were dropped onto one of White Sands National Park's
five trails (allegedly, they love New Mexico!), they'd be forgiven for thinking
they were seeing snow on either side of them as they walked.
Alas, all they'd be seeing are the remnants of the
ubiquitous dunes for which White Sands is named. Don't let that be a
disappointment, though; there is simply nothing like a trek through one of the
unique natural environments on the planet.
4. Sedona Airport
Loop Trail - Arizona
Already a draw for the spiritual with its vortices
and for photogs thanks to its vibrant red rocks, Sedona, Arizona is
also a magnet for hikers. One of the best trails in Sedona is also one of the
most accessible. Park on the Sedona Airport Mesa ($3, good for multiple
entries/exits on the same day), and venture down a 3.2-mile trail that winds
around multiple points before culminating in a photo-worthy end.
5. Coyote Gulch -
Utah
One of the longer hikes you may want to trek down,
the Coyote Gulch trail — located in southern Utah's portion of the Glen Canyon
National Recreation Area — offers an incredible opportunity to see some unusual
natural formations in North America.
Most visitors opt for an overnight hike so as not
to be rushed, but it can be done in a day with enough planning.
Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 01/06/2026