If you’re looking for stunning views and overlooks in Colorado, look no further than all the things to do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison! This National Park not only has viewpoint after viewpoint of the steep, sheer canyon that falls 2000 feet below you, but is also home to wilderness explorations such as fishing or rock climbing. When it comes to Black Canyon of the Gunnison hiking, there are easy and accessible trails along the North and South Rims, or more strenuous multi-day hikes into the canyon. It’s an awesome Colorado stop!

If you’re wondering what there is to do in South Dakota, look no further than Badlands National Park! When it comes to hiking bandlands, the rock formations found in the area, you have complete freedom to “open hike” within the park boundaries. You can literally explore wherever you want! Check out the Notch Trail badlands or the Door Trail badlands or swing by the Pinnacles Overlook. On you way to or from the park, make sure you also stop at Wall Drug for the most touristy souvenirs. Proof that there’s more to do in South Dakota than you may have thought!

Great Sand Dunes National Park isn’t just a cool place to hike. Once you rent a sand board or sand sled, it becomes one big playground for people of all ages! Hike to the top of High Dune or Star Dune and sled the rest of the way back down on gear that can slide up to 40 mph! It’s definitely one of the most memorable stops in Colorado!

Capitol Reef National Park is a sight to see in Fruita Utah. Home the the waterpocket fold, a literal wrinkle in the Earth, the canyons and rock formations you can see on the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive or while hiking the Hickman Bridge trail are stunning. Make sure you also take the time to explore the fruit orchards in between hiking and exploring. This unique national park has something for everyone!

Despite being so close to Arches NP and Moab, Canyonlands National Park doesn’t really get the credit it deserves. This stunning Park is filled with views of deep canyons, rock spires and fins, and towering mesas. You’ll even find arches like the iconic Mesa Arch. Hiking Canyonlands National Park and the district of Island in the Sky Utah will also lead you to amazing stops like Upheaval Dome and the Grand View Point Overlook which provides panoramas of the horizon for miles!

If you’re looking to explore the beauty of Utah, you MUST hike Arches National Park. From the Windows Arches, to the Devils Garden Trail to the Landscape Arch and Delicate Arch hike, there are so many stunning rock formations to explore and find. In fact, the park houses over 2000 of them! Make your way to Moab and Arches National Park!

When considering hiking in Ohio, look no further than the Cuyahoga Valley National Park trails. Cuyahoga is an incredibly well-maintained National Park conveniently located 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. With stunning waterfalls like the Brandywine Falls hike and other trails for all skill levels, this is the best spot for Ohio hiking!

In the southwest corner of Colorado, you’ll find the amazing Mesa Verde National Park. Filled with archeological Colorado cliff dwellings, you’ll be able to walk among the homes of the Ancestral Pueblo people. With many options of both Mesa Verde tours and Mesa Verde hikes, this is the perfect park for anyone who loves history and the outdoors.

Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect place to discover great hiking trails in the Midwest. Whether you’re walking along the beach or exploring the nearby bogs and marshes, the Dunes are an easy and accessible escape from your daily life. Learn more about some of the best trails Indiana Dunes has to offer!

If you’re looking for a wide variety of hiking trails in the Southwest, look no further than hiking Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This gorgeous park is filled with treks that range from super simple to long and difficult with my personal favorite being the moderate Devil’s Hall Trail. This underrated National Park is a true gem in Texas.

Goblin Valley State Park in Utah may not be very well-known, but it should definitely be a place you consider checking out. The most popular hikes of the Three Sisters Trail and the Goblin’s Lair Trail will introduce you to thousands of the unique rock formations in the area that actually look like gnomes or goblins protecting the valley. It’s an other-worldly landscape that is open for you to explore!

The Midwest may not have multiple National Parks to hike and explore but the State Parks, including Turkey Run State Park in Indiana provide amazing outdoor experiences. With rugged hiking trails allowing you to scale down the sides of waterfalls on wood ladders, Turkey Run State Park is a great escape from city life, and is home to some of the best hiking in Indiana!

Valley of Fire State Park has a pretty lofty name but luckily you won’t be anywhere near volcanoes, magma or brush fires (hopefully). Located near the Lake Mead Recreation area, it’s Nevada's first state park receiving the distinction in 1935. Its namesake is attributed to the striking red rock faces you can explore that look as if they’re on fire in the Nevada sun.

Mount San Jacinto State Park is an amazing escape from the heat of Palm Springs. Located over 8,000 ft above Chino Valley, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will take you up the mountain to explore and hike through the park to witness all of its panoramic views.