These 9 National Park Hikes Are Only for the Hardcore!
Some national park hikes test more than your legs—they push your limits. These trails climb high, stretch long, and pull you deep into unpredictable backcountry. They’re not meant for spontaneous outings or anyone hoping for an easy stroll. If you’re up for a real challenge and don’t mind putting in the work, these are the ones worth your sweat.
Rim to Rim to Rim – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
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Crossing the Grand Canyon once is a massive challenge on its own, but doing it twice in one day means covering 42 miles and over 21,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Hikers face scorching heat at the bottom and potential snow at the top, with the Colorado River the only water source mid-route. It’s one of the most iconic ultra-hikes in the country, but absolutely not for the inexperienced.
Cactus to Clouds – Mt. San Jacinto State Park, California
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This hike begins near Palm Springs at 400 feet and ends at the 10,800-foot summit of Mt. San Jacinto. It gains over 10,000 feet in just 16 miles, more vertical than the climb from Everest Base Camp to the summit. There’s no water until high on the trail, and the desert heat hits hard.
Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop – Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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Because of afternoon storms, many hikers start before dawn and carry traction gear just in case. It’s one of the best ways to experience the Tetons, quickly and intensely. This 20-mile loop climbs more than 4,000 feet and tops out at 10,700 feet at Paintbrush Divide, where wind and snow are common, even in July. The route connects alpine lakes, rugged canyon walls, and wildlife sightings like marmots and moose.
Pemi Loop – White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
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The terrain is rocky and steep, and hikers often finish after dark… if they finish at all. It’s one of the most demanding day hikes on the East Coast. New Hampshire’s “reckless hiker” law means you could be billed for a rescue, so preparation is essential.
Camp Muir – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
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The hike up to Camp Muir feels straightforward on paper: five miles out, five miles back. But it’s a constant climb, with the Muir Snowfield offering no trail markers and plenty of ways to lose your bearings. Weather shifts without warning. Even seasoned hikers often call it quits before the top, especially when whiteouts roll in.
Great Range Traverse – Adirondack Park, New York
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The Great Range Traverse is one of the most strenuous day hikes in the Northeast, with nine major peaks over 25 miles and 17,600 feet of elevation change. It features steep scrambles, open slab climbs, and exposed ridgelines. Water sources are unreliable, and there’s very little room for error on some descents. Despite its difficulty, the views from Gothics and Saddleback are worth the suffering, if your legs can handle it.
The Narrows Top-Down – Zion National Park, Utah
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The 16-mile top-down route through the Virgin River is anything but a typical hike. You’ll be in the water for most of it while navigating slick rocks and cold, fast-moving currents. Sunlight is limited between the narrow canyon walls, and flash floods are a real threat. A permit is required, and the water isn’t safe to drink due to harmful bacteria, even by accident.
Longs Peak – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
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Summiting Longs Peak is a serious effort, not just for the distance or elevation, but for the demands along the way. Most hikers start in the dark, hoping to clear the toughest sections before storms sweep in. Past the Keyhole, the route grows exposed and intense. Every year, even skilled climbers can run into trouble on this mountain.
West Rim to East Rim Traverse – Zion National Park, Utah
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This nearly 50-mile traverse strings together Zion’s best trails into one mega-hike. Strong hikers or ultra-runners often attempt it in a single day. Some even add the spur to Angels Landing. The effort requires endurance, route planning, and attention to water sources, especially during the warmer months when dehydration becomes a real threat.
High Divide Loop – Olympic National Park, Washington
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The High Divide Loop covers 18 miles of varied terrain, from rainforest floor to alpine ridge. Hikers pass landmarks like Sol Duc Falls and Heart Lake while gaining about 3,000 feet in elevation. Conditions can get tricky: lingering snow, slick roots, and plenty of bugs. Cell service is limited, and black bears are frequent visitors. But with clear skies, the views of Mount Olympus are absolutely worth the effort.
Enchantments Traverse – Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
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The Enchantments Traverse doesn’t ease you in; it launches straight into a steep 2,000-foot climb up Aasgard Pass. From there, it winds through high alpine basins before dropping more than 6,000 feet toward Snow Lakes. Navigation can get confusing, and trail markers are few.
Grandview Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
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What this trail lacks in length, it makes up for with ruggedness. Grandview descends fast and hard, built by miners with little thought for comfort or ease. Expect crumbly footing, exposed stretches, and almost no trail markers. Shade is scarce, water nonexistent, and the solitude out here is real—it’s one of the canyon’s more demanding and lonely hikes.
Sourdough Mountain Trail – North Cascades National Park, Washington
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The Sourdough Mountain Trail wastes no time: it starts steep and stays that way. Over just 10 miles round-trip, you’ll gain around 5,000 feet as you push through dense forest and up to exposed ridgelines. Views of Diablo Lake and Mount Baker reward the climb, but the loose terrain, lack of water, and total isolation make it a grit-over-glory kind of day. Nothing about it feels casual.
Logan Pass to Many Glacier – Glacier National Park, Montana
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This one connects the Highline Trail and Swiftcurrent Pass before finishing at Many Glacier. Tack on the side trip to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, and you’re in for a steep extra climb, but the scenery pays off in every direction. Snowfields linger well into summer, and bear encounters aren’t rare. Plan on packing traction, bear spray, and a good dose of determination.
Tenaya Lake to Yosemite Valley – Yosemite National Park, California
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Here, you’re linking some of Yosemite’s standout spots in a single push: Clouds Rest, Half Dome (if you’ve secured a permit for the cables), and the Mist Trail past Vernal and Nevada Falls. The total climb tops 6,000 feet, and the distance racks up quickly. Granite can turn slick without warning, so sure footing is a must. This trek doesn’t leave much room for shortcuts—it’s a sunrise-to-sunset day on your feet.