Here for a good time, not a long time? If you can only squeeze in one hike during your national park visit, it had better be epic! These are our favorite day hikes at five US national parks, from the West Coast to the sunny South.

1. Thunder Knob Trail, North Cascades National Park, WA

Key details:

• Length: 3.6 miles 
• Elevation: 425 feet
• Type: Out-and-Back
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Highlight: Stunning views of turquoise Diablo Lake

Washington’s North Cascades National Park has a lot to offer, but the Thunder Knob Trail is a real highlight. An easy 2 hours, it begins by crossing a sturdy bridge over a rocky forest stream. Gentle switchbacks mean the steady climb that makes up the rest of the trail never gets too strenuous, and the beautiful forest and wildflowers around you will take your mind off any steep sections. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife as you walk. Eventually the forest thins and reveals views of majestic Colonial Peak. From here it’s a short hike to the trail end, which looks out over the beautiful Diablo Lake and Sourdough Mountain ridge. The views are truly stunning and the short length of the hike make this a perfect day activity. Return the way you came.   

2. Hugh Norris Trail, Saguaro National Park, AZ

Key details:

• Length: 9.5 miles 
• Elevation: 2000 feet
• Type: Out-and-Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 5 hours
• Highlight: Saguaro cacti as far as the eye can see

The longest trail in Saguaro National Park West, Hugh Norris is not to be missed. It’s a full day affair, but you can hike a portion of it if you’re short on time. Rangers told us this was their favorite hike in the park, and that it was “so beautiful you forget you’re going up”. They were right! While the hike definitely involves a bit of cardio and work on the thighs, the views are truly extraordinary. Cacti stretching into the distance, huge rock formations, craggy hills and red dirt. The trail is well-maintained and mostly switchbacks, so it’s easy to push through the particularly steep sections. In summer you can expect to see wildflowers and snake activity (watch out for rattlesnakes), and if you’re lucky you might see a rare gila monster – a hiker we passed on the trail saw one that morning. Our top tip for this trail is to start early – at sun rise if you can – and bring plenty of water. The desert heat is no joke, but you won’t regret it with everything the Hugh Norris Trail has to offer. 

3. Lake Haiyaha Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Key details:

• Length: 4.2 miles
• Elevation: 745 feet
• Type: Out-and-Back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2 hours
• Highlight: A pristine alpine lake in fairy tale surroundings

One of the most beautiful lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake Haiyaha features incredible scenery, without the crowds of the Emerald Lake Trail. Beginning at the Bear Lake trailhead, the path climbs steadily up into the mountains. It can be fairly steep at times, but there are plenty of places to stop and rest and the switchbacks make it easier. You will pass by Nymph Lake and have an optional 5-minute detour to the gorgeous Dream Lake. From here on the trail is rocky (like the park’s namesake), and narrower, with a few drop-offs those afraid of heights might not like. Breath-taking views of the mountain range can be seen as you climb, and watch for chipmunks and squirrels in the bushes. The final few minutes of the hike involve clambering over a number of large boulders, which can be slippery and unstable. Finally you will reach Lake Haiyaha, a ruggedly beautiful mountain lake with views of Otis Peak, Hallett Peak and Chaos Canyon. Enjoy the scenery while you regain your energy, then return the way you came.  

4. Taggart and Bradley Lakes Trail, Grand Teton National Park, WY

Key details:

• Length: 5.6 miles
• Elevation: 890 feet
• Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Highlight: See the Teton mountain range reflected in the lake

The perfect snapshot of Grand Teton National Park, this is a popular loop trail best started early in the day. Take in views of the Teton mountain range as you cross sagebrush flats and follow signs for the Taggart Lake Trail. After crossing a footbridge over Taggart Creek and passing the National Park Service horse corrals, the trail climbs moderately through spruce, lodgepole and fir trees. At the Bradley Lake trail junction, follow signs to see a stunning alpine lake. You will then return to the junction and continue to Taggart Lake through thick forest and huckleberry bushes (it’s important to make plenty of noise here in the spring and summer, as it’s a popular black bear feeding area). Soon you will see Taggart Lake below, and descend to the shoreline, which offers a small beach area to view the Tetons and swim. Continue along the lakeshore until you see signs for the Taggart Lake trailhead. 

5. Nevada Falls Loop (via the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail), Yosemite National Park, CA

Key Details:

• Length: 8 miles
• Elevation: 2000 feet
• Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Duration: 4 hours
• Highlight: Secluded tumbling falls away from the crowds

One of our favorite national park hikes ever, the Nevada Falls loop is something else. This is a fantastic trail with incredible views away from the crowds, but it is definitely for people with a good level of fitness and proper hiking equipment. The trail is very steep at times, includes steep drop-offs in areas, and can be uneven and rocky. Begin by following signs for the Mist Trail, an impressive set of 600 narrow steps climbing alongside the roaring Vernal Falls. This is one of Yosemite’s most popular trails, so expect a lot of people for the first portion of the hike. The trail begins paved before turning to gravel and climbing steeply. Take care ascending the slippery Mist Trail stairs, and enjoy the incredible views from the top of Vernal Falls. From here, it is another 1.6 miles of fairly strenuous hiking to Nevada Falls. This is where the crowds fall away completely and you can enjoy the dramatic Yosemite scenery in peace. Venture through shady forest to the impressive 600-foot gushing Nevada Falls. From here, take the John Muir Trail back to create a loop and take in views of the Half Dome and Liberty Cap. This route features a series of gradual switchbacks down to Yosemite Valley.