Travel Guide for Sightseeing, Hiking & Other Activities at Denali National Park

Among the most massive American national parks, Denali encompasses 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness, bisected by a single road. Visitors travel through taiga forest to reach high alpine tundra and Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak at 20,320 feet. The park affords hardy travelers plenty of hiking and tourism opportunities, along with camping spots for overnight trips, between May and September.

Orientation

• Stop first at the Denali Visitor Center just inside the park entrance to orient yourself to Denali. The facility serves as the launching point for many ranger-led programs in the park. Enjoy a meal here or browse the shelves of the bookstore. Buy your tickets for park shuttle buses at the nearby Wilderness Access Center. You'll need to catch a ride to explore Denali past the 15-mile marker of the park access road. A third facility just inside the park boundary, the Murie Science and Learning Center, is the hub for summer educational activities, with displays about the ecology and history of the park.

Touring the Park

• During summer months, passenger vehicles can traverse the first 15 miles of the park road to the Savage River area. This path includes plenty of pullouts that allow travelers to stop and take photos of the mountains and wildlife. The road past the 15-mile marker is covered only in gravel, and traffic is restricted primarily to tour buses. The park's shuttle buses -- buy tickets at the Wilderness Access Center -- allow you to explore the interior of Denali, hopping off and back on at your own pace thanks to several traveling through the park at one time. Carry food and drink with you, because none is available once you leave the wilderness center.

Hiking

• Most of the handful of marked trails center around the visitor center, and many follow the park road or connect the center to other park facilities, including the wilderness center and Riley Creek Campground. The National Park Service deems most hiking opportunities in the easy to moderate range in the relatively flat landscape of Denali, and some are handicapped-accessible. Check with park rangers at the visitor center for trail guides and conditions. Hardy hikers can visit the backcountry for overnight trips, but must get a permit at the visitor center and discuss their itinerary with park rangers before departing.

Camping

• The park and surrounding preserve includes six campgrounds, allowing visitors to stay up to 14 days per year. Only a limited number of these sites will accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. Contact concessionaire Doyon/ARAMARK to make reservations, which can be guaranteed as soon as December 1 the year before your trip, at 800-622-7275 or by visiting reservedenali.com. The most visited campground, Riley Creek, has 147 campsites just inside the Denali park entrance, and includes some walk-in, tent-only spots that can be reserved the day of your visit at the wilderness center.

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Hiking Trails Near Lincoln City, Oregon

Lincoln City on the Oregon coast is bordered by 7.5 miles of sandy beaches, mountains and 680-acre Devils Lake. The city is a popular destination for tourists, offering attractions and activities that include shopping, gambling, golfing, beach-combing, and outdoor recreation. Hikers have routes within the city that circle Devils Lake or pass through nature parks. Outside of the city, longer trails access coastal viewpoints and a stunning waterfall.

Devils Lake Trails

• Devils Lake is a boating and hiking destination with three .5-mile-long trails. The East Devils Lake trail is rated as easy, passing through forested land and around one side of Devils Lake. The West Devils Lake trail is moderately difficult and passes through forest and wetlands. The nature trail at Regatta Grounds Park on the west side of the lake is moderately difficult, and it passes through old growth forest.

Spring Lake Trail and Cutler City Nature Trail

• Lincoln City has two trails designated as nature preserves that are popular for wildlife watching. The Spring Lake Trail weaves for 2.5 miles through old-growth forest, over hills and a stream, to a small lake. Cutler City Nature Trail, at the south end of town is 1 mile out and back, passing through a woodland area. Both trails follow a nonpaved surface, are rated as moderate in difficulty, and are open throughout the year.
• Drift Creek Falls Trail

• Just past the southern city limits of Lincoln City, is Drift Creek Road, which leads to Drift Creek Falls Trail. The trail is 3.5 miles long, from the trailhead and back, with 380-feet elevation gain, and is moderately difficult. Hikers walk 1.25 miles to a .5-mile-long suspension bridge, where there are views of the waterfall, cascading 75 feet into a pool below. Many hikers consider the trail to be suitable for children, but there are moderately steep sections.

Cascade Head Trails

• North of Lincoln City is Cascade Head, an area named for the waterfalls that cascade from its cliffs to the ocean. There are three trails to reach Cascade Head. The moderately difficult lower Nature Conservancy Trail is 4.2 miles with 1,200 feet gained in elevation. The easiest route is a 1-mile hike on the upper Forest Service Trail with only a 160-foot elevation gain. Hart’s Cove Trail is a 5.5-mile moderately difficult hike up the forested hillside.

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Hiking in Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park, set amid central Oregon's high desert plateau, is known by avid rock climbers for its thousands of climbing routes, more than 1,000 of which are already bolted. To get to many of those climbs, however, you must use the park's system of trails, which wind through and around a deep river canyon, and provide hikers with the chance to glimpse wildlife such as beaver, mule deer, river otters, bald eagles, golden eagles and prairie falcons.

Planning Your Trip

• To hike in Smith Rock State Park (oregonstateparks.org), you must pay a small day-use fee, although one-year and two-year passes are available at discounted rates. The park, open year-round, annually averages more than 480,000 day-use visitors. The best times for hiking at Smith Rock are spring and fall, when high temperatures range from the high-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. Average highs in July and August can reach the 80s and above, with typical winter highs in the 40s. Early-morning and late-afternoon temperatures typically dip into the 40s even in summer -- and into the 30s in spring and fall -- so take several layers of clothing, along with plenty of water and sunscreen. The park's website provides daily weather reports plus updates on hiking and climbing conditions.

Hiking Trails

• Smith Rock State Park has 11 marked trails that add up to slightly more than 12 miles. Several trails connect to one another, allowing hikers to choose from longer or shorter treks. The park's longest trails are the Summit and River trails, each 2.5 miles one way. The River Trail starts at a footbridge that crosses the Crooked River, and follows the river's bends deep in the canyon before connecting to the Summit Trail, which ascends the bluffs, reaches elevations of 3,400 feet and provides scenic canyon views. For a shorter hike, choose the Rim Rock Trail, a half-mile loop near the park's entrance, or combine the 500-foot Chute, which starts near the day-use parking area, with the 1-mile Homestead Trail along the river. Some trails are open to mountain bikers and equestrians.

Hiking/Climbing Combos

• If you'd like to combine a hike with a rock climb at Smith Rock State Park, the park's Misery Ridge Trail is only two-thirds of a mile but leads to two of the park's primary climbing destinations: Monkey Face, a challenging 350-foot-tall spire with several routes to the top, and the Red Wall, which offers a 300-foot climb with a variety of natural features such as slabs and wide cracks. Other trails lead to climbing spots with interesting monikers such as Morning Glory, the Dihedrals, and Christian Brothers (all near the River Trail), and First Kiss (Mesa Verde Trail). Local companies provide climbing instruction and guided climbing excursions into the park for all ages and levels.

Other Park Amenities

• In addition to hiking and rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park has a number of other amenities and attractions, including fishing in the Crooked River, a welcome center, native plant garden and picnic areas. If you'd like to stay overnight, the park has a walk-in bivouac camping area with dozens of campsites for tents only. The campground has community restrooms with hot showers, but campfires are prohibited because of the desert's typical dry conditions. If you'd rather stay indoors, the city of Redmond, approximately 9 miles southwest of the park, has a number of lodging options.

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What Hiking Trail Is Near Lily Lake in Colorado?

Rocky Mountain National Park in north-central Colorado is home to 415 square miles of mountains, forests and pristine alpine lakes. Lily Lake is easy to reach and provides the opportunity to enjoy the fresh mountain air, scenic vistas and recreational opportunities such as fishing and hiking. Two family friendly trails offer views of the lake – one that loops the shoreline and another that takes hikers along a ridge above the lake.

About Lily Lake

• Lily Lake is located along Highway 7, about 6.5 miles south of Estes Park. A parking area is available at the Lily Lake entrance. If that lot is full, additional parking is available across the highway at the Lily Lake Visitor Center. Access to the 17-acre lake and its amenities are free. No bicycles or other vehicles are allowed on the Lily Lake and Lily Ridge trails. Leashed pets are allowed in the parking area but not on the trails.

Lily Lake Trail

• The Lily Lake Trail, slightly less than a mile in length, is a developed, handicap-accessible loop that winds along the shoreline and provides scenic vistas of the lake, surrounding wetlands and nearby mountains, including Estes Cone, Longs Peak, the Twin Sisters peaks and Mount Meeker. The trail features a natural, packed-gravel surface, is mostly level and is lined with logs. The loop includes occasional benches and several small wooden bridges. Wildflowers typically bloom along the trail's edge in spring and early summer.

Lily Ridge Trail

• If you hike the Lily Lake Trail counterclockwise, you will see the Lily Ridge trailhead just a short distance ahead, near the first wooden bridge. The Lily Ridge Trail begins at the lake's northeast corner and makes a moderate, quick ascent of approximately 350 feet through rocky terrain and up to the ridge before leveling off and generally following the northern shoreline of the lake before rejoining the Lily Lake Trail at the lake's northwest edge. The Lily Ridge Trail is approximately .7 mile long by itself and travels along wooded and rocky areas but also provides several scenic overlooks of the lake. If you hike the Lily Ridge Trail, then complete the Lily Lake Loop counterclockwise, the total distance is approximately 1.3 miles.

Other Activities and Amenities

• A picnic area and a pit toilet sit near the Lily Lake trailhead, and another small picnic area lies along the lake's south shore. The lake is popular with anglers, who drop their lines for species such as greenback cutthroat trout, brown trout, brook trout and rainbow trout. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid Colorado fishing license, and any fish caught must be released back into the lake.

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The Bark Camp Trail for Hiking and Scenery in Kentucky

If your idea of a vacation involves disappearing into the wilderness, you'd have a hard time finding a better place than Daniel Boone National Forest in which to do it. Spanning more than 700,000 acres in eastern Kentucky, this forest is prime territory for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and simply enjoying the scenery. Daniel Boone National Forest has no shortage of hiking trails -- more than 600 miles of them -- but few offer more scenic beauty than the Bark Camp Trail.

Hiking the Bark Camp Trail

• Beginning at its trailhead on Forest Road 193, the Bark Camp Trail meanders westward 2.4 miles along the banks of Bark Camp Creek. The terrain is moderately difficult, and the entire hike typically takes about three hours, round-trip. At its endpoint, the Bark Camp Trail connects to the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, and a three-sided Adirondack-style shelter marks the junction. From here, you can head back to the trailhead, or continue hiking to the north or south on the Sheltowee Trace Trail, which follows the course of Cumberland River.

Scenery and Nature

• The Bark Camp Trail leads hikers along steep bluffs, past groves of blooming wildflowers and through a pristine forest of birch, hemlock and rhododendron. The cascading waters of Bark Camp Creek frequently are visible from the trail, and the journey is accompanied by the sound of water rolling and gurgling over mossy rocks. Just before you reach the shelter at the trail's end, a short side trail leads to Bark Camp Creek Cascades, a series of tumbling waterfalls that precede the creek's confluence with the Cumberland River. The trail provides constant opportunities for nature photography, and the creek is stocked with rainbow trout, so with a current Kentucky fishing license, you can bring along a fishing rod and stop to fish at your leisure.

Stay Overnight

• The shelter at the end of the Bark Camp Trail is available for overnight use by hikers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dispersed backcountry tent camping is permitted throughout the majority of Daniel Boone National Forest, except where posted signs indicate otherwise. If you plan to stay overnight, you must carry in all necessary supplies and remove all signs of your presence when you leave. Trail shelters are spaced periodically along the Sheltowee Trace Trail. Potable drinking water is not available along the trail, so bring plenty with you, and if you plan to hike for more than one day, you will need to filter or purify water from springs and streams.

Sheltowee Trace Trail

• If the 2.4 miles of the Bark Camp trail don't satisfy your hiking needs, you can take the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and hike all the way to Tennessee, if you so choose. This trail stretches more than 250 miles from Kentucky State Route 377 southward to Pickett State Park in Tennessee, passing through Daniel Boone National Forest along the way. The Sheltowee Trace Trail also connects to most of the national forest's other hiking trails, providing the backbone of the park's trail system. Detailed maps, hiking guides and other information can be found on the official Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail website.

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Cumberland Plateau Hiking Trail in Tennessee

For lovers of the outdoors, there are few better destinations than the Cumberland Plateau. Stretching 450 miles along the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains, the plateau is home to striking scenery, diverse wildlife and more hiking trails than can be explored in a lifetime. The Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park -- usually referred to simply as the Cumberland Trail -- bisects the plateau from north to south, providing access to numerous other trails and some of Tennessee's finest state parks and natural areas.

A Work in Progress

• The Cumberland Trail is unique in Tennessee in that the trail itself is actually a long, narrow state park. The trail is also a work in progress, and through cooperation between the Tennessee Departments of Environment and Conservation and the Cumberland Trail Conference, the trail is planned to extend 300 miles between Signal Point and the Cumberland Gap. At the time of publication, about 190 miles of the Cumberland Trail are open to hikers, and you can access segments of the trail through Cove Lake State Park, Frozen Head State Park, Piney Falls State Natural Area and Stinging Fork Pocket Wilderness Area, among others.

Northern Trail Segments

• At the northernmost end of the Cumberland Trail, an 11-mile section, known as the Cumberland Mountain Segment, is open to hiking. This segment includes stunning scenery, including rocky ridge hiking with spectacular views of the Cumberland Mountain range to the north and the Powell River Valley to the south, but the terrain can be difficult at times. Access is available at the Tennessee Avenue trailhead in Lafollette and the Cove Lake trailhead in the Cove Creek State Park.

  A little father south, the New River Segment offers 40 miles of open trail, and you can hike the entire stretch over a two- or three-day backpacking trip, or break off a smaller chunk for a day hike. This segment explores some of the most rugged and remote territory in Tennessee, including the summits of Lawson, Anderson and Cross mountains. The northern and southern trailheads to this segment are located in Cove Creek and Frozen Head state parks, and there are several road crossings in between where you can pick up the trail.

Southern Trail Segments

• The 8.5-mile Piney River Segment parallels the Piney River and Duskin Creek over moderate terrain. The trail throughout this segment is shady and secluded, and highlights include several scenic river crossings and a short side trail that leads to a picnic area. You can access the Trail at the Piney River trailhead on Shut-In Gap Road and the Newby Blanch trailhead on Walden Mountain Road.

  At the southernmost end of the Cumberland Plateau Trail, 7 miles are open to hiking in the Tennessee River Gorge. The Tennessee River Gorge Segment also connects to nearly 27 miles of additional trails, allowing you to take a much longer hike. The terrain ranges from easy to strenuous, and the views from the Snoopers Rock and Ransom Hollow overlooks are among the best on the trail. Access is available at the Signal Point trailhead and at two additional parking areas on Tower Drive.

Keep In Mind

• Trail lengths and access points are subject to change as more of the Cumberland Trail is completed. Overnight camping is permitted along most of the trail. Designated backcountry sites are provided in some areas. Dispersed camping is permitted where designated sites are unavailable, and hikers are responsible for leaving no trace of their presence. In sections where the trail passes through a state park, hikers are required to register if they intend to stay overnight. In general, the only drinking water along the Cumberland Trail comes from springs and streams, and this water mus be treated or filtered before drinking.

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The Plain of Six Glaciers Hiking Trail in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Winding through the strikingly scenic terrain of Alberta's Banff National Park, the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail leads hikers to a remote mountain tea house alongside the rugged slopes of Mount Victoria and Mount Lefroy. As its name suggests, the trail also gives you a chance to view no fewer than six individual glaciers, all the while escaping most of the crowds that gather around nearby Lake Louise during the busy summer months.

Finding the Trailhead

• The hike begins near Lake Louise Village, just west of the Trans-Canada Highway. From the village, drive uphill for about 2.5 miles -- bear in mind that the road signs are marked in kilometers -- to the Lake Louise public parking lot. You'll have to continue on foot from here, crossing Louise Creek on the foot-bridge and making your way to the lakeside Chateau Hotel. From the hotel, the Lakeshore Trail leads around to the back side of Lake Louise, where the clearly-marked Plain of Six Glaciers trail begins. The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail itself is a roughly 4-mile, one-way hike, but many visitors continue along the Highline and Lake Agnes trails to form a complete 9-mile loop that will bring them back to the starting point without ever having to retrace steps.

Trail Features

• The entire 9-mile hike typically takes about five hours to complete, and the terrain is generally moderate, beginning on fairly level ground and eventually utilizing a series of switchbacks to gain a little over 1,200 feet in elevation. You may cross paths with returning hikers along the way, but most of the crowds will be behind you once you reach the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. The route is largely shaded by towering pines, occasionally breaking out into the open as you cross avalanche fields and glacial moraines.

  The Tea House is 3.4 miles from the starting point and provides a resting place with benches and an outhouse. Less than a mile past the Tea House, the trail reaches Victoria Glacier, and it is from this vantage point that you can gaze across the chiseled landscape to the six glaciers from which the trail gets its name. You can turn back here, or bear left on the Highline Which leads to The Lake Agnes Trail, a longer return route that takes you through Abbot Pass and offers spectacular views of Lakes Agnes and Louise.

The Tea House

• The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, unlike the better-known and more easily accessible Lake Agnes Tea House, can only be reached by following the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. Originally built by Swiss guides in 1924, the tea house is open during July, August and, weather permitting, the beginning of September. The tea house serves refreshments including soups, sandwiches, lemonade and tea, and since there is no electricity or running water, all the food is prepared on-site using propane stoves. Supplies are taken to the tea house at the beginning of the season by helicopter, and later on throughout the summer by horses and park employees who use the same trail that visitors do.

Considerations

• The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is not among the most difficult hikes in Banff National Forest, but it would be a mistake to underestimate the terrain. Durable shoes are essential, and layered clothing is a necessity due to the weather, which can change rapidly at any time of year. Several quality maps and guidebooks are available online, and you should take one with you, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or if you plan to take any route more complicated than a simple out-and-back trip. More information on the Plain of Six Glaciers and other hiking trails in the area is available through the Canada National Parks website.

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Hiking at Castle Dome in Arizona

Castle Dome's square knob rises more than 2,000 feet above the desert floor, jutting into the sky from a mountain range by the same name. The dome is easy to see as you drive south of Interstate 10 near Quartzsite, Arizona, but you'll need to drive nearly 50 miles south to access the trailhead, which lies along a four-wheel drive road. Hike and scramble to the top, where you'll have 360-degree views overlooking the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

The Trail

• The Castle Dome Trail embarks at 1,700 feet above sea level along a sandy desert wash, gaining 300 feet along a gentle climb before a series of cairns exit to the right, leading you up a faint trail to the base of the peak. The trail to the base is covered in scree and becomes increasingly steep as you approach a narrow saddle between the main part of the dome and an adjoining spire. You can scramble to the top up a steep slope or climb a 20-foot crack to gain the 360-degree views from the top.

Physical Requirements

• If you are physically fit and have some basic rock scrambling capability, you will be able to gain the summit without use of ropes or other special equipment. The hike will take approximately five hours, depending upon your physical fitness and how much time you spend at the top, and you will be in open sun during most of the journey. The hike is not suitable for those afraid of heights, first-timers, small children or pets.

When to Go

• The months of November through March provide mild temperatures for climbing the peak. Daytime highs range from the 60s during December and January to the upper 80s in November and March. Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees from late April through October, with temperatures above 120 degrees common during the hottest months of July and August. Sun reflecting off the barren rock can increase temperatures near their surface by 40 degrees during the heat of day during summer months.

Wildlife

• If you begin early in the day, you'll probably see some desert bighorn peering down from the cliffs. The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge surrounds the mountains, and you might see species such as deer, coyote, bobcat and a variety of birds. Watch for rattlesnakes, which emerge in spring. At first, they can be so groggy you might step on one before you know it is there, so use a hiking stick or trekking pole to tap stoutly near boulder and brush.

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Hiking in Mormon Rocks, California

Comprised of crumbling sandstone and thrust through the earth's crust by shifting tectonic plates, Mormon Rocks jut from the floor of San Bernardino National Park, rising 200 feet above a landscape of rock and scrub brush. Mormon Rocks sit directly on the San Andreas Fault, and visitors take in a stunning view of this ancient rock formation while hiking the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail.

Finding the Trailhead

• The Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail begins at the Mormon Rocks Fire Station on Highway 138, about 25 minutes from the city of San Bernardino. From San Bernardino, take I-15 north to Cajon Pass and Exit onto Highway 138, then head west on 138 for about 1.5 miles until you reach the fire station on your left. Pit toilets and ample parking are available at the station, and the entrance to the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail is clearly marked. The hike is about 1 mile, round-trip, and the trail approaches but does not actually cross the rock formation.

About the Trail

• With an elevation gain of just 200 feet, the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail is a fairly easy hike that seldom takes longer than 45 minutes to complete. The trail winds through desert terrain of Cajon Pass, eventually cresting a ridge from which you can enjoy an unbroken view of Mormon Rocks and the mountains beyond. Numerous interpretive signs along the way inform visitors about the history of the area, and you can learn about early settlers, the Mojave people who once called the area home and the importance of Cajon Pass in the expansion of railroads during the 1800s.
• Considerations

• The Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail is open year-round and offers gorgeous scenery during any season, though blooming wild flowers make spring a particularly scenic time to visit. The area experiences extremely high temperatures, especially in summer, so be sure to bring plenty of water and don't overexert yourself. Brochures detailing the sights along the trail are available at the fire station and through the San Bernardino National Forest website. Hikers are permitted to leave the trail and explore the rocks, but should do so with caution. Backcountry camping is also permitted, but you must be at least 1/4-mile from the highway. Campfires are prohibited and you must practice leave-no-trace camping.

Nearby Trails

• Other hikes in the area include the Middle Fork Trail, a challenging trek that begins at the end of Middle Fork Road, about 20 minutes west of I-15. This trail covers considerably more mountainous terrain than the Mormon Rocks Trail, taking hikers on grueling a 5.5 mile one-way hike (11 miles, round-trip) to a mountain Pass known as Icehouse Saddle, gaining 3,600 feet in elevation along the way. To hike this trail, you must first obtain a wilderness permit from the Lytle Creek Ranger Station in San Bernardino National Forest. Permits are not required for the Mormon Rocks trail. Several easier hikes are also available on the east side of I-15, and a complete guide is available through the San Bernardino National Forest website.

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Places to Go Hiking near Las Vegas

Las Vegas is often referred to as an adult playground, and while the desert city certainly has its fair share of casinos, spas and decadent restaurants, the arid landscape is also home to more than a few prime hiking spots. When you tire of rolling dice in the air-conditioned indoors, head to the great outdoors for a refreshing hike. You won’t have to travel too far from Las Vegas to find hikes that range from easy to challenging.

Red Rock Canyon

• Only about a 15-minute drive from the strip, Red Rock Canyon has several hikes available in varying degrees of difficulty. Stop by the visitor's center and pick up an area map to learn more about the best trials. One of the most popular trails is the easy three-mile Pine Creek Canyon trail that takes hikers by the ruins of an old homestead and along the banks of Pine Creek. The slightly shorter Ice Box Canyon trail is ideal for summer months since most of the trail remains in shade for most of the day, while novice hikers and children can get introduced to the sport on the easy .75-mile Lost Creek trail. The self-guided trail includes a hidden waterfall, petroglyphs and spectacular views of the surrounding Mojave Desert.

Lake Mead

• Created by the construction of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is a popular recreation area less than an hour from Las Vegas. Because it gets very hot at Lake Mead during the summer, hiking is best reserved for the winter and early spring months. Ranger-led hikes can be arranged through the Alan Bible Visitor Center, where you can also pick up trail maps. Take the longest six-mile trail or one of the other shorter trails that begin at the visitor center. Other trails through the vast expanse will take you up rock formations and into parts of the Mojave Desert inaccessible by car.

Mount Charleston

• Known to locals as Mount Charleston, the Spring Mountains are part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Las Vegas. With trails winding throughout the 316,000 acres of mountains and landscape, there is a hike trail for every fitness level. Easy hikes include Little Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile round trip hike to a hidden waterfall, and Bristlecone Trail, a five-mile round-trip hike with plenty of autumn foliage. Two trails up to Charleston Peak, Mount Charleston’s highest point, are challenging enough for advanced hikers at about 16 miles each round trip. Take either the North or South Loop Trail to the top, although the South Loop is closed until 2014.

Valley of Fire

• The large multihued monoliths of sandstone give Nevada’s oldest state park its name. Located just under an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park has several day hikes through the park that will take you past Native American petroglyphs and natural beauty such as petrified wood and sand that has slowly been molded over thousands of years into odd shapes such as elephants and human faces. The visitor center has information about the hiking trails, including their length and terrain.

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Hikes With an Ocean View Near Los Angeles

Ringed by the scrubby Santa Monica Hills to the north, the majestic San Bernadino Mountains to the east, the rugged cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the south and the Pacific Ocean on the west, Los Angeles is topographically one of the most fascinating places in the country. Blessed with a mild climate and temperate weather, outdoor activities abound in L.A., with hiking being one of the favorites. Indeed, there are a plethora of hiking trails in and around the city, with some of the best providing incredible views of the rolling blue Pacific Ocean.

Trail Combos

• Northwest of Los Angeles, in central Malibu, are the Solstice Canyon Trail and the Rising Star Trail. When combined, they make an easy-to-moderate hike into the foothills that ends with a panoramic view of the Pacific. The hike involves a three-mile round-trip trek down the shaded Solstice Canyon Trail to a place called the Tropical Terrace. Here you'll find the foundations of a house built by renowned architect Paul Williams, as well as a waterfall that tumbles into a rocky pool and a statue of the Virgin Mary. The trail then joins with the hillside switchbacks of the Rising Star Trail to take you to the top of a hill for a stunning ocean view. Take note, however, that unlike the first part of the hike, the switchbacks aren’t shaded. To get there, take the Pacific Coast Highway to Solstice Canyon Road and find the Corral Canyon Road trailhead.

The Shoreline Hike

• Great ocean views are part and parcel of the Marvin Braude Bike Path, also known as the Boardwalk or the Strand. This 20-mile-long concrete path runs through the beaches, stretching from Will Rogers State Park to the north of Santa Monica to Torrance Beach at the base of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The good thing about a hike along the bike path is that you can join it almost anywhere and be assured of a place to park prior to setting off. The only part of it that can get a little confusing is the short section that runs around the pleasure craft harbor at Marina Del Rey. While the terrain is flat and the hike is easy, pedestrians have to share the path with bicyclists, skaters and skateboarders for a good part of the way.

The Shipwreck Trail

• At the southwest edge of the Los Angeles basin is the Palos Verdes Penisula, a series of low hills ending in rugged cliffs and rocky beaches. Some very fine hiking trails can be found here, such as the Seascape Trail, a 1.5-mile hike along the edge of the cliffs that takes you from Palos Verdes Drive South to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. But the most interesting hike is the 4-mile round-trip down a 100-foot descending trail that ends up at the wreck of the Dominator, a Greek freighter that ran aground on the reef at Rocky Point in 1961. The journey will take you down a poorly maintained path littered with small- to medium-sized stones to the beach, where the rusted remains of the ship are strewn on the rocks. To find the trailhead, drive south on Palos Verdes Drive to PV Drive West, turn right onto Via Corta, right again onto Via Arroyo and left on Paseo Del Mar. The dirt road at Via Horcada leads to the beach.

Trek with a Bi-Coastal View

• The most difficult -- but perhaps most rewarding -- hike in the area is the 11.75-mile trek over the ridges situated above the town of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. The trail begins just outside of town at Hermit Gulch Campground, where the steep 1.7-mile Hermit Gulch Trail takes hikers 1,200 feet up to the Trans-Catalina Trail. This trail gradually ascends another 400 feet, reaching stunning views of dual coasts -- Catalina's coastline as well as mainland California's -- from a 1,600-foot perch set high above the island. The trail becomes Renton Mine Road before descending past Wrigley Road to Pebbly Beach Road at Sea Level and then continues past Lover’s Cove and back into Avalon. The island -- located about 26 miles across the water from Los Angeles -- is accessible from the mainland by both boats and helicopters that leave from the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach on a regular basis.

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