5 Great Western US Hikes (With Ratings)

Hidden in the wide, wild scenery of the western United States are some beautiful short hikes. Not sure where to start? Here are 5 great western us hikes (with ratings). These paths are great for experienced hikers who want a fast trip outdoors and for new hikers starting out. Each one featured is less than 6 miles in total, making them perfect for a half-day trip. Put on your hiking boots, enjoy the clean air of the mountains, and get ready for these memorable journeys.

As much as we love exploring cities, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying luxuries when we travel, we also love to be outdoors! Hiking is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the natural beauty of many of the mountain destinations we frequent. We’re sharing five of our favorite western US hikes with you, as well as the rating we would give each one.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a weekend adventurer, or simply seeking a brief escape from the daily grind, these five hikes offer the perfect blend of natural wonders and fresh air.

Mirror Lake Trail

The Mirror Lake trail is located deep in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. The nearest towns are Buffalo and Ten Sleep.  From either of these spots, you will need to take the scenic drive through Highway 16 – a curvy mountain road – for some time.  Once you’re off turn off the main road, drive another 6 miles on a dirt road until you reach East Ten Sleep Lake, where you will catch the trailhead (#065).  While there are tons of cars, you won’t see too many people around.  You are well in the middle of nowhere and about to embark on an even more isolated experience.

This particular hike can easily be done in a day, or you may choose to do some overnight camping to extend your visit and even continue on further up the trail if you wish.  Over the course of the hike, you will find a mix of terrain on this trail, including creek crossings.  There are a few sections that are steep inclines and can be quite strenuous.  These sections are often followed by rewarding views or calming meadows.  A lot of the difficulty depends on your pace. 

We were able to hike up to Mirror Lake in 1.5 hours and back in 1.25.  However, many other hikers have indicated this trail takes about 3 hours in and 2.5 hours back, respectively.  We recommend taking your time on the inclines and declines to help secure your footing and to ensure you’re not over-exerting yourself.

Mirror Lake is a beautiful alpine lake.  However, it is very easy to walk past it.  It is nestled down in the trees, so be sure to keep your eye out for it.  Once you are there, you can enjoy fishing, picnicking, camping, or just enjoying nature.  There are other campers and hikers at the lake, but it never feels crowded.  

This isn’t a walk in the park.  Hiking this trail takes you in to the Cloud Peak Wilderness.  There are many things you have to prepare for.  First, know there is no cell service anywhere in the Bighorn Mountains.  If you get in trouble, you can’t call out.  Be prepared for potential encounters with wild animals, including bears.  Pack bear spray with you.  Weather can also play a crucial role in your hiking experience.  Storms can roll in quickly.  Altitude sickness should also be factored in.  This hike will take you to elevations of over 9,000 feet. Be sure to take some time to acclimate if you’re not used to being at elevation.  Altitude sickness is real!

Out and back, this hike is just over 6 miles. We would rate this as a moderate hike.

Delicate Arch Hike

To have the opportunity to hike the Delicate Arch trail, first you need to get to the town of Moab, Utah. Also, make sure you have everything you need for a National Park visit! Found inside Arches National Park, Delicate Arch might be the most notable image that comes to mind when you think about Utah.

The trailhead for this hike begins at a large parking lot near the Wolfe Ranch Cabin. This area is popular with visitors, and you’ll notice plenty of people enjoying picnics from their vehicles. There are also several restroom facilities here, but due to high usage, they are quite dirty.

Overall, this hike has minimal elevation gain. In addition to that, the beginning of the path is graded gravel, making it more of a casual stroll than a challenging hike. However, after a bit of time, the landscape changes and becomes more involved.

What tends to make it difficult are the super-hot summer temperatures that bounce off the rocks. Sections of the rock formation can also be somewhat slick, so ensure you have good footing. Another challenge on this hike is simply navigating the crowds. While the timed-entry system during peak season in Arches National Park has been helpful, this is still one of the most popular spots in the park. I found that plenty of people were not paying attention to where they were going so take steps to be sure to avoid collisions with your fellow hikers. The final section takes you up a ledge that winds its way around the rocks until you come to the opening of the bowl where Delicate Arch juts out in the distance.

Once you reach the main attraction, find a spot out of the way to sit back and enjoy the view. There is usually a line of people waiting for a photo opportunity too. If you offer to take one for someone, they will likely return the favor.

Out and back, this hike is just over 3 miles. We would rate this as a moderate hike.

Storm King Mountain Memorial Hike

Storm King Mountain is just a short drive out of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Glenwood Springs is surrounded by mountains and is a hiker’s dream. No matter which way you look, there are abundant hiking trails cutting through dense trees. While there are so many to choose from to suit individual ability levels, we chose to embark on a very special hike. Located just a few miles out of town is Storm King Mountain. This trail’s sad notoriety dates back to 1994 when 14 firefighters lost their lives on this mountain.

We arrived at the trail early in the morning, which is advisable due to the length, weather, and exposure factors. This out and back trail is steep and the hike is moving. Working up the mountain, charred trees from the fire are still visible. Just over a mile into the hike, there is an observation area that offers a view of the challenges ahead. Here, you can reflect on the hardship these firefighters faced. Looking over the terrain, hikers get the first glimpse of their plight. At this point, you can choose to either make your way back down the trail or carry on further towards the memorials.

Working towards the memorials is quite challenging. In some areas, it is downright treacherous, and the trail is not as clearly marked as the first half. Use extreme caution if you choose to pursue this path. It is impossible not to think of the dire circumstances these firefighters faced as they navigated this area laden with so much gear. Reaching the memorial sites on the next ridge was very emotional. Coming upon so many headstones (14 in total) with years’ worth of mementos and tributes brought tears to my eyes.

My hubby reached the memorial site much faster than I did. I took my time on the trail to contemplate the situation and take photos. Plus, I am just slower, especially on terrain like this! All in all, our time on the trail was exactly three hours as we spent time paying our respects and did not rush quickly back down the trail. To do this hike, make sure you are properly outfitted and well-prepared. There is cell service for most of the hike, but you will still want to take proper precautions.

This out and back hike is just over 3.5 miles. We would rate this as a difficult hike.

Hidden Waterfall

This hike can be found in Grand Teton National Park. This is one of the most picturesque spots in the United States. The Park is sandwiched between the small town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming to the south and super popular Yellowstone National Park to the north. Of course, you will need to pay admission to the park itself.

The Jenny Lake Trail takes you south around the lakeshore and has minimal elevation gains. There are clear trails as well as a boulder field. After some time, you will reach Cascade Canyon, home to Hidden Falls, which is a great waterfall nestled back in the woods. This waterfall cascades about 100 feet and is fed by melting snow. If you wish to continue further, you will reach Inspiration Point. This area offers views of Teewinot Mountain and Jenny Lake itself.

These spots are some of the more popular and active areas in Grand Teton National Park. For those who may not be interested in the actual hike, there is a ferry boat that takes onlookers across Jenny Lake.

This out and back hike is just short of 5 miles. We would rate this as a moderate hike. And do note, this is grizzly country.

Devil’s Bathtub

This is probably the easiest and the shortest hike on this list. But that didn’t stop us from including it!

The initial walk in this wooded area outside Spearfish, South Dakota, takes you along the creek area and is pretty easy.  But, after a short while the landscape changes. Before long, there are rocks, mud pits, and streams to navigate. And… there are snakes. 

The route to the area known as Devil’s Bathtub isn’t long (about a mile round trip), but it requires effort and some prowess. This is especially true as the main area draws near. To get there, you must make your way over rock formations, slick with moss and algae, and rushing water. Yes, people fall in the stream (myself included). Prepare to get wet!

You know you have arrived at the Devil’s Bathtub simply from the splashes, laughter, and squeals of excitement. This natural tub of water has cut through the rocks over time, leaving behind an area to slide, soak, and splash away the summer heat, water levels permitting.

This place was a local secret until it gained popularity in recent years. The beginning of the trail also crosses private property. As visitors, it is essential we do our part to take care and be respectful!

There is further hiking beyond the bathtub as well, but we did not venture farther. Since we merely parked our car and just started following this path, were not well prepared. Our visit was short, and we wished we had grabbed our swimsuits. But I can see where people can easily spend several hours enjoying the area.

This out and back hike is about 1 mile. We would rate this as an easy hike.

General Hiking Considerations

Considerations for a Successful and Safe Hike:

1. Check Trail Conditions: Prior to setting out, research the trail’s current conditions, including weather forecasts, closures, and any necessary permits.
2. Plan Adequate Time: Allow yourself enough time to complete the hike well before sunset. Shorter hikes can still be time-consuming, especially if you plan to stop for photos and enjoy the scenery.
3. Pack Essentials: Carry essential gear such as water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a map or GPS, a headlamp or flashlight, and extra clothing layers. The essentials should always be in your backpack.
4. Stay Hydrated: Even on short hikes, staying hydrated is crucial. Bring enough water to keep you refreshed throughout the journey.
5. Leave No Trace: Practice responsible hiking by leaving nature as you found it. Pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and stay on designated trails.
6. Tell Someone Your Plans: Share your hiking itinerary with a friend or family member, including your estimated return time. In case of an emergency, this information can be vital.
7. Hiking Footwear: Wear appropriate hiking boots or shoes with good traction to avoid slips and discomfort.
8. Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife encounters and avoid feeding them. Wildlife photography should be done with long lenses to minimize disturbance.
9. Trail Etiquette: Yield the trail to others when necessary, and be courteous to fellow hikers. Follow any posted rules or guidelines specific to the trail.
10. Weather Awareness: Prepare for changing weather conditions. Dress in layers, and if there’s a chance of rain or storms, bring appropriate rain gear.
11. Stay on the Trail: Stick to established trails to protect the environment and avoid getting lost.
12. Know Your Limits: Choose hikes that match your fitness level and experience. Don’t push yourself too hard, especially in remote areas.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you’ll not only have a successful and safe hiking experience but also contribute to preserving the beauty of these remarkable natural landscapes.

Packing List

If you are planning on embarking on one of these hikes during a trip to the area, there’s a few things you’ll need to pack for a successful hike. Make sure you have the following items with you:

1. Backpack: A comfortable, well-fitting backpack to carry all your gear.
2. Water: Sufficient water to stay hydrated throughout the hike (at least 2 liters per person for shorter hikes).
3. Snacks: High-energy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, or dried fruit.
4. Navigation: A map of the trail, a compass or GPS device, and a fully charged smartphone with maps and GPS apps.
5. First-Aid Kit: Basic supplies including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
6. Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing, including moisture-wicking layers, a lightweight jacket, a hat, and sunglasses. Consider extra clothing for changing weather conditions.
7. Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes with good traction.
8. Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a wide-brimmed hat.
9. Insect Repellent: Especially important for hikes in bug-prone areas.
10. Multi-Tool or Knife: A versatile tool can come in handy for various purposes.
11. Headlamp/Flashlight: With extra batteries, in case your hike takes longer than expected.
12. Whistle: For signaling in emergencies.
13. Trash Bags: To pack out any trash and leave no trace.
14. Personal ID and Contact Info: Carry a copy of your identification and a note with emergency contact information.
15. Camera: If you enjoy photography, a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
16. Trekking Poles: Optional but helpful for stability, especially on steep or uneven terrain.
17. Cash: Small bills or change for park entrance fees, if applicable.
18. Permits: Any required permits for the trail or park you plan to visit.
19. Hand Sanitizer: For maintaining hand hygiene, especially before eating.
20. Optional: Outdoor Gear: Depending on the specific hike and conditions, you might need additional gear such as rain gear, a tarp, or climbing equipment.

Hiking in Grand Teton National Park and the Big Horn Mountains also advises carrying things like bear bells and, potentially, even bear spray.

Need a place to stay in these destinations? Check out our hotel recommendations HERE!

Remember that the exact items you need can vary depending on the length, season, location, and difficulty of the hike. Always research the trail and its specific requirements before heading out and adjust your packing list accordingly. Safety and preparedness are key to an enjoyable hiking experience while on vacation.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a newcomer to the trail, these paths invite you to connect with the beauty of the great outdoors. Hiking is one of our favorite ways to get outside and explore a destination. Staying active on the road is important. So, gear up, embrace the natural wonders, and let these hikes become the chapters of your own outdoor story—you’re in for an extraordinary and unforgettable experience!

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