16 Spectacular National Park Hikes That Are Big on Views, Low on Effort
National parks are some of the most incredible places to hike in the United States, but not every trail has to be an intense, all-day trek. Some of the best hikes in the national parks are short, easy, and still packed with amazing scenery—whether it’s a dramatic arch in the desert, a peaceful forest trail, or a boardwalk leading to a stunning waterfall.
The beauty of these easy trails is that they’re accessible to all kinds of hikers—families with kids, older visitors, or anyone who just wants a casual stroll without missing out on spectacular landscapes. Many of them are under two miles, often paved or well-maintained, and still offer views that rival some of the more strenuous hikes.
Whether you want to stand beneath towering trees or take in the grandeur of a glacier, these trails prove that you don’t have to hike for miles to experience the best of America’s national parks.
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16 Best Easy National Parks Hikes
1. Landscape Arch, Arches National Park
Landscape Arch is one of the most impressive formations in Arches National Park in Utah—and the longest arch in North America. Spanning 306 feet, it’s shockingly thin, with just six feet of rock holding it together at its narrowest point. It’s a wild example of nature’s engineering, defying gravity in a way that hardly seems possible.
Landscape Arch is the first arch on the Devil’s Garden Trail, a long loop that takes you past seven different named arches in the national park’s backcountry. However, most people just do the 1.9-mile out-and-back hike to admire this incredible natural phenomenon.
The trail is an easy, flat, dirt path that occasionally goes between or next to tall orange boulders, making it a great trail to admire one of Arches’ most famous landmarks.
2. Lady Bird Johnson Trail in Redwoods National Park
Northern California is home to groves of giant Coastal Redwoods with many trails to view them. One of the most accessible trails to see the majestic redwoods is the 1.5-mile Lady B. Johnson Trail in Redwoods National Park.
This is an easy dirt trail that forms a loop through a dense forest of ferns covering the forest floor and enormous redwoods reaching over 300 feet tall. The trail itself is named after former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson who was dedicated to protecting the redwoods.
A few miles off the scenic 101 highway, access to Redwoods National Park is free and there is plenty of parking at the trailhead. You can easily spend an hour here as the trail setting is quite tranquil. And if you are looking to explore the area for a few days, the quaint town of Trinidad is just 30 minutes south.
3. Door + Window Trail, Badlands National Park
The Door and Window Trails are some of the easiest hikes in Badlands National Park, but they take you straight into the heart of the park’s wild, eroded landscape. Both of them start from the same parking lot, just a minute or two walk apart.
Window Trail is a super short boardwalk that leads to a lookout over the rugged backcountry. It’s a quick stop, but the view is fantastic—jagged spires and craggy cliffs stretching as far as the eye can see.
Door Trail starts out just as easy, following a flat boardwalk through a gap in the Badlands Wall (the “door”). At the end of the boardwalk, you can either turn around or have some more fun by continuing into the backcountry. Just follow the numbered markers as you scramble over ridges, drop into shallow canyons, and explore the alien landscape. Between the two trails, this is about a 1.5 mile hike.
This was hands-down my favorite hike in the park—it’s a giant, natural playground full of dramatic rock formations to climb and explore.
4. Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park, just outside Seward, Alaska, is home to one of the most breathtaking and accessible glaciers in the country – Exit Glacier.
An easy 1-mile trail, called Glacier View Loop Trail, leads to a captivating panorama of the glacier descending from the Harding Icefield. You can stop there or walk another half mile on the Glacier Overlook Trail to an impressive overlook with views of the rugged blue ice and cascading glacial meltwater.
The hike starts at the Exit Glacier Nature Center and winds through a forest on mostly level ground with a few inclines along the way. Interpretive signs show how much the glacier has retreated over the years.
The well-maintained trail, spectacular scenery, and ability to get close enough to hear the ice crackle makes this one of the best hikes in Alaska.
5. Thurston Lava Tube, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the easiest and coolest hikes in the park.
It’s about a 0.5-mile, mostly paved loop that gradually descends into a forested pit of tropical trees and enormous ferns before arriving at the entrance to the lava tube. Once you cross the wooden bridge you enter into a dimly lit cave that was once flowing with a river of hot magma over 800 years ago.
The orange lights are barely bright enough to see the unpaved trail, but it adds to the effect of walking through an eerie cave with textured rock walls. About the time your eyes adjust to the dimness, you reach the end of the cave and climb a short flight of stairs back to the outside world.
It’s then just a short, flat hike back to the trailhead. If you want more adventure, come at night when the lights are off from 8pm-8am to walk through it in the dark with a flashlight!
6. Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail in Yosemite National Park is a short but beautiful one-mile round-trip loop that takes you to a stunning view of Lower Yosemite Falls. The 320-foot waterfall is part of the tallest waterfall in North America.
During late spring and into early summer (May and June), the trail turns into a visceral experience when the rushing waterfall sounds like a freight train barreling down the track, and hikers can feel the powerful spray of the waterfall. As the summer season progresses, the falls, both the Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls start to taper off.
The relatively easy trail is primarily flat and takes about 30 minutes to complete. If you start your hike at the Valley Visitor Center, there is a bicycle path that will take you to the Lower Yosemite Fall shuttle stop and the trailhead. The best views of Yosemite Falls can be seen when walking the loop clockwise.
If you are looking for other things to do in Yosemite National Park that don’t take much effort, consider visiting Glacier Point or Mariposa Grove.
7. Navajo Loop Trail , Bryce Canyon National Park
The Navajo Loop is Bryce Canyon’s most famous trail, and for good reason—it gives you an up-close look at the towering hoodoos and stunning rock formations that Bryce is famous for. The most iconic section of the trail is Wall Street, a dramatic, narrow canyon where steep switchbacks wind between sheer orange rock walls. It’s hands down one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
After navigating the switchbacks, the trail levels out as it winds through the canyon floor, surrounded by soaring rock spires and scattered Ponderosa pines. The contrast between the towering orange hoodoos and the greenery below is breathtaking. Many people do a longer (3.2 mile) loop that connects with the Queen’s Garden Trail, the Navajo Loop is a shorter, 1.5 mile trail.
I’ll admit, I was on the fence about including this hike in this post, since there is about 500 feet of elevation gain on this trail, which definitely puts the hike on the edge of easy and medium. But if you’re okay with just a touch more effort, the views on the Navajo Loop trail are seriously epic.
8. Kuwohi, Smokey Mountains National Park (formerly Clingman’s Dome)
If you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, you must visit Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingman’s Dome), the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At 6643 feet, it is also the highest peak in Tennessee and the third-highest peak east of the Mississippi.
The drive to Clingman’s Dome is nothing short of spectacular, winding through the scenic peaks of the Smoky Mountains. Once you reach the parking lot, a paved but somewhat steep 0.5-mile trail leads to the observation tower. Along the way, you’ll pass vibrant wildflowers in the summer, and since the trail is paved, it’s accessible for wheelchairs and strollers—making it a great option for families.
At the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, stretching as far as the eye can see. Just be sure to bring a jacket or light layers, as it’s often windy and noticeably cooler at the summit.
9. Desert Discovery Trail, Saguaro National Park
The Desert Discovery Trail is a phenomenal trail to experience the beautiful saguaro cacti in an up close and personal yet accessible setting.
The trail is an easy 0.4 mile loop on a paved path through a stunning landscape filled with towering saguaros and desert flora. Because it is a “discovery” trail, there are quite a few placards along the way with interesting facts about the unique ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert.
But if you really want to see this trail at its best—come at sunset. This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Saguaro National park, bar none – the way the golden light filters through the cacti is nothing short of magical. Plan to arrive about 45 minutes before sunset to walk the loop, snap some photos, and find the perfect spot to watch the sky explode with color.
While the whole loop is worth strolling, the best sunset views are actually right near the start of the trail, where the saguaros fill the foreground with the mountain sunset in the background. It’s easy to see why its one of my favorite hikes in Saguaro National Park.
10. Hall of Mosses, Olympic National Park
Located within Olympic National Park in Washington State, the Hall of Mosses Trail is an easy 0.8-mile trek through one of the most enchanting landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. With almost no elevation gain, this short hike is a step inside a fairytale—where towering spruce trees are draped in thick, green moss dangling like the Grinch’s fuzzy fingertips.
Besides the occasional crunch of twigs beneath your feet, the only sounds are the soft murmur of the creek—a natural ASMR experience. It’s one of the most serene places you could be.
The best time to visit is early morning -the crisp, wet air is especially refreshing at this hour, and if you’re lucky, you might spot an elk grazing in the misty undergrowth. They’re often spotted in the clearing just before the parking lot. Another creature to be on the lookout for – especially if you’re visiting the kids – are the slugs who hang out among the ferns carpeting the Hoh Rainforest floor.
This trail is just one of several Olympic National Park’s rewarding easy hikes. The park has a whopping 73 miles of wilderness coast, 800 lakes, 4,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 60 glaciers making it one of the most ecologically diverse in the nation.
11. Bear Lake Loop, Rocky Mountain National Park
As the third most-visited national park in the US, Rocky Mountain National Park is truly a gem in the west. The most popular entrance to the park is in the town of Estes Park, Colorado, and this entrance leads to Bear Lake Road.
There are many trails and sites along this popular corridor, with the most popular being a stroll around Bear Lake. Bear Lake is a gorgeous scenic point in the park, giving crystal clear reflections of the surrounding forest and mountains afar. The great thing is that it’s very accessible for visitors as the trail is flat and under a mile all the way around the lake.
Furthermore, there are plenty of large boulders around the lake, perfect for stopping to rest and take in the views. Bear Lake is a great, easy trail in Rocky Mountain National Park for families of young kids or for those who can’t make climbs.
12. Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
Mesa Arch is one of the most iconic spots in Canyonlands National Park, and the 0.6-mile loop trail to reach it is quick, easy, and mostly flat.
The destination? A wide sandstone arch perched at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the deep canyons below and perfectly framing a panoramic view of the La Sal Mountains in the distance. If you can, visit at sunrise, when the early light illuminates the underside of the arch in brilliant orange hues, making for one of the most breathtaking sights in the park.
While it’s tempting to climb on the arch, park regulations prohibit it to help preserve this fragile landmark. Instead, take in the view from the surrounding rock ledges, which offer incredible perspectives of this classic Canyonlands scene.
13. Grinnell Lake Trail in Glacier National Park
One of the easiest hikes in Glacier National Park is also one with an incredible treat waiting at the end of the trail!
The Grinnell Lake Trail–not to be confused with the much more difficult Grinnell Glacier Trail–is a nearly flat hike that is about 7 miles round trip if you hike from the Many Glacier Hotel, or you can cut that down to just 2 miles round trip by taking 2 short and scenic boat rides across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.
Either way, you’ll hike through the beautiful backcountry of the Many Glacier area of the park, where you’ll see wildflowers lining the trail, elk or deer grazing, and possibly even a moose or bear.
At the end of the trail is the glacier-fed Grinnell Lake, which is brilliant blue and every bit as colorful in person as it is in photos. The trail is a perfect addition to the itinerary when visiting Glacier National Park with kids, or for anyone looking for a fun, easy hike in beautiful surroundings.
14. Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most iconic hikes in the country, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. One of the easiest—and most rewarding—is the 2.2-mile round-trip hike to Sentinel Dome, a short trail that’s perfect if you’re visiting Yosemite with kids, older adults, or just want a short hike to break up the day.
What makes this hike so special? The panoramic views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. From the summit, you’ll get incredible vistas of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan and Yosemite Falls to the north, Half Dome to the east, and the Merced River canyon stretching out to the west.
To make the most of your hike, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack a light jacket—it can get chilly at the top. Sentinel Dome is best visited in summer, though spring and fall are great options with fewer crowds. The trail is closed in winter.
15. Transcept Trail, Grand Canyon National Park
The Transept Trail on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is an easy, scenic hike with breathtaking views. This 3.5-mile out-and-back trail follows the rim, with only about 100 feet of elevation gain.
Accessible from the North Rim Lodge or Campground, the trail is well-suited for most ability levels. Benches and picnic tables along the way provide perfect spots to pause and soak in the beauty of the Grand Canyon. With its stunning scenery and gentle terrain, the Transept Trail is a must for anyone looking to experience the North Rim’s beauty without a challenging trek.
With well-placed benches and plenty of stopping points, this trail invites you to slow down and appreciate where you are. Whether you’re staying at the lodge or camping nearby, the Transept Trail is an easy yet unforgettable way to experience the North Rim’s magic.
16. Jordan Pond Path, Acadia National Park
The Jordan Pond Path trail is a scenic hike in Acadia National Park in Maine. Nestled deep in a glacial valley, this trail is perfect for hikers of any level and is one of my favorite scenic spots in the park. The Jordan Pond Path trail takes you on a relatively flat 3.3-mile walk around picturesque Jordan Pond.
The water is crisp and clear, and makes a great foreground for views of the infamous local peaks called the Bubbles. You’ll be stopping often to take in the views – if you are lucky, you will spot a beaver or two, loons in the water, and peregrine falcons overhead.
The trail is a combination of easy dirt trail (east side) and rocky trail with wooden boardwalks (west side). It’s hard to get lost, as you just follow your way around the pond. You can hike the trail year-round, but expect crowds in summer (so get there early!).
Final Thoughts
You can find some of the most breathtaking vistas in the National Parks showcasing varied and beautiful landscapes. Luckily, the trails to get there don’t have to be arduous or long! Hopefully you can take advantage of some of these easy trails as you explore.
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