I’ve been hiking seriously for about a decade. Every summer, I try to do at least 10 new trails. This year, I made it my mission to find hikes that are spectacular but not overrun. No permits, no reservation systems, no hour-long waits at the trailhead. I wanted solitude and beauty. I found it. Here are 10 hikes that delivered in summer 2026, ranked from “good” to “life-changing.”
10. Mount Elbert, Colorado
This is the highest peak in Colorado at 14,440 feet. It’s a classic. The trail is well-maintained, and the summit views are insane—you can see the Sawatch Range for miles. But it’s popular. I went in late June, and I saw about 50 other hikers. That’s not bad for a 14er. The key is to start before 5 AM to beat the crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. I did it in 6 hours round trip. The altitude kicked my ass, but the feeling at the top is worth it. Pro tip: bring trekking poles for the descent. Your knees will thank you.
9. Eagle Creek Trail, Oregon
This is a hidden gem in the Columbia River Gorge. The trail follows a creek with multiple waterfalls. The punch bowl waterfall at 1.5 miles is a great spot to cool off. The trail is mostly flat with some elevation. It’s not a hard hike, but the scenery is breathtaking. I went on a Tuesday, and I saw only 10 people. The trail is shaded, so it’s perfect for hot summer days. I recommend going 4 miles to the Tunnel Falls—a waterfall you walk behind. That’s the highlight.
8. The Narrows, Zion National Park (Top-Down)
Okay, I’m cheating a bit because this requires a permit for the top-down route. But the bottom-up hike (from the Temple of Sinawava) doesn’t need a permit. You just walk in the Virgin River through a slot canyon. It’s surreal. The walls are 1,000 feet high, and you’re wading in cold water. I went in June, and the water was 65°F—refreshing. Rent water shoes and a dry bag. The first 2 miles are crowded, but if you keep going, the crowds thin out. I did 5 miles in, and I was alone. It’s like being on another planet.
7. Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park
Glacier is stunning. This trail is 10.2 miles round trip with 1,800 feet of elevation. The payoff is a view of Grinnell Glacier and turquoise lakes. I saw a mountain goat on the trail. The wildflowers in June are incredible—Indian paintbrush, columbine, and lupine. The trail is popular, so go early (before 7 AM). I finished by noon. The hardest part is the steep switchbacks near the end. But the glacier views are worth it.
6. The Maze, Canyonlands National Park
This is for experienced hikers. The Maze is a remote, unmarked area. I hired a guide (highly recommended). We did a 3-day backpacking trip through the canyons. The rock formations are unlike anything else—spires, arches, and deep gorges. I saw no one else for two days. The hiking is demanding: scrambling, route-finding, carrying water. But the solitude is otherworldly. This is not for beginners. But if you want to feel like an explorer, this is the hike.
5. South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point, Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is popular, but this trail offers a quieter option. The South Kaibab Trail has fewer switchbacks than the Bright Angel Trail. I hiked 3 miles down to Skeleton Point, which gives you a view of the Colorado River. The descent is steep, but the views are unobstructed. I started at 5 AM and had the trail to myself for the first hour. The key is to go early or late in the day. Summer heat is brutal. Carry 2 liters of water. The hike back up takes twice as long. But seeing the sunrise over the canyon is a memory I’ll never forget.
4. The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Arizona
Yes, this requires a permit lottery. But if you can get one, it’s worth it. The Wave is a sandstone formation with swirling colors—red, orange, yellow. The hike is only 3 miles round trip, but you need navigation skills (no marked trail). I got the permit in March for a June date. I was lucky. The area is fragile, so you have to walk on rock. The patterns are mesmerizing. I spent an hour just walking around. It’s like walking on another planet. The lottery is tough, but you can also try for a walk-in permit at the visitor center.
3. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. It’s 11 miles one way along the Na Pali Coast. Permits are required for camping, but you can do a day hike to Hanakapiai Beach (2 miles). The views are ridiculous—cliffs, waterfalls, turquoise water. The trail is muddy and slippery. I did the full 22-mile round trip over 3 days. The camping spots are basic (no showers). But waking up to the sunrise over the Pacific was magical. This is a bucket-list hike. Book permits 90 days in advance.
2. The Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming
This is a 40-mile backpacking trip through the Tetons. I did it over 4 days. The scenery is jaw-dropping: alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and views of the Grand Teton. The best section is from Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon. I saw moose, pikas, and a black bear (from a distance). The elevation is high (8,000-10,000 feet), so prepare. The permits are limited but easier to get than I thought. I applied in March for a June trip. It was worth the planning.
1. The Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
This is my number one. It’s a 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier. I did it in 8 days. The trail passes through old-growth forests, meadows, and glacial valleys. The mountain is everywhere. I saw more waterfalls than I can count. The best part is the variety—you go through every ecosystem. The climb up to Panhandle Gap is tough (6,800 feet), but the view of the mountain from the top is unbeatable. The trail is well-maintained, with campsites every 5-8 miles. I saw about 20 other thru-hikers over the week. It felt remote. This is the hike of a lifetime. If you can only do one, do this.
So there you have it: 10 hikes that delivered in summer 2026. My advice? Start with a short one like the Eagle Creek Trail, then build up to the Wonderland Trail. Your legs will hurt, but your soul will be full.
