Switchbacks trails

Starting near Yosemite Lodge and the Camp Four area, this demanding route climbs the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail through oak woodland and granite switchbacks, quickly rising above Yosemite Valley toward Columbia Rock, where broad views open over the valley floor, Merced River corridor, Half Dome, and surrounding…

Distance: 14.9 Km • Elevation gain: 2,437 m • Maximum elevation: 2,143 m

The South Kaibab Trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, with expansive vistas that reveal the rugged terrain of the canyon’s depths. As you descend, you'll pass several key points like Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point and O'Neill Butte, where the landscape opens up to…

Distance: 24.0 Km • Elevation gain: 1,944 m • Maximum elevation: 2,202 m

From the West Rim Trailhead near the Virgin River, the route leaves the canyon floor and climbs the west side of Zion Canyon, with the river corridor, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and the Great White Throne gradually opening across the valley. After the lower switchbacks, the West Rim Trail enters the cooler,…

Distance: 2.8 Km • Elevation gain: 377 m • Maximum elevation: 1,625 m

From the Morrison Trailhead, the route starts on Castle Trail, leaving the edge of town for open foothill slopes, switchbacks and early views toward Red Rocks and the Denver skyline. It then joins Turkey Trot Trail, a hiker-focused section that climbs and contours through quieter pine, scrub and rocky hillside…

Distance: 5.4 Km • Elevation gain: 280 m • Maximum elevation: 2,069 m

Starting beside the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon, the route leaves the canyon floor and enters Dead Horse Creek Canyon, climbing into the White River National Forest. The ascent follows a shaded, rocky gorge with footbridges, creek crossings, switchbacks, rock steps, and fire-marked canyon scenery before…

Distance: 5.0 Km • Elevation gain: 378 m • Maximum elevation: 2,224 m

From Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, the route drops onto the Bright Angel Trail, passing the rim-side trailhead, the upper tunnel, Mallery’s Grotto pictographs, and the second tunnel as the path enters a shaded side canyon framed by high cliffs. The descent continues through long switchbacks and…

Distance: 7.5 Km • Elevation gain: 339 m • Maximum elevation: 2,085 m

From the Yosemite Valley near Camp Four, the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail climbs steadily into the forest, following a long series of switchbacks above the valley floor. The route reaches Columbia Rock, a rocky overlook with a broad panorama over Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock and the surrounding…

Distance: 1.6 Km • Elevation gain: 357 m • Maximum elevation: 1,531 m

The Upper Yosemite Fall Trail is a rewarding yet challenging hike that offers some of the best panoramic views in Yosemite National Park. Climbing steep switchbacks, you'll pass Columbia Rock for breathtaking sights of Yosemite Valley and continue toward Oh My Gosh Point, where the dramatic view of the falls…

Distance: 11.9 Km • Elevation gain: 1,494 m • Maximum elevation: 2,040 m

From the South Kaibab Trailhead, this rim-to-river route immediately commits to one of the Grand Canyon’s most open and scenic descents, following a ridgeline where the canyon unfolds in wide layers of buttes, cliffs and side canyons. The trail passes Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point and The Tipoff…

Distance: 27.3 Km • Elevation gain: 2,243 m • Maximum elevation: 2,201 m

Starting at the Mount Teneriffe trailhead, this hike follows the forested Mount Teneriffe Trail through the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area, with occasional openings toward the Snoqualmie Valley and nearby peaks. The route then turns onto the Teneriffe Falls Trail, climbing more steeply through…

Distance: 9.5 Km • Elevation gain: 555 m • Maximum elevation: 760 m

Starting at the South Kaibab Trailhead on the South Rim, the route leaves the rim through sparse high-desert woodland and quickly drops onto the South Kaibab Trail, following tight switchbacks below Yaki Point. The path then traverses exposed canyon slopes above the Pipe Creek drainage, with pale cliff bands,…

Distance: 3.2 Km • Elevation gain: 434 m • Maximum elevation: 2,202 m

Starting at Four Mile Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the route joins the Four Mile Trail and begins its steady climb from the valley floor above the Merced River corridor. It first rises through forested slopes near Sentinel Creek, with early views opening toward Sentinel Rock and the meadows of Yosemite…

Distance: 7.7 Km • Elevation gain: 1,250 m • Maximum elevation: 2,197 m

From Hualapai Hilltop, the route drops through dry switchbacks and open desert canyon toward Supai, a remote Havasupai village set within Havasu Canyon and not accessible by road. Beyond Supai, the trail follows the blue-green waters of Havasu Creek, passing Fiftyfoot Falls and Navajo Falls before reaching the…

Distance: 23.4 Km • Elevation gain: 1,612 m • Maximum elevation: 1,580 m

From Grand Canyon Village, the route drops into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail, following shaded switchbacks beneath layered cliffs before reaching the greener corridor of Havasupai Gardens and the drainage of Garden Creek. It then continues toward Pipe Creek Beach, where the landscape opens into the…

Distance: 25.3 Km • Elevation gain: 2,443 m • Maximum elevation: 2,202 m

The hike to Weverton Cliffs via the Appalachian Trail offers a combination of rugged terrain and breathtaking views. As you ascend, the trail’s series of switchbacks help ease the climb through dense forest, with occasional glimpses of the Potomac River below. Once at the cliffs, the expansive vista reveals…

Distance: 2.9 Km • Elevation gain: 236 m • Maximum elevation: 258 m

From Yaki Point, the route commits at once to the exposed descent of the South Kaibab Trail, a dramatic ridgeline path known for wide, open views and very little shade or water. It first reaches Ooh Aah Point, where the canyon opens suddenly in every direction, then continues through the sculpted upper…

Distance: 30.1 Km • Elevation gain: 2,293 m • Maximum elevation: 2,217 m

From West Hills Community Church in Morgan Hill, the route leaves the neighborhood edge and joins the Open Space Authority Trail toward El Toro Open Space Preserve. It climbs through open grassland, oak woodland, and hillside switchbacks toward the prominent El Toro summit, a local landmark above the Santa…

Distance: 4.1 Km • Elevation gain: 298 m • Maximum elevation: 417 m

From Sunset Point, the route first follows the rim toward Sunrise Point, opening broad views over the Bryce Amphitheater before dropping into Queen’s Garden, where pale orange hoodoos, sculpted walls, and fir-dotted slopes gradually surround the trail. The descent leads from the overlook atmosphere of the…

Distance: 10.3 Km • Elevation gain: 500 m • Maximum elevation: 2,431 m

The Solstice Canyon Loop begins near the canyon entrance and climbs onto the sun-exposed Rising Sun Trail, where chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open hillsides quickly replace the shaded canyon floor, revealing widening views across the folds of the Santa Monica Mountains and toward the Malibu coast. As the…

Distance: 4.8 Km • Elevation gain: 245 m • Maximum elevation: 228 m

From Grand Canyon Village, the route leaves the rim near Bright Angel Lodge and drops onto the Bright Angel Trail, quickly entering the shaded upper canyon through tight switchbacks and broad South Rim viewpoints. The path continues across pale cliffs, wooded pockets and exposed canyon slopes, following one of…

Distance: 2.6 Km • Elevation gain: 192 m • Maximum elevation: 2,085 m

From Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, this route begins at the Bright Angel Trailhead and descends beneath the rim through a dramatic chain of switchbacks, with widening views across the canyon walls and the layered cliffs of the Bright Angel fault corridor. It passes the resthouse section of the upper…

Distance: 25.2 Km • Elevation gain: 2,225 m • Maximum elevation: 2,085 m

From the Zion Canyon floor near the Virgin River, the Angels Landing route follows the West Rim Trail away from The Grotto, climbing quickly above the cottonwoods and canyon walls with widening views toward landmarks such as The Organ, the Great White Throne, and the surrounding sandstone cliffs of Zion…

Distance: 7.4 Km • Elevation gain: 766 m • Maximum elevation: 1,681 m

From Yosemite Valley, the Four Mile Trail climbs away from the Merced River through forested slopes and long switchbacks on the south wall of the valley, steadily opening views toward Sentinel Rock, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the granite cliffs that frame the valley floor. Higher on the route, the path…

Distance: 15.2 Km • Elevation gain: 1,647 m • Maximum elevation: 2,197 m

Starting with a steady climb after crossing the Virgin River, the West Rim Trail winds through the Refrigerator Canyon before the real challenge begins. Tackling the tight switchbacks of Walter’s Wiggles, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Zion’s dramatic cliffs, and finally at Scout Lookout, the…

Distance: 6.5 Km • Elevation gain: 554 m • Maximum elevation: 1,656 m

The West Tiger 3 Trail offers a scenic yet challenging hike through the lush, temperate forest of Tiger Mountain State Forest. As you ascend, you'll encounter a variety of landscapes, including wide, lazy switchbacks and densely vegetated areas filled with ferns and towering trees. The summit rewards hikers…

Distance: 9.0 Km • Elevation gain: 623 m • Maximum elevation: 748 m

The Lost Mine Trail offers a stunning, accessible hike that is packed with unforgettable views. The trail winds through diverse scenery, starting with a gradual ascent through forested areas before revealing breathtaking vistas over Juniper Canyon as you reach the saddle point. The final climb leads you…

Distance: 7.8 Km • Elevation gain: 367 m • Maximum elevation: 2,077 m

The Columbia Rock Trail, accessible via the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail, offers hikers a rewarding ascent through oak woodlands and granite switchbacks. Upon reaching Columbia Rock, you're greeted with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including iconic landmarks like Half Dome and Sentinel Rock. For those…

Distance: 3.1 Km • Elevation gain: 369 m • Maximum elevation: 1,531 m

The Four Mile Trail in Yosemite National Park offers hikers a strenuous ascent from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, providing panoramic views of iconic landmarks. Along the route, hikers can observe the grandeur of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, the expansive vistas of Yosemite Valley, and the impressive…

Distance: 16.0 Km • Elevation gain: 1,673 m • Maximum elevation: 2,197 m

The Lower, Middle and Upper Blue Lakes Trail in the Mount Sneffels Wilderness offers an enchanting journey through dense forests, alpine meadows, and steep switchbacks, ultimately revealing a trio of vivid turquoise lakes cradled by towering peaks. Along the way, hikers are treated to sights like cascading…

Distance: 14.6 Km • Elevation gain: 808 m • Maximum elevation: 3,572 m

The hike to Tuck Lake via the Deception Pass and Robin Lakes Trails is a rewarding but strenuous adventure in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Starting with an easy, scenic walk around the tranquil shores of Hyas Lake, the trail quickly ascends through a series of switchbacks, leading hikers to breathtaking alpine…

Distance: 8.2 Km • Elevation gain: 675 m • Maximum elevation: 1,621 m

The Grandeur Peak Trail offers hikers a scenic and relatively short but steep ascent through Utah's Wasatch Mountains. Starting at Church Fork, the trail follows a shaded creek before transitioning into a series of switchbacks, eventually leading to a ridge with panoramic views. Along the way, hikers can spot…

Distance: 9.3 Km • Elevation gain: 712 m • Maximum elevation: 2,515 m

The Misery Ridge Trail and River Trail Loop offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail takes you through switchbacks leading to panoramic views of the high desert landscape, including the iconic Monkey Face rock formation and sweeping vistas of the Crooked River as it winds through the canyon. Once you…

Distance: 5.8 Km • Elevation gain: 331 m • Maximum elevation: 1,007 m

Embarking on the Guadalupe Peak Trail promises a thrilling adventure for seasoned hikers. The journey begins with a challenging ascent marked by steep switchbacks, gradually revealing sweeping views of the rugged desert landscape and diverse mountain ecosystems. It's a trail that combines physical exertion…

Distance: 13.4 Km • Elevation gain: 1,042 m • Maximum elevation: 2,651 m

The St. Mary’s Falls Trail in Pike National Forest offers a rewarding hike through North Cheyenne Canyon. Beginning on a closed section of Gold Camp Road, the route passes through a mix of aspen and pine forests, offering views of small waterfalls and a flowing creek along the way. The final stretch involves…

Distance: 10.5 Km • Elevation gain: 461 m • Maximum elevation: 2,720 m

The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail offers a beautiful and moderately challenging hike. As you descend through a lush oak-hickory forest, you'll pass over rocky sections, switchbacks, and a series of stone steps, all of which make the journey to the falls both scenic and rewarding. At the base, the waterfall…

Distance: 4.5 Km • Elevation gain: 161 m • Maximum elevation: 1,148 m

The hike to South Beacon Mountain via the Casino Trail offers a memorable journey through scenic terrain and historic remnants. As you ascend, you’ll encounter views that stretch across the Hudson River, Hudson Highlands, and surrounding valleys, with several spots offering breathtaking panoramas. The trail…

Distance: 6.4 Km • Elevation gain: 418 m • Maximum elevation: 478 m

The South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak offers hikers an invigorating ascent through a dense pine and oak forest, with expansive views of Idyllwild, Suicide Rock, and Lily Rock emerging as you climb. As you gain elevation, the trail opens up to breathtaking vistas of the San Jacinto Mountains, offering glimpses…

Distance: 10.6 Km • Elevation gain: 698 m • Maximum elevation: 2,667 m

The hike to Oyster Dome is a rewarding journey through the serene Blanchard State Forest. The route begins with steady switchbacks, winding through a lush canopy of Douglas fir, maple, and cedar, offering moments of tranquility punctuated by expansive views over Samish Bay. Upon reaching the rocky summit,…

Distance: 10.0 Km • Elevation gain: 606 m • Maximum elevation: 604 m

The Bench Lakes Trail offers a captivating hiking experience marked by stunning mountain vistas and crystal-clear alpine lakes. As you ascend, you’ll traverse lush forests and open meadows, all while keeping an eye out for local wildlife, such as deer and elk, and on the Redfish Lake below. A few challenging…

Distance: 13.5 Km • Elevation gain: 395 m • Maximum elevation: 2,369 m

The hike to Preacher's Rock is a moderately challenging trek that offers an impressive payoff with its expansive views. Along the route, hikers will encounter rocky terrain, root-laden paths, and sharp switchbacks as they ascend towards the summit of Big Cedar Mountain. At Preacher's Rock, the view stretches…

Distance: 3.2 Km • Elevation gain: 136 m • Maximum elevation: 1,074 m

The Mount Defiance Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hike within Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Starting with steep switchbacks, the trail weaves through lush forests before offering a break at the serene Mason Lake, surrounded by evergreen peaks and often reflecting the sky. The final ascent to…

Distance: 16.1 Km • Elevation gain: 1,175 m • Maximum elevation: 1,652 m

This trail offers a rewarding hiking experience with a variety of terrain and breathtaking vistas. The route passes through lush forests and steep switchbacks, leading to magnificent views of Mount Jefferson, Oregon’s second tallest peak. Along the way, hikers can enjoy scenic alpine lakes, including Scout…

Distance: 9.1 Km • Elevation gain: 613 m • Maximum elevation: 1,795 m

The Duck Pass Trail in the Inyo National Forest is a favorite for hiking enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and access to pristine alpine lakes such as Skelton Lake, Barney Lake, and the expansive Duck Lake. The trail begins in a shaded forest with steady climbs and switchbacks, opening up to serene…

Distance: 9.0 Km • Elevation gain: 585 m • Maximum elevation: 3,284 m

The hike to Grays and Torreys Peaks offers an accessible yet challenging adventure through Colorado’s alpine terrain. Beginning in a lush valley at the Stevens Gulch Trailhead, the trail quickly ascends above the tree line, presenting sweeping views of Kelso Mountain and the Continental Divide. Along the…

Distance: 12.8 Km • Elevation gain: 1,089 m • Maximum elevation: 4,338 m

The Munds Wagon and Hangover Trail Loop in Coconino National Forest offers a stunning journey through Sedona's famous red rock landscape. The hike provides panoramic views of towering formations like Teapot Rock and Queen Victoria, along with dramatic vistas over Bear Wallow Canyon and the surrounding valleys.…

Distance: 13.3 Km • Elevation gain: 391 m • Maximum elevation: 1,595 m

The Queen Victoria Loop offers a captivating journey through Bryce Canyon's iconic landscape. Hikers will encounter dramatic hoodoos, including the famous Queen Victoria formation, as well as narrow canyons and archways along the route. The path provides stunning views of the Bryce Amphitheater, and as you…

Distance: 5.2 Km • Elevation gain: 205 m • Maximum elevation: 2,444 m

The McClellan Butte Trail offers a rewarding yet demanding hike through the dense forests of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The route includes steep switchbacks, occasional creek crossings, and sections of the historic John Wayne Trail. As you ascend, the forest opens up to stunning views of Mount…

Distance: 16.2 Km • Elevation gain: 1,185 m • Maximum elevation: 1,527 m

The Weverton Cliffs hike along the Appalachian Trail offers an accessible but rewarding outdoor experience. As you navigate the trail, you’ll encounter rocky terrain and switchbacks, providing both challenge and scenic rewards. Once you reach the cliffs, panoramic views of the Potomac River and distant…

Distance: 2.8 Km • Elevation gain: 228 m • Maximum elevation: 258 m

The Sunrise Trail offers a scenic desert hike with sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains, Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, and the Phoenix metropolitan area. The trail begins with a steady incline through classic Sonoran Desert terrain, where hikers can observe iconic saguaro cacti, unique rock…

Distance: 6.0 Km • Elevation gain: 355 m • Maximum elevation: 921 m

The Adams Canyon Trail in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest offers hikers a rewarding journey through diverse landscapes. The path begins with a series of sandy switchbacks, leading to shaded areas where the trail follows the North Fork of Holmes Creek, passing through scrub oak and majestic white pines.…

Distance: 5.7 Km • Elevation gain: 421 m • Maximum elevation: 1,894 m

The Hunter Trail to Picacho Peak offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience. As you ascend, you'll encounter steep switchbacks and sections requiring the use of fixed cables to navigate exposed rock faces. Upon reaching the summit, panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, including expansive saguaro…

Distance: 5.4 Km • Elevation gain: 695 m • Maximum elevation: 951 m

Hiking the Seneca Rocks Trail is a delightful journey through the heart of West Virginia's breathtaking landscapes. As you ascend, the impressive rock formations tower above, providing stunning views of the lush valleys and distant mountain ridges, while the well-maintained path features gentle switchbacks and…

Distance: 5.0 Km • Elevation gain: 253 m • Maximum elevation: 703 m

The Latourell Falls Loop Trail offers a picturesque and relatively moderate hike through the lush forests of the Columbia River Gorge. Starting near the impressive Lower Latourell Falls, the trail quickly immerses you in a verdant landscape filled with moss-covered trees and ferns. As you ascend, you'll…

Distance: 3.6 Km • Elevation gain: 284 m • Maximum elevation: 240 m

The Upper Yosemite Fall Trail is a demanding hike that rewards adventurers with breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the mighty Yosemite Falls. As you ascend, you'll pass through diverse terrain, from oak forests and steep switchbacks to open sections offering sweeping vistas. The…

Distance: 10.2 Km • Elevation gain: 1,501 m • Maximum elevation: 2,039 m

The Picacho Peak Trail offers a rewarding hike with a relatively moderate challenge. As you climb through juniper and pine forests, you'll be treated to increasingly expansive views, especially after the switchbacks near the top. The summit rewards you with stunning 360-degree vistas of Santa Fe and the…

Distance: 6.3 Km • Elevation gain: 386 m • Maximum elevation: 2,592 m

The Angel's Rest Trail offers a beautiful hike with breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge. Starting through a lush forest, hikers will cross small streams and pass scenic waterfalls, including a view of Coopey Falls. As the trail ascends, the forest gives way to more open terrain, where you'll enjoy…

Distance: 7.5 Km • Elevation gain: 521 m • Maximum elevation: 476 m

The Mount Storm King Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience, leading adventurers through lush forests and up steep switchbacks. As hikers ascend, they are greeted by breathtaking views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains, with the final stretch requiring the use of ropes for a…

Distance: 6.8 Km • Elevation gain: 685 m • Maximum elevation: 795 m

The Glacier Vista via Skyline Trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier, with expansive vistas of the surrounding valleys. As hikers ascend, they will pass through wildflower meadows in the warmer months and experience dramatic alpine terrain, often encountering glaciers and…

Distance: 2.2 Km • Elevation gain: 298 m • Maximum elevation: 1,951 m

The Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park offers an exceptional hiking experience, blending moderate challenge with spectacular rewards. As you ascend through scrubby desert landscapes and switchbacks, you'll gradually gain sweeping views of the Juniper Valley and distant peaks like Casa Grande, providing…

Distance: 7.4 Km • Elevation gain: 344 m • Maximum elevation: 2,077 m

The loop hike via Mount Si and Mount Teneriffe Trails provides an exceptional experience in the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area. The route offers a mix of dense, lush forests and sweeping vistas, including views of Mount Rainier, Rattlesnake Ridge, and the surrounding Cascades. Hikers will…

Distance: 14.0 Km • Elevation gain: 1,014 m • Maximum elevation: 1,205 m

The Snow Lake Trail is a scenic and moderately challenging hike that rewards adventurers with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Starting from the Alpental Ski Area, the trail features a series of switchbacks that ascend through dense forests, eventually revealing panoramic vistas of the…

Distance: 9.9 Km • Elevation gain: 544 m • Maximum elevation: 1,324 m

Pinnacle Peak Trail in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers hikers a well-maintained path through the Sonoran Desert, featuring diverse cacti, including the iconic saguaro, and vibrant wildflowers during spring. Along the route, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and, from Owls Rest, distant…

Distance: 5.7 Km • Elevation gain: 319 m • Maximum elevation: 876 m

The Mount Olympus Trail is a challenging and rewarding hike near Salt Lake City, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley, including glimpses of the Wasatch Mountains. As you ascend, the trail takes you through a variety of terrain, with steep switchbacks and rock steps leading to a thrilling final…

Distance: 10.7 Km • Elevation gain: 1,238 m • Maximum elevation: 2,722 m

Final upper stone canyon trail upper switchbacks restoration

Distance: 14.5 Km • Elevation gain: 520 m • Maximum elevation: 1,537 m