Yosemite - Vernal Fall Trail via Mist Trail

Climb along nature's "giant staircase" where you are rewarded with close-up views of the waterfall and numerous geologic features. Powerful and turbulent, This waterfall will soak you in spring and entice you year-round.

1. Vernal Fall Footbridge      

    Distance: 1.6 mls (2.6 km)     round trip 

    Time: 1-1.5 hours              

    Difficulty: Moderate                                        

2. Top of Vernal Fall

    Distance: 2.4 mi (3.9 km)      round trip 

    Time: 3-4 hours                (via Mist Trail)

    Difficulty: Strenuous 

Carlsbad Caverns - Natural Entrance Trail & Big Room

The Natural Entrance Trailis extremely steep. Depending on if you decide to hike up or down, you gain or lose about 750 feet. The most popular route, the Big Room, is the largest single cave chamber in North America. You will be rewarded with spectacular views, cave formations of all shapes and sizes. The Big Room Trail may be accessed from either the elevator or the bottom of the Natural Entrance Trail.  

1.  Natural Entrance Trail

     Distance: 1.25 mls (2km)       one way

     Time: 1 hour

     Difficulty: Strenuous

2.  Big Room Trail

     Distance: 1.25 mls (2km)       Loop

     Time: 1-1.5 hour

     Difficulty: Moderate

Arches National Park - Delicate Arch Trail

The Delicate Arch Trail is a short hike in Arches National Park to the most famous natural arch in Utah. Start at the Delicate Arch Trailhead and head east past Wolfe Ranch, then continue this incredible hike up to the Arch.   There is something special about this place that is difficult to describe. Take a seat at the sandstone amphitheater and watch the light play of Delicate Arch. This awe-inspiring sight will remain unforgettable.

1.  Delicate Arch Trail

     Distance: 3.2 mls   (5.2 km)       round trip

     Time:     3 hours

     Difficulty:  Moderate

Bryce Canyon - Queens Garden & Navajo Loop Trail Combination

These are the two most popular routes that descend into the beautiful formations of Bryce Canyon National Park. You pass several impressive groups of hoodoos to a sheltered, partially forested basin, which is surrounded on three sides by a narrow ring of colorful battlements. 

1.  Queens Garden 

     Distance: 1.8 mls (3.0km)          round trip                             

     Time: 1.5 hour                         

     Difficulty: Moderate 

2.  Navajo Loop Trail

     Distance: 2.75 mls (4.5 km)        Loop

     Time: 2-3 hours

     Difficulty: Moderate 

Great Smoky Mountain National Park - Rainbow Falls Trail

The trail follows the Le Conte Creek, later passing through an area full of rosebay rhododendron, teaberry, and mountain pepper-bush grow. After passing two bridges over the creek, the 80 ft high falls appear, named for the rainbows seen in the mist that is caused by the afternoon sun.

1.  Rainbow Fall Trail

     Distance: 5.4 mls   (8.7 km)       round trip

     Time:     4-5 hours

     Difficulty:  Moderate

Canyonlands National Park - Dead Horse Point & Mesa Arch Trail

Canyonlands National Park in Utah is known for its dramatic desert landscape sculpted by the Colorado River. Two of the must-go destinations in the park are Dead Horse Point Overlook and the short hike to Mesa Arch.

1.  Dead Horse Point Overlook

     Distance: 0.5 mls (0.8 km)       

     Time: 1/2 hour

     Difficulty: Easy

2.  Mesa Arch Trail

     Distance: 1.00 mls (1.6 km)       Loop

     Time: 1 hour

     Difficulty: Moderate