Some places feel like they’re meant to be kept secret—hidden trails that lead to sights so breathtaking, they almost don’t seem real. The kind of paths where you hear nothing but the crunch of your boots and the whisper of the wind, where each turn unfolds a scene more stunning than the last.
These are not the overrun tourist trails; these are America’s best-kept hiking secrets—wild, untouched, and waiting to be discovered.
If you crave adventure, solitude, and landscapes that feel stolen from a dream, you’re in for something special. Ready to uncover trails you’ll never forget? Let’s go.
1. Ice Lakes Trail, Colorado
Nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains, Ice Lakes Trail is a mesmerizing adventure that rewards hikers with a brilliant blue alpine lake that looks almost unreal. The trail begins unassumingly, winding through lush meadows and pine forests, but don’t let the easy start fool you—this hike climbs over 2,500 feet in elevation within four miles. The payoff, however, is breathtaking. When you reach Ice Lake, its glacial-blue waters contrast sharply against the rugged peaks, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Colorado.
If you’re the type who craves a hike that makes you feel like you’ve entered another world, this is the one. The meadows explode with wildflowers in summer, making it feel like you’re walking through a painting. On the way up, you’ll pass waterfalls and smaller lakes, each more stunning than the last. But don’t rush—the altitude can be a beast, and slow, steady pacing is key.
One tip? Start early. This is one of those hikes that gets more magical when you have the place to yourself. The sun hitting Ice Lake just after sunrise? Unforgettable. But be prepared—afternoon thunderstorms in summer are common, so plan accordingly.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: Late June – September (for snow-free trails)
- Difficulty: Hard (steep elevation gain, high altitude)
- Distance: ~8.3 miles round trip
- Time Required: 4-6 hours
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: The effort keeps casual hikers away, making it feel like your own private paradise.
- Pro Tip: Bring trekking poles—the descent can be brutal on the knees!
2. Lathrop Trail, Utah
If you want to feel like a true explorer, Lathrop Trail in Canyonlands National Park is your best bet. Unlike the more popular trails in Utah, Lathrop feels desolate and untouched—the kind of place where you can hear nothing but the wind and your footsteps. The views? Pure magic. You start high on the Island in the Sky mesa, looking down on endless red rock canyons, and as you descend, it feels like stepping back in time.
This hike is not for the faint of heart. The full trek is 20 miles round trip, but even doing part of it gives you an experience unlike any other. The best section? The part where you drop 1,600 feet down to the Colorado River—standing at the canyon’s edge and looking up is nothing short of humbling.
One of the best things about Lathrop is how empty it is. While nearby Arches and Zion are overflowing with tourists, you might not see another soul here. That’s a rare gift in today’s world. Just bring plenty of water—it gets HOT out there.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: October – April (avoid extreme summer heat)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (long distance, desert conditions)
- Distance: Up to 20 miles round trip (do as much as you like)
- Time Required: 5-10 hours (depending on how far you go)
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: Almost no one likes it, making it a peaceful escape.
- Pro Tip: Sunset here is mind-blowing, so time your hike accordingly!
3. Shi Shi Beach Trail, Washington
Some hikes take you to epic peaks, but this one takes you straight to the edge of the world. Shi Shi Beach Trail in Olympic National Park is one of those places that doesn’t even feel real—massive sea stacks, driftwood-covered beaches, and the endless roar of the Pacific make this a hiker’s dream escape.
The hike itself is relatively easy, though often muddy, thanks to Washington’s famous rainfall. You’ll trek through lush coastal rainforests before emerging onto a stretch of sand so wild and beautiful it looks untouched by time. And then there’s the real showstopper—Point of Arches, a collection of rugged rock formations rising from the sea. Watching the sunset behind them? Unreal.
Camping here is highly recommended. Falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to the misty ocean air is an experience that sticks with you forever. Just make sure to check tide charts—some areas get cut off at high tide.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: May – September (less rain)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (muddy, some beach hiking)
- Distance: ~8 miles round trip
- Time Required: 3-5 hours (or overnight if camping)
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: A wild, secluded beach unlike any other in the U.S.
- Pro Tip: Bring sandals or waterproof boots—mud is guaranteed!
4. Enchanted Valley Trail, Washington
This one lives up to its name—Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park feels straight out of a fantasy novel. Towering trees, countless waterfalls, and misty mountain peaks surround you as you hike deep into the heart of the wilderness. And the coolest part? A historic chalet sitting in the middle of the valley as if placed there by magic.
The trail starts easy and inviting, winding through lush old-growth forests. But as you go deeper, it gets more remote, and you truly feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Bear sightings are common (don’t worry, they usually keep their distance), and the rivers are full of salmon. It’s pure Pacific Northwest perfection.
While some do this as a long day hike, it’s best as an overnight. Waking up in the valley with mist clinging to the peaks? Unforgettable.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: May – October
- Difficulty: Moderate (long but gradual incline)
- Distance: ~26 miles round trip
- Time Required: 8-12 hours (or overnight)
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: Feels like stepping into another time.
- Pro Tip: Bring a camera—the waterfalls are insane after heavy rain!
5. Valley of Fire Wave Trail, Nevada
Red rock lovers, this one’s for you. The Wave Trail in Valley of Fire State Park is like hiking on another planet. Swirling red sandstone formations create a landscape that looks too bizarre to be real. But here’s the kicker—unlike the famous Wave in Arizona, this one requires no permit and is way less crowded.
The hike is short but challenging, with no real trail markers—it’s all about navigating the open desert. But that’s what makes it so special. Wandering through this Mars-like terrain, you’ll find natural arches, slot canyons, and rock formations that defy logic.
Sunrise and sunset here? Otherworldly. The golden light hitting the rocks turns them into a fiery spectacle, making every step feel like magic.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: October – April (avoid summer heat)
- Difficulty: Moderate (route-finding required)
- Distance: ~5 miles round trip
- Time Required: 2-4 hours
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: Like Arizona’s Wave, but without the hassle.
- Pro Tip: Download a GPS map—it’s easy to get lost!
6. Tonto Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Most people hiking the Grand Canyon stick to the famous Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails, but if you want something truly wild and secluded, the Tonto Trail is your hidden gem. This rugged, winding path runs along the canyon’s middle shelf, offering insane panoramic views without the massive crowds.
Unlike the steep trails that dive straight into the canyon, Tonto rolls gently along the inner plateau, letting you soak in the landscape without burning out your legs in the first hour. The best part? You’ll hardly see another soul. It’s long, remote, and incredibly rewarding, giving you that true explorer’s vibe.
Water is extremely limited, so planning is essential. But if you want an epic multi-day backpacking adventure where it’s just you, the canyon, and the endless desert sky, this is the trail to do it on.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: October – April (cooler temps)
- Difficulty: Hard (desert terrain, little shade, limited water)
- Distance: ~70 miles (but you can do shorter sections)
- Time Required: 1-5 days (depending on the route)
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: A quiet, less-traveled way to experience the Grand Canyon.
- Pro Tip: Bring a water filter—you’ll need to rely on seasonal creeks!
7. Big Pine Lakes Trail, California
If turquoise alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and jaw-dropping scenery sound like your kind of hike, Big Pine Lakes Trail in the Eastern Sierra is a must. The lakes here look so otherworldly blue that you’d swear they were Photoshopped—but they’re real, and they’re spectacular.
The trail starts in Inyo National Forest, climbing through pine forests and rocky slopes before revealing its main attraction: a chain of brilliantly blue lakes fed by glacial meltwater. The most famous is Lake #2, a scene so stunning it almost doesn’t seem real.
This hike is tough but doable as a day trip, but staying overnight lets you soak in the scenery without rushing. Sunrises here? Unreal.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: June – October (snow-free trails)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (steep elevation gain)
- Distance: ~15 miles round trip (if visiting multiple lakes)
- Time Required: 6-10 hours (or overnight)
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: Comparable to the Alps, but without the international flight.
- Pro Tip: Permits are required for overnight trips, so plan!
8. Ozette Triangle Trail, Washington
Want a hike that combines lush rainforests, pristine lakes, and rugged coastal beauty? Ozette Triangle Trail in Olympic National Park has it all. This unique trail forms a triangle-shaped loop, giving you three distinct experiences in one journey.
You start by walking through a dense rainforest, where moss-draped trees and wooden boardwalks make it feel like a fairy tale world. Then, the trail opens up to one of the most remote and wild beaches in the U.S., where sea stacks rise from the waves, and tide pools are teeming with life. The final leg takes you back through the forest, wrapping up one of the most varied hikes in the country.
It’s relatively easy and perfect for a relaxed backpacking trip, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the scenery. If you’re looking for a trail that feels untouched by time, this is the one.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: May – September (less rain, better tide conditions)
- Difficulty: Moderate (some mud, and tide awareness needed)
- Distance: ~9 miles loop
- Time Required: 4-6 hours (or overnight)
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: Rainforest to beach in one hike—where else can you do that?
- Pro Tip: Check tide tables—some sections may be impassable at high tide!
9. Plateau Point Trail, Arizona
For those who want breathtaking Grand Canyon views without descending to the bottom, Plateau Point Trail is the ultimate hidden gem. It starts on Bright Angel Trail, one of the park’s more well-known paths, but then splits off to a little-used spur that leads to an overlook most people don’t even know exists.
When you reach the plateau, you’ll be greeted with a sweeping, 360-degree view of the Grand Canyon—without the effort of a full rim-to-river hike. Standing on this rocky ledge, with the Colorado River snaking far below, is a moment that feels truly surreal.
Since this trail is tucked away beyond the typical day-hiker turnaround point, it remains shockingly quiet. If you time it right, the sunset here is unforgettable.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: October – April (cooler temps)
- Difficulty: Moderate (elevation gain on the way back)
- Distance: ~12 miles round trip
- Time Required: 5-7 hours
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: A secluded, panoramic Grand Canyon view without the crowds.
- Pro Tip: Bring a headlamp if you’re staying for sunset—the hike back is dark!
10. Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls, Oregon
Imagine walking behind a waterfall, feeling the cool mist on your face as thousands of gallons of water crash down in front of you. That’s Tunnel Falls, the highlight of this epic Oregon hike. And the best part? It’s hidden deep in the Columbia River Gorge, so only the most dedicated hikers get to experience it.
The Eagle Creek Trail is already famous for its cascading waterfalls and lush canyon views, but Tunnel Falls is the real prize. The trail tunnels through the rock behind the waterfall, making for an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s a long but moderate hike, meaning you don’t have to be a pro to tackle it—just be prepared for a full-day adventure. Trust me, it’s worth every step.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: April – October (best waterfall flow in spring)
- Difficulty: Moderate (some exposure, long distance)
- Distance: ~12 miles round trip
- Time Required: 5-7 hours
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: Where else can you hike through a waterfall tunnel?!
- Pro Tip: Be careful in winter—sections of the trail can ice over.
11. Coyote Gulch, Utah
Some hikes feel like an adventure movie come to life, and Coyote Gulch is one of them. Tucked away in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this hidden canyon offers towering red rock walls, natural arches, waterfalls, and lush green oases in the heart of the desert. It’s the kind of place that feels secret, untouched, and wildly beautiful—the kind of place that makes you forget the outside world even exists.
What makes Coyote Gulch unique is how it combines all the best parts of Utah’s landscape in one trail. You’ll start with wide desert vistas before descending into a curving, water-carved canyon where the sandstone glows in the sunlight. Along the way, you’ll wade through cool streams, scramble over slick rock, and even pass beneath Jacob Hamblin Arch, a stunning rock formation that looks like something out of a fantasy novel.
This trail isn’t just about hiking—it’s about experiencing. The quiet, the sound of water running through the desert, the absolute magic of sleeping under the canyon walls if you camp overnight—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: March-May, September – November (avoid summer heat)
- Difficulty: Moderate (some scrambling, stream crossings)
- Distance: ~11 miles round trip
- Time Required: 6-8 hours (or overnight)
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: A true slot canyon adventure, minus the crowds of The Narrows.
- Pro Tip: Water shoes are a must! You’ll be walking through a creek for part of the hike.
12. Devil’s Bathtub Trail, Virginia
Short, sweet, and full of surprises—Devil’s Bathtub Trail in southwest Virginia is a hidden paradise of crystal-clear pools, waterfalls, and rocky gorges that feels more like something from the Caribbean than the Appalachian Mountains. If you love the idea of hiking with a built-in swimming reward, this is the perfect pick.
The trail is only a few miles long, but don’t let the distance fool you—it’s an adventure from start to finish. You’ll cross at least 15 creeks, scramble over boulders, and finally reach the Devil’s Bathtub, a deep, natural swimming hole with water so clear and cold that it turns your skin numb in seconds. On a hot day, though? Refreshing.
What makes this hike special isn’t just the scenery—it’s the sense of discovery. You’re constantly winding through the forest, climbing over roots, hopping across streams, and then—bam!—you’re staring at a perfect natural pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks. It’s short enough to be beginner-friendly but exciting enough to make you feel like you’ve uncovered something truly special.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: May – October (summer for swimming, fall for foliage)
- Difficulty: Moderate (lots of water crossings)
- Distance: ~4 miles round trip
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: Hidden swimming holes that feel straight out of a dream.
- Pro Tip: Wear water-resistant shoes—your feet will get wet!
13. Spruce Knob & Seneca Creek Loop, West Virginia
If wildflower meadows, misty forests, and cascading waterfalls sound like your perfect escape, then Spruce Knob & Seneca Creek Loop is calling your name. Nestled in the highlands of West Virginia, this trail feels completely untouched—just miles of pristine wilderness, babbling creeks, and some of the most beautiful views on the East Coast.
The trail winds through Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, offering jaw-dropping vistas before descending into a magical valley where Seneca Creek tumbles over mossy boulders in a series of stunning waterfalls. This hike is a little bit of everything—mountain ridges, old-growth forests, and picture-perfect campsites along the water.
One of the best things about this hike? It’s an absolute hidden gem. While everyone flocks to the Smoky Mountains, this area remains quiet, peaceful, and full of solitude. The fall colors here are unreal, so if you can time it right, you’ll be in for one of the most breathtaking autumn hikes in the country.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Visit: June – October (fall colors are incredible)
- Difficulty: Moderate (varied terrain, long distance)
- Distance: ~16 miles loop
- Time Required: 7-9 hours (or overnight)
- Why It’s a Secret Gem: One of the most beautiful backcountry hikes in the Appalachians.
- Pro Tip: Camp along the creek—you’ll wake up to the sound of waterfalls!
