Are you tired of overcrowded hikes? The major U.S. National Park hikes are often overrun with people when you’re just looking for a quiet and peaceful experience. Instead, check out the 7 best wilderness hikes areas located in the United States. The National Wilderness Preservation System protects Federal lands and preserves their natural beauty. About 5% of the land in the U.S. is designated as wilderness.
Over 50% of the wilderness land is located in remote Alaska, but you can still find a lot of great spots to hike in the lower 48. These areas have been specially set aside so that they stay natural and are protected from human development for generations to come. Since these areas are typically remote and undeveloped, it makes them perfect for enjoying outdoor recreation activities like hiking.
1. Crater Lake, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
The Crater Lake hike in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is a 3.5-mile hike located in Colorado. You’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Elk Mountains and the lake while on this moderate hike. If you’re looking for an extra challenge, there’s a split just off the path for the Four Pass Loop, a 26-mile spectacular backpacking trail. It’s easy to access the hike in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness as it’s only 10 miles outside of Aspen and connected by a shuttle. Maroon Bells was protected by the original Wilderness Act of 1964 signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Make sure to contact the Forest Service before visiting to get any necessary permits for hiking and camping before you visit.
2. Fishhook Creek, Sawtooth Wilderness
Try marching 4.5 miles along the Fishhook Creek Trail located in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Located 3 hours northeast of Boise, Idaho, this hike is great for any age. You walk along a lovely creek and are rewarded at the end with excellent views of the Sawtooth Mountains. The best time to hike in the Sawtooth Wilderness is either in July or August when the wildflowers are in full bloom. If you’re not able to make it during the summer months, there are also great opportunities to snowshoe or cross-country ski in the chillier winter months.
3. Nogal Summit, White Mountain Wilderness
If you’re looking for unbeatable views, the Nogal Summit hike is perfect for you. Located in the White Mountain Wilderness in New Mexico, this hike has 1,200 feet of elevation gain over 1.3 miles up to the top. There are great birding opportunities so remember to bring your binoculars, too.
You may be able to spot some nesting species such as Gray Catbird and Pinyon Jay in the late summer and early autumn. Also, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer. In addition to the excellent fauna, this wilderness hikes area has great flora. The White Mountain Wilderness is home to the ancient bristlecone pines. Thriving in harsh environments and over thousands of years old, these trees are the earth’s oldest living trees.
4. Lion’s Head Rocks, Dolly Sods Wilderness
Dolly Sods Wilderness looks more like something you would find in Canada with its rocky, high-altitude plateaus and spectacular vistas. Check out the Lion’s Head Rocks via the Red Creek Trail in West Virginia. This challenging 7.3-mile hike to the piquerese Lion’s Head Rocks is well worth the effort. You can even bring your favorite 4-footed friend on the adventure, provided that they’re on a leash.
Summers can be cool and wet, with frequent thunderstorms in the afternoons so make sure to pack your MobiDri by VersaDri portable glove and boot dryer. You’ll be excited to dry your boots and other gear once you get back to your vehicle and plug in the MobilDri to the 12V outlet (cigarette lighter). Wet shoes can cause blisters and your MobilDri portable boot dryer will make sure that you can start your next hike with dry, happy feet.
5. Melanie Hot Springs, Gila Wilderness
Due to the hard work of early conservationist, Aldo Leopold, the Gila Wilderness was first protected in 1924. It was the first designated wilderness in the world. Try out the Melanie Hot Springs hike for a fun and different experience. There are lots of river crossings to Ford throughout the 3.4 miles and back trail. At the end of the trail, you will be rewarded and you’re likely to have the Melanie Hot Springs all to yourself to soak in.
Your shoes will get wet, so bring along your MobilDri Portable dryer to dry them at the end of your adventure. MobilDri is a compact unit that is easy to pack and take with you on any hiking trip. Leave the base unit and accessories in your car with the included kit bag so you have it when you need it. Wherever you are, this portable dryer will dry your shoes fast. MobilDri usually dries damp items in 15-20 minutes and soaks wet items in about 45 minutes.
6. St. Mary’s Fall, St. Mary’s Wilderness
Just off the Blue Ridge Highway, St. Mary’s Wilderness is Virginia’s largest wilderness area. The Saint Mary’s River Gorge was mined during the beginning of the 20th century for manganese and iron ore. You may still see mining remnants while discovering the reclaimed area. If you hike here, you can also find spectacular natural features like waterfalls, fern forests, open meadows, valley vistas, and high mountain wetlands. Check out the St. Mary’s Fall Trail for a moderate 4.3 mile out and back hike that ends at the falls. In the warmer months, you may find some hikers jumping into the water to cool off.
7. South Sister, Three Sisters Wilderness
Located in the Cascade range in Oregon, the Three Sisters Wilderness is named after the three volcanic peaks that tower over 10,000 feet located in the area. The challenging South Sister Trail is an 11.6-mile trail that will take you up the most active of the three volcanoes. It last erupted about 2,000 years ago and geologists expect it to erupt again soon so they monitor it closely. If you’re looking for an easier hike with less elevation gain, you can also check out the Moraine Lake trail nearby.
Wherever you decide to go out and explore, look for wilderness hikes. You’ll be glad that you did. Check out Amazon to purchase your Portable boot and glove dryer for your next wilderness hikes!
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