Pacific Crest Trail: California and Oregon, 26633 miles
Cheryl Strayed (author of the memoir Wild) set foot on the Pacific Crest Trail in southern California heading north towards Oregon. She had never before backpacked in her entire life. She was an entirely new woman by the time she crossed the border between Washington and Oregon, over 1,000 miles later. She had lost blood, sweat, and tears along the way. The entire PCT can be hiked in between four to six months. You can also follow the trail on horseback. There is also a Pacific Crest Bicycle Trail which roughly follows the PCT. Strayed was able to successfully complete her trip without any prior experience or planning. However, the Pacific Crest Trail Association estimates most hikers spend six to eight months getting ready for the trek. Less than 200 people per year complete the entire journey from Mexico to Canada.
John Muir Trail, California, 210 Miles. Be aware of everything Southwest Airlines Pet Policy before you book an airline ticket.
The John Muir Trail runs south through the High Sierras, from Yosemite National Park to Mount Whitney. It is a footpath that would be a fitting fit for a wilderness king. Muir was a tireless advocate for the preservation of wild places. His eponymous trail runs along some of the most stunning and beautiful countries in the US. The trek is completed by most hikers in three weeks. They travel from north to south in the late summer. There are no shelters on the route, except for the John Muir Hut at Muir Pass. A tent is essential. The northern section of the trail has a few small towns and remote resorts that can be used to stockpile food. However, the 100-mile section through the wilderness in the south requires careful meal planning. You will need to fit 10+ days worth of food into a bear proof container.
Pacific Northwest Trail: Mountains-to-Sea Challenge
Trailheads: Glacier National Park in Montana, Cape Alava, Washington
Distance: 1200 Miles
Time: 60-75 Days
This stunning trail features something that few long-distance US trails have: a Mountains-to-Sea approach. It encompasses the diversity of alpine and ocean terrains. Spanning 1200 miles through Montana, Idaho and Washington, crossing the Continental Divide and Cascade Range, there are curveballs galore on this rugged mountain-goat-infused trail.
Although it is shorter than many of the trails listed, it is no less challenging. This hike is best for experienced and knowledgeable hikers who are comfortable with all weather conditions and climates.
Hayduke Trail is for the most agile rock scramblers
Trailheads: Arches National Park in Utah, and the bottom Zion Canyon, Zion National Park. Utah
Distance: 812 Miles
Time: 40-50 days
The Hayduke Trail, named after an iconic character from Edward Abbey's novel 'The Monkey Wrench Gang,' is a treasure. There is no other trail that starts and ends in a National Park. This 812-mile trail starts and ends in Utah. It then dips into Arizona to join Grand Canyon National Park's Arizona Trail. This one is for those who seek the serenity and solitude of the American Southwest.
The Hayduke has elevations of well over 11,000 feet, and is not recommended for novice hikers or those with weak legs. You will need patience and experience in order to navigate off-trail, manage altitude, endure heat exhaustion, and water rationing.
The Grand Enchantment Trail: Arizona & New Mexico, 770 Miles
Do not let the terminals at Phoenix and Albuquerque, two of the largest south-west cities, fool you into believing that this trail is urban. The trail runs through some of the most wild country in the US. Although they are just 300 miles apart (as the crow flies), the Grand Enchantment route runs through them in order to provide hikers ample water sources. Stitched
The footpath was created in 2003 using an existing network of dirt roads and trails. It traverses a wide range of landscapes including painted deserts, mountainous ridgelines, and towering ponderosa Pine forests. The best time to try the hike is in spring, when water supplies are at their highest. This can mean that it takes around three months. Book your flight with Airlines Gethuman and avail the best deals on each flight southwest pet policy