Walking Holidays in the USA

USA National Park Walking Tours

This is a huge country comprising 50 states, so it’s no surprise that walking holidays in the USA are extremely diverse. With Exodus, our trips to the USA take you on spectacular adventures among the varied landscapes that are made up of mountains, coastlines, lakes and canyons, which can be best enjoyed on foot. Hike along beautiful routes through sprawling national parks and among remote wilderness where you can discover some of the country’s most incredible wildlife. Go in search of wolves in Yellowstone National Park, watch sunrise over the Grand Canyon or explore the magnificent Monument Valley.

Our walking holidays in the USA are designed for active adults and offer a well-paced mix of walks for all levels of fitness. Most walks are of moderate to strenuous difficulty and range from 3 to 5 hours in length. If you prefer a slower pace, there are often shorter, easy to moderate hikes up to 2 hours in some destinations.

As well as exploring the wilder side of the USA, there’s also plenty of opportunities to learn about the country’s history and culture with trips to the city of Burlington, the ancient villages of Vermont and the bright lights of Las Vegas. The contrasts you’ll encounter at each destination are totally captivating and give you an insight into the immense diversity of walking holidays USA. Perhaps take in a show along the strip in Vegas or try the local beers and food at the historic village of Waitsfield.

USA National Park Walking Holidays

Visit five breathtaking National Parks in the USA

Walking & Trekking

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Top 5 National Parks to Visit on Walking Holidays USA

Zion National Park: Hiking along the meandering trails that lead through Zion National Park, let you discover the wonderful flora and fauna that occupies the landscape surrounding the Virgin River and emerald pools. The Zion Canyon is particularly fascinating, and you’ll learn about the Utah Mormons who referred to it as the ‘promised land’. Climb to the summit of the famous Watchman Trail to reach the viewpoint that looks out over park and the imposing Watchman Peak and explore the Zion Narrows for even more spellbinding vistas. This is a thrilling adventure as you wade through the river below the steep canyon walls.

Grand Canyon National Park: Playing host to one of the USA’s most phenomenal sites, the Grand Canyon National Park is arguably one of the most photographed and impressive of all. Until you see the Grand Canyon with your own eyes, it’s hard to imagine its immensity and sheer beauty. Formed over several millennia, the canyon is one of those natural wonders that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Winding along the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park runs between a staggering seven US states. If you get the chance, you should visit at sunset when the canyon is bathed in orange and pinks for an unforgettable experience.

Yellowstone National Park: Shrouded in mystery, Yellowstone is another of the USA’s most popular national parks. The diversity of wildflower meadows, dramatic mountains and geothermal landscapes is intoxicating. Walk around thermal hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles as you learn about the park’s volcanic history. You can also explore one of the world’s largest concentration of geysers which pepper this lunar-like landscape. Yellowstone is also renowned for being the home of the wolf, which lives among the mountains, and with any luck you’ll be able to see them in the wild on a wolf tracking tour as well as various other species of wildlife.

Bryce Canyon National Park: Famed for its unusual red rock formations, known as hoodoos, which pierce the landscape with their jagged spires, Bryce National Park has an unearthly landscape that will leave you breathless. Walk along the Rim Trail where you can peer over the enormous Bryce Amphitheatre from several viewpoints, including Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce points. Alternatively, follow the Peek-a-Boo or Navajo trails that lead you in between the hoodoos. This is a surreal experience as the huge spires tower above you in this fantastical landscape.

Glacier National Park: In stark contrast to other parks, Glacier National Park boasts an ancient landscape made up of glacial valleys, alpine meadows and emerald glacial lakes. This is a wild paradise for nature lovers and home to a hugely varied array of flora and fauna. On your hiking adventures, keep your eyes peeled for animals such as deer, grizzly bears, mountain goats, wolves and lynx. There won’t be a moment when your eyes can rest from the wildly beautiful scenery as something new surprises you at every twist and turn. To witness the picturesque glacial lakes, walk along the Hidden Lake Trail.

Our Top 5 USA National Park Hikes

Angels Landing, Zion National Park – Fortune favours the brave, and if you have a head for heights, the Angels Landing hike offers incredible rewards. With a pleasant and scenic start, you then encounter ‘Walter’s Wiggles’, a series of 21 tight switchbacks with a fast elevation gain. As you climb higher, chains are provided to aid your steep ascent, but at the summit, you’ll experience the much-lauded panoramic view over Zion National Park.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon – For a different perspective of the Grand Canyon that far less visitors experience, why not hike into the canyon itself? The Bright Angel Trail snakes its way down from rim to river, although it’s not recommended to hike all the way in one day. Plateau Point offers a great stopping point, where you can enjoy incredible views of the canyon from a whole new angle.
Peekaboo and Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon – Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its towering spires of rock, known as ‘hoodoos’ – and this trail gives park visitors the opportunity to walk amongst the hoodoos, staring up in awe as the sun against rock formations create shadows across the park. Eerie and fascinating, this landscape is the perfect place for photographers too.
Delicate Arch Trail,Arches National Park – One of Utah‘s finest national parks offers a less strenuous short hike with views over one of the Southwest’s most photographed landmarks, make your way through Arches National Park to see its most famous rock formation, Delicate Arch. The red sandstone arches here have been created over millions of years by the winds that brush down the western slope of the Rocky Mountains.
The John Muir Trail – For experienced backcountry hikers looking for their next challenge, the John Muir Trail is one of America’s most famous hiking routes. It’s not for the faint hearted – you’ll need endurance, experience and preparation for all weathers. But on an uninterrupted three week trekking holiday along the trail, you’ll be rewarded well for your efforts.

This was our first Exodus trip. We loved the group size (11) and its compatibility, mix of activities, and the incredible knowledge of the tour leader, Michael/Miguel. On most days we were out and about from 9 to 5. The terrain was lovely – hills and mountains surrounding rolling pastureland and olive farms. We saw and walked through so many white villages, and some of us took an extra 4 hour trip to Ronda, one of the most famous. The hiking was moderate. For me, the oldest by several years at age 75, it was at times tough because of the many ups and downs with the inclines occasionally too steep and long. The other 10 handled it with less trouble. Our tour leader, Michael/Miguel, knew everything about farming, geology, plants and animals and birds, and the history of the area. We all marveled at the extent of his knowledge! The farmhouse we stayed in was lovely with good food (the paella the last night was the best!), though the rooms lacked good lighting and the beds seemed a bit soft. This is a fun trip to go on for the activity, lovely scenery, and variety. We combined it with 2 days in Malaga and 4 in Granada and found every day rich and magical.

Karen Sindelar Walking in Andalucia

This was a well organized trip in a remote region. Beautiful views and very quiet trails . The hikes are quite challenging with a good amount of exposure in certain sections. Jose,our guide was very knowledgeable and experienced and yes,he does make the best lunch sandwiches!
The accommodations were simple , comfortable with a great view.

Fabienne Pattison Hike Spain's Sierra de Aitana

Start to finish this was a fantastic trip. Our guide Clifford shared his deep knowledge of everything: animals and birds, trees and flowers, South African history and culture, hiking trail specifics and the smallest details about life in South Africa and Eswatini. Plus he was caring and kind and fun to be with. I really feel like I gained an understanding of the real South Africa because of Clifford and also the variety of experiences on this trip. We saw all the animals we had hoped to see, the hiking was challenging and extremely rewarding. The Drackensburg hikes were exceptional – scenery that is so beautiful that words and pictures cannot capture it. Even being there, on top of the “Amphitheatre”, the grandeur, the immensity of the views, were impossible to truly fathom. Wow.

Bethany Barnes South Africa: Walking & Wildlife

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