Looking for your next great hike? According to a new study from outdoor brand KÜHL, some states are far better trail territory than others. The company ranked all 50 states based on trail access, weather, and safety, crunching the data to reveal where hikers are getting the best overall experience (and where they might want to pack a little extra caution with their boots).
California takes the top spot, earning the crown as the best state in America for hiking. With more than 13,000 trails, 280 state parks, and nine national parks, the Golden State’s hiking scene is as vast as it is beautiful. From Yosemite’s granite cliffs to the coastal bluffs of Big Sur and the desert trails of Joshua Tree, it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers. Just remember, California’s safety ranking was a low 45th, so be smart and plan ahead before hitting the trail.
In second place is Arizona, where the sun shines more than 300 days a year. That unbeatable weather helped the state earn the highest climate score of all. Whether you’re trekking through the Grand Canyon, chasing sunsets in Sedona, or exploring Saguaro National Park, it’s a hiker’s dream come true.
Utah rounds out the top three, thanks to its red rock landscapes and the legendary Mighty Five national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. With over 2,700 miles of hiking trails, Utah’s trails are open nearly year-round.
Overall, western states dominate the rankings, but Florida and Maine also broke into the top 10 thanks to their mild climates and safe hiking conditions.
America’s top 10 states for hiking
- California
- Arizona
- Utah
- Washington
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Wyoming
- Oregon
- Florida
- Maine
