Best Hikes

I am defining “best” as somewhat difficult plus great views. Though keep in mind, these are not hard-core difficult, just a challenge to me.

10. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument – Cochiti,  NM

These rock formations are a variation of the hoodoos found in other parts of the country. There is a harder rock at the top that reduced erosion below it. Sometimes the hard rock stayed and you can see round balls on top and sometimes the rock fell and it looks like a tent. The geology includes pumice, ash, tuff, and small round balls of obsidian. The trail leads through a very narrow canyon and includes a small cave. The end of the trail is the top of a mesa with amazing views.

9. Amicola Falls – GA

This hike includes 600 steps. If that doesn’t give you pause, you are either in rock-hard shape or you don’t understand how difficult 600 steps can be. It’s said to be the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. An extra is that the park is the start of the Appalachian Trail.

8. Haystack Trail – Coopers Rock State Forest - Morgantown, WV

This one is the shortest trail in this list (only 0.1 mile), but it’s still challenging. First you have to find it. Rangers and most maps don’t seem to know about it. If you go to the campground restroom, the map in front has a description on how to get to it. The view is amazing at the end and realizing not many people take this path makes it even more exciting.

7. El Malpais National Monument – Grants, NM

This hike is quite a challenge. Not because of elevation changes, but trying to find the cairns to follow the trail. We got a bit lost when we hiked it. The trail is along volcanic lava flow (well, basalt now). You have to jump over cracks and watch your footing the whole time. It’s a special hike.

6. Linville Falls – NC

This trail is tough. It’s difficult to go down to the falls. It is more difficult in the climb up. Grab roots and trees to crawl over the rocks. It’s both the challenge and the view that makes it worth it.

5. Enchanted Natural Area – Fredericksburg, TX

The main trail at Enchanted Rock is a short hike (0.6) but it is to the top of a 425 foot granite exfoliation dome. The views while climbing and at the top are gorgeous. Flowers hide in cracks along the way. The last time we were here we accidently got off-trail, but it provided a bit of a challenge and we found the trail fairly quickly. Stone Mountain is also pretty good but with too many people.

 4. Tucson Mountain Park - Tucson, AZ

This hike started for us from our RV park. We crossed several parking lots along the road, so there are other ways to begin the hike. There are miles of hiking trails in the Tucson area taking you through the desert. We found an old mine. We saw remnants of equipment used in mining. We tried to identify the different cactus and flowers and saw road runners and jack rabbits.

3. Lost Mine Trail - Big Bend National Park - TX

Big Bend is listed as one of the best national parks but the Lost Mine Trail deserves a second listing. There are legends involving silver and spirits. The hike is beyond spectacular. What incredible views!

2. Devil’s Hall Trail - Guadalupe Mountains National Park – TX

This trail is spectacular, especially with fall colors in November. It’s a river wash filled with white boulders that you have to jump between. Mountains are in the background. The end of the trail is Hiker’s Staircase and Devil’s Hall but enjoy the trip, not the destination.

1. Siphon Draw Trail - Superstition Mountain - Lost Dutchman State Park – Apache Junction, AZ

This trail is our challenge. We climbed much of this amazing trail but ran out of water and energy before the last section. We were told you need to start early in the morning with plenty of water (1 gallon each). We plan to return and make it next time. We climbed this in February and were still dehydrated before reaching the top. Don’t expect to find the Lost Mine, but the views are amazing.