Our Favorite Hikes In The US
We love exploring the outdoors! It’s not just a good time, it’s good for us.
The combination of physical exercise in nature has been shown to improve health markers, support mental wellbeing, improve sleep and strengthen relationships.
Our melin Fam shared some of their favorite hikes to compile this list of top hikes in the US so you can explore some new places this year.
Shop The Khaki HYDRO Collection Here
Beginner, Short, and Family friendly hikes:
Torrey Pines Beach Trail - California (Michele, Office Manager)
This 2.3 miles loop with 357 feet of elevation gain near Del Mar, California is a favorite of the internal team at melin. Considered a moderately challenging hike, it takes about an hour to complete. Open year-round, this trail features extensive ocean views and is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so expect crowds. Leave your dogs at home - pets aren’t allowed on this trail. More here.
Pillbox - Hawaii (Kam, Videographer) (hike from photoshoot)
A short 0.7 mile out-and-back trail near Kailua, Oahu, this moderately challenging route gains 226 feet of elevation. It takes about 25-30 minutes to complete and is open year-round. Due to the relative ease and incredible photo opportunities, you’ll find plenty of company on this trail. More here.
Kaaterskill Falls - New York (Travis, Community Manager)
This quick 1.6 mile out-and-back hike that gains 396 feet of elevation near Haines Falls, New York provides great photo ops and breathtaking waterfall views. It takes just under 1 hour to complete and is very popular, so expect to encounter other hikers. You can visit March through November are dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. More here.
Moderate length and difficulty hikes
Trail of 10 Falls - Oregon (Lauren, Marketing Specialist)
This 7.4 mile loop near Mehama, Oregon gains 1,181 feet of elevation and is generally rated a moderately challenging hike that takes an average of 3.5 hours to complete. It features waterfalls, caves and is listed as “kid-friendly”. The best times to hike this popular trail (expect to encounter other hikers) are May through October. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. More here.
Emerald Lake Trail - Colorado (Ally, Sales Manager)
You can find this 3.2 mile out-and-back hike in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado. This moderate trek takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete and gain 702 feet of elevation. This hike is very popular, as it features beautiful views of crystal clear alpine lakes and incredible mountain views. It is a very popular trail and is open year-round for people, but dogs are not allowed. More here.
Harder Hikes - Steep terrain, long distances, half to full day excursions
Angels Landing - Utah/Zion (Matt, Sr. Marketing Manager)
This 4.3 mile out-and-back hike in Zion National Park gains 1,827 feet of elevation and is considered a hard/challenging route and should only be attempted by experienced adventurers. There will be some rock scrambling, wildflowers (depending on time of year) and amazing views. Expect to encounter other hikers on this popular trail. The best times to visit are March through October. No dogs allowed on this trail. More here.
Old Rag - Virginia (Ryan, Digital Strategy)
Often overshadowed by some of Virginia’s better known hikes along the Appalachian Trail, this 9.3 mile loop in Shenandoah National Park is favorite of locals and through hikers alike. It gains 2,595 feet of elevation and provides stunning panoramic views of the Park at the summit. The trail is rated hard, as it contains some serious boulder scrambling in addition to the elevation gains. The best times to hike Old Rag are April to November, and no dogs are allowed. It is often busy, but not overly crowded. More here.
Halfdome - California/Yosemite (Andrew, Digital Designer)
This 6.9 mile out-and-back hike in Yosemite National Park gains 2,667 feet and features incredible views of Yosemite’s most iconic landscapes. Generally rated as hard/challenging, this hike takes around 5 hours to complete and should only be attempted by experienced adventurers. This route is popular among backpackers and rock climbers, so expect to encounter other people, but no dogs - dogs are not allowed on this trail. The best times to hike the Half Dome Trail are May through October. More here.