Subset’s Favorite Hiking Locations (We’ve Actually Been To)

Chuck -Lunch CreekGlacier National Park, MontanaLength: 2 Miles to Summit Though technically it is not an official trail, Lunch Creek was one of my favorite last minute hiking locations. After failing to find available parking at any of the more common GNP trail-heads, we were able to find a spot just East of Logan Pass next to a tiny obscured sign reading "Lunch Creek". The two mile hike will bring you up 2,800 feet in elevation through thick trees, flat rock and mini waterfalls, culminating at the Piegan and Pollock Saddle where one can find some great climbing (if one into that kind of thing). If not, it's a perfect short scenic hike to reward yourself with a little lunch (imagine that) at the base of a majestic mountain waterfall. 10/10 would recommend as the best place in the USA to sit and eat a bologna sandwich. Jake - Mount AeneasBigfork, MontanaLength: 6.2 miles round-tripNestled in the Jewel Basin of the Swan Mountain range in northwest Montana Mount Aeneas is a demanding 6.2-mile out and back hike with 1,781 ft of elevation gain. The route reaches a rocky-ridge summit above the treeline that is often occupied by mountain goats. From the summit you are rewarded with view of stunning mountain vistas and alpine lakes.  Madison-The NarrowsZion National ParkLength: 5-9.4 miles round-trip  Incredible red rock formations, sure to wow even the most experienced hiker. Accompanied by crystal clear water that is the perfect way to cool down from the intense sun. Hiking in this beautiful canyon showcases some of the amazing beauty our world has to offer.  Hyleh-Lighthouse TrailPalo Duro State ParkLength: 6 miles round tripDifficulty: Easy Peasy Lemon SqueezyPalo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States and perfectly encapsulates the rocky, red dirt landscape of West Texas. The orange and red layers of the canyon walls wrap all the way around, making the drive alone worth it. The Lighthouse Trail is the most popular trail in the park and is a very easy, flat hike for the majority of the hike. Once you reach the Lighthouse, you can scale to the top for breathtaking views of the rock formations Palo Duro has to offer.  Grand CanyonOoh Ahh Point + a mile or soLength: About 3 miles totalDifficulty: Going down, easy! But going back up…  The Grand Canyon is the largest canyon in the U.S. and is something everyone should experience. The hike down is steep but doable. Things can get weird when you find yourself sharing a 4 foot wide trail with a few donkeys and no handrails, but it’s part of the experience. The hike back up is where the difficulty level peaks, but it is truly worth it. Make sure to take a lot of water and a lot of pictures!