The Top 10 Best States for Hiking in 2026
Some states make it easy to fall in love with hiking. They have the trails, the views, the weather, and the wide-open spaces that turn a simple walk outside into a full-blown adventure.
From desert canyons and mountain passes to forested lake paths and some of the most stunning scenery in the country, these destinations show just how much beauty there is to explore on foot. Add supportive footwear, and those scenic miles can feel even more inviting.
Ready to see which states made the climb to the top? These 10 destinations are packed with breathtaking hikes, big views, and plenty of reasons to keep going.
Ranking the Best U.S. States for Hiking
To spotlight the best of the best, we scored every state using five metrics that matter to hikers, from trail count and rating to park access.
When the scores came in, these 10 states led the way with scenic variety, adventure-ready landscapes, and trails worth adding to your must-hike list.
| Rank | State | Avg Trail Rating | # of Trails | # of Nat. Parks | # of State Parks | Precipitation (yearly inches) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 4.4 | 16,554 | 9 | 139 | 22.2 | 90.5 |
| 2 | Colorado | 4.4 | 6,077 | 4 | 43 | 15.9 | 83.9 |
| 3 | Arizona | 4.5 | 3,570 | 3 | 29 | 13.6 | 82.8 |
| 4 | Utah | 4.4 | 3,612 | 5 | 42 | 12.2 | 81.7 |
| 5 | Texas | 4.4 | 3,450 | 2 | 76 | 28.9 | 79.4 |
| 6 | Michigan | 4.4 | 2,732 | 1 | 77 | 32.8 | 72.4 |
| 7 | Washington | 4.3 | 5,613 | 3 | 142 | 38.4 | 72.0 |
| 8 | Montana | 4.4 | 1,655 | 2 | 46 | 15.3 | 68.8 |
| 9 | Minnesota | 4.4 | 1,744 | 1 | 65 | 27.3 | 67.3 |
| 10 | New Mexico | 4.4 | 1,726 | 2 | 35 | 14.6 | 67.0 |
1. California
- Hiking Trails: 16,554
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 280
- Number of National Parks: 9
Back at number one, California continues to set the pace for hikers who want variety without limits. One weekend can mean redwood forests and ocean views, while the next brings desert blooms or granite peaks. With the most national parks in the top 10, adventure feels almost endless here.
2. Colorado
- Hiking Trails: 6,077
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 43
- Number of National Parks: 4
At number two again, Colorado continues to deliver for hikers in a big way. Its drier climate, mountain terrain, and strong trail network create plenty of opportunities to get outside to chase stunning summit views or peaceful paths through the pines.
3. Arizona
- Hiking Trails: 3,570
- Average Trail Rating: 4.5
- Number of State Parks: 29
- Number of National Parks: 3
With the highest average trail rating among the top 10 states, Arizona clearly knows how to impress hikers. Its dry climate and dramatic landscapes make it a standout for desert adventures, especially for anyone who loves red rock routes, cactus-lined paths, and sunsets that deserve their own applause.
4. Utah
- Hiking Trails: 3,612
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 42
- Number of National Parks: 5
With the lowest annual precipitation on our list, Utah makes a strong case for hikers who like clear skies and jaw-dropping views. Its trails wind through red rock canyons, slickrock paths, and rugged desert landscapes that feel almost too stunning to be real.
5. Texas
- Hiking Trails: 3,450
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 76
- Number of National Parks: 2
From the Hill Country to the Chihuahuan Desert, Texas gives hikers plenty of ways to stretch their legs and soak up the scenery. Its strong park access helps balance a wetter climate than some Southwestern states, making it a surprisingly versatile destination for outdoor adventure.
6. Michigan
- Hiking Trails: 2,732
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 77
- Number of National Parks: 1
Michigan proves great hiking does not have to mean towering peaks. This state shines with Great Lakes views, wooded paths, sandy dunes, and peaceful park trails. Its higher precipitation helps keep things lush, making every hike feel fresh, green, and deeply connected to nature.
7. Washington
- Hiking Trails: 5,613
- Average Trail Rating: 4.3
- Number of State Parks: 142
- Number of National Parks: 3
Washington has the highest annual precipitation in this year’s top 10, but it more than makes up for it with the most state parks on the list. All that rain helps fuel the state’s misty forests, rushing waterfalls, mountain trails, and moody views that hikers love.
8. Montana
- Hiking Trails: 1,655
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 46
- Number of National Parks: 2
Montana is made for hikers who like their trails with a little solitude and a lot of scenery. Its glacier-carved valleys, mountain lakes, and sweeping ridgelines offer a wilder kind of adventure. Lower annual precipitation also helps make trail days feel more inviting.
9. Minnesota
- Hiking Trails: 1,744
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 65
- Number of National Parks: 1
Minnesota proves that a great hiking state can be quiet, scenic, and full of surprises. Its trails wind past lakes, waterfalls, forests, and rugged North Shore views, offering plenty of variety without the desert heat or high-altitude climb. Think fresh air and lots of room to wander!
10. New Mexico
- Hiking Trails: 1,726
- Average Trail Rating: 4.4
- Number of State Parks: 35
- Number of National Parks: 2
New Mexico rounds out the top 10 with dry weather, striking desert scenery, and trails that feel rich with color and character. Hikers can explore mesas, mountains, canyons, and high-desert paths, all with plenty of sunshine lighting the way.
Comparison to Last Year’s Rankings
California and Colorado are still the states to beat, holding onto the top two spots for the second year in a row. With expansive trail networks, standout scenery, and strong park access, both continue to deliver the kind of hiking experiences outdoor lovers dream about.
Arizona climbed from #4 to #3 this year, overtaking Utah, which slipped slightly from #3 to #4. Even with the shift, Utah remains firmly in the top tier thanks to its dry climate, iconic national parks, and unforgettable red rock trails.
Texas made one of the biggest moves, jumping from #9 in 2025 to #5 in 2026. Michigan made the biggest debut, entering at #6 after missing last year’s top 10, largely to its strong mix of hiking trails and state parks.
Minnesota and New Mexico also joined the 2026 rankings, while Oregon, New York, North Carolina, and Alaska dropped out. Overall, western states continue to lead the way, with seven of the top 10 located in the West or Southwest.
Final Thoughts
The best hiking states do more than offer pretty views. They make it easy to step outside, settle into the scenery, and remember just how good it feels to move through nature. Our list highlights the places that do that especially well.
For locals, that means adventure may be closer than you think. For travelers, these states are ready to turn your next trip into a trail-filled escape.
Methodology and Sources
Methodology
To find the best states for hiking in the U.S., we analyzed all 50 states using a data-driven scoring system across five key metrics. Each metric was weighted according to its contribution to a great hiking experience, and the results were combined into a final score out of 100.
Our framework balanced trail quality, trail availability, park access, and hiking-friendly weather. Here’s how each metric was weighted:
- Average Trail Rating (30 points): Reflects the overall quality and enjoyment of each state’s hiking experiences, based on user ratings from AllTrails
- Number of Hiking Trails (25 points): Measures the variety and availability of trails across the state
- Number of National Parks (20 points): Highlights access to iconic, protected hiking destinations
- Number of State Parks (15 points): Captures local trail access and regional opportunities to get outdoors
- Average Annual Precipitation (10 points): Drier climates scored higher, pointing to more consistent, year-round hiking opportunities
*Hawaii was excluded from this year’s rankings due to insufficient data from our primary source, AllTrails.
Sources
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