6. Clingmans Dome

Gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains from the Clingman's Dome hike

As one of America’s most beautiful parks, the Smokies are a must visit for any nature lovers out there. Most notably, the Smokies are one of the top places in the US to see a black bear roaming about in its’ natural habitat. Chances are you will see a black bear at some point during your trip. Due to the easy accessibility from so many southern cities, it’s no surprise that most trails are always loaded with people. In fact, parking is often a real hassle. Despite the crowds, hiking the Smokies is always an adventure.

Clingmans Dome is one gorgeous trail to consider despite the heavy foot traffic. If beautiful mountain view are what you are after, the hike to Clingmans Dome is about as good as it gets. At 6643 feet, Clingmans is the highest point in the state, and 3rd highest east of the Mississippi. The drive over from Gatlinburg is beautiful in and of itself. The half mile trek to the overlook is steep and scenic. Once you arrive, you will get to gaze upon the lovely mountain views before completing the relaxing downward trek back.

7. Brins Mesa trail

Amazing overlook of the red rocks along the Brins Mesa trail in Sedona, Arizona
  • Trail length & difficulty: 1.5 miles out-and-back, Moderate
  • Nearby vacation destination: Sedona, Arizona
  • Where to stay: The Inn Above Oak Creek
  • What to do in the vicinity: Explore the shops, galleries, & restaurants of Uptown Sedona.

Brins Mesa is one incredible trail to put high on your Sedona to-do list. As one of Sedona’s easier and most beautiful trails, Brins Mesa is an easy addition to any hiker’s bucket list. Views of the tremendous red rocks seem to go on forever on this trail. Lots of great wide open picture-perfect vistas of Sedona’s unusual red rock formations can be enjoyed via this trail. The hike is about 3 miles in total, with the option to connect with the equally scenic Soldiers Pass trail for a 5 mile loop.

This one is fairly crowded during the busy summer season. Also, while the red rock views are beyond amazing, this one does not offer much shade. And thus, this trail is better suited for the cooler/less crowded fall and winter season. You can really relax on this one during the off season as you admire the enchanting scenery in an isolated setting. As you gaze out upon the otherworldly rock formations, it’s easy to let all your cares drift away.

8. Dripping Springs Trail

Incredible views of the Organ mountains via the Dripping Springs trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • Trail length & Difficulty: 1.5 miles out-and-back, Moderate
  • Nearby vacation destination: Las Cruces, New Mexico
  • Where to stay: Hotel Encato de Las Cruces
  • What to do in the vicinity: Explore the Zuhl museum (spotlighting petrified wood), Visit White Sands National Monument

The 9000+ foot Organ mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the lovely high altitude Southwestern town of Las Cruces. The mountains were named as so for their spires which resemble organ pipes. Although there are lots of awe-inspiring sights in this area, nothing compares to Dripping Springs Natural area. This hiking oasis offers incredible vistas of these mountains, plus the opportunity to observe rare desert plants & wildlife. As you leisurely complete this 1.5 mile trail, you will be surrounded by diverse desert vegetation which includes oak woodlands, pinon-juniper, and desert scrub.

Desert mule deer and coyote are often sighted, and on the rare occasion hikers have observed a mountain lion in the distance! The mountain scenery is just fabulous throughout. Really you do not get to see views like this all too often. On an interesting historical note, an old sanitorium is located near the end of the trail. In the late 19th century, tuberculosis patients were often sent to high altitude areas to treat this devastating lung disease. Like many historical areas with a sad backstory, ghosts are said to frequent this area.

9. Nate Avery trail

Gorgeous views of the San Francisco Peaks from the Nate Avery loop at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Trail length & Difficulty: 2 mile loop, Easy (moderate if you are not adjusted to the altitude)
  • Nearby vacation destination: Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Where to stay: Monte Vista Hotel
  • What to do in the vicinity: Grab lunch at Salsa Brava, an amazing local Mexican restaurant featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives

Flagstaff’s favorite recreational hotspot features a wide expanse of open space with an attractive mountain backdrop. The Nate Avery trail, also known as the Buffalo Park loop, is a beautiful 2 mile long trail which meanders around the ancient McMillan Mesa lava flow. While living in Flagstaff for over 2 years, this was my go-to trail for spring and summer hiking and winter snowshoeing.

From here, wonderful wide open views of Mt Elden and the San Francisco Peaks create a picture-perfect setting. While the views are not as stunning as those found at Slate Mountain, this hike is easy and enjoyable, not to mention conveniently located within the city limits. This trail is great anytime of the year. Cross country skiing is a blast with the 100+ inches of snow the city sees each season, while bike riding and hiking amongst the summer wildflowers & lush greenery really cannot be beat.

10. Eagle’s Nest Loop at Red Rock State Park

Beautiful scenery at Red Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona
  • Trail length & difficulty: 2 mile loop, Easy
  • Nearby vacation destination: Sedona, Arizona
  • Where to stay: The Inn Above Oak Creek
  • What to do in the vicinity: Take a look at this list of my Sedona visitor guide

Red Rock State Park is an amazing place to begin your Sedona adventure. This park is home to a great visitors center, numerous nature programs, and most importantly, an abundance of easy trails for the beginner. The Eagle’s Nest Loop trail is short on the distance, but definitely not short on the views. The red rock scenery vistas via this simple trail rivals the best in the entire area. Best of all, the park never gets too crowded as most tourists head to more popular destinations like Devil’s Bridge and Little Horse.

It would be a mistake to pass up on the beauty of this well-maintained park. While you are here consider signing up for one of their guided nature or birdwatching hikes. You will get to enjoy the scenery while also learning more about the local habitat. The Eagle’s Nest trail is a great choice for first time visitors: it’s big on the views without being too tough.