15 Hikes with Scenic Water Views
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11. Starved Rock & Sandstone trail at Starved Rock State Park
Location: Oglesby, Illinois
Starved Rock is the natural oasis of Illinois – the best place to hike, horseback ride, bike, birdwatch, and enjoy nature. If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Chicago or the suburbs for a few hours, Starved Rock is a great place to do so. The park is most well known for its’ 18 canyons which feature walls of moss covered St. Peter sandstone. The sandstone was formed via glacial meltwaters that cut through the sandstone. During the rainy spring season, you will be able to see up to 14 waterfalls in the canyons. With 13 miles of trails, you can make hiking at Starved Rock an hour or all day adventure. Start with the 4.5 mile Starved Rock and Sandstone Point trail featuring gorgeous views of the Illinois River.
12. Watchman Trail at Zion National Park
Location: Springdale, Utah
Utah is home to several incredible national parks. Zion, which translates into “place of Peace” in Hebrew is one of the standouts. Featuring miles of incredible hiking trails, scenic drives, and biking paths with views of towering red rocks and the Virgin River, Zion truly is a perfect vacation destination for photographers and nature lovers. Early summer is the best time to plan your visit as the temps are comfortable and free shuttles are running. Start off with a moderate hike along the Watchman trail, a 3 mile RT adventure featuring a moderate 400 feet in elevation gain. Great views of the Watchman sandstone mountain (summit 6545 ft), the Virgin River, and Zion Valley along the route.
Another great beginners trail which starts from the visitor’s center is the Pa’Rus trail (also great for biking), a 3 mile gem featuring enchanting views of the red/white rock formations and river.
The top trails to check out at Zion
13. South Kaibab trail at Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Northern Arizona
Enjoy a Grand Canyon adventure of a lifetime with a hike along the mesmerizing South Kaibab trail. This breathtaking hike takes you on a picturesque & exciting journey through the heart of the canyon with fabulous views throughout. While most visitors simply view the canyon via the many overlooks, hiking the canyon is a magnificent adventure worth putting on your bucket list, even moreso if you are a photographer or avid hiker. There are many different stopping points, so this is a great one for all skill levels. Although steep and quite difficult, the trek to Skeleton Point rewards with a fabulous viewpoint of the Colorado river at the end. This trail is quiet, peaceful, and one of the most scenic in Northern Arizona (no small feat in an area loaded with natural beauty!). For those looking to take it easier on vacation (understandably!) consider a guided mule tour.
Check out my full guide to exploring the Canyon
14. Boardwalk trail Weedon Island Preserve
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Escape the hustle and bustle of St. Pete beach crowds in favor of a relaxing hike at this quaint St. Pete preserve. This gem truly is a natural oasis is a bustling tourist area. Here you will be able to explore local plant life which includes red mangroves, black mangroves, and white mangroves. Other ecosystems include pine flatwoods and xeric hammocks. Small mammals often make appearances including the armadillo and gopher tortoise – I’ve seen more wildlife here than anywhere else near the beach. You may seen an alligator or 2 and birdwatching is always exciting. Climb the 45 foot observation tower for a breathtaking view of the preserve and Tampa Bay.
15. Watson Lake Loop
Location: Prescott, Arizona
Watson is the largest lake of 3 incredible bodies of water in Prescott, a charming small city located just 2 hours north of Phoenix. Prescott enjoys a mild 4 season climate, meaning it is a great escape for desert dwellers during the hot spring and summer months. The lake is open all year for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The ~5 mile Watson Lake Loop is a scenic course offering excellent views of both the lake and the Granite dells. These stunning 1400 million year old rock formations really jut out dramatically amongst the lake scenery. If you are up for a long cardio workout, connect to the Peavine trail, a gorgeous 6 mile path which follows the former route of the Santa Fe Railway. After a great workout, check out local restaurants, historic Whiskey Row, and boutique shops in downtown Prescott.
See more pics from the amazing Peavine trail
