In a previous blog post, I wrote about some of the best hikes located on the east coast of the United States. In this post, I’ll be going over some of the best hikes on the west coast of the country. The west coast is home to not only some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country but the entire world. From stunning mountains in Yosemite to the towering trees of the Redwoods to the Pacific coast, here are some of the best hikes on the west coast.
Hidden Valley Trail – California
If you’re looking for a simpler hike that anyone in the family can enjoy, look no further than the Hidden Valley Trail at Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll get to not only enjoy the awesome boulder formations and arid landscape of this desert canyon but also be able to learn about the history of the area via the various plaques littered throughout the trail. You can even learn about homesteader Bill Keys, and how he opened up the land in the area so his cattle would have a place to graze.
East Anacapa Island Trail – California
If you’re a lover of the ocean, you’ve just got to take this hike. It starts by taking a fairy to the island itself, and then immediately has you climb stairs up a cliff in order to get to Anacapa Island’s flat, figure-eight hike. The entire hike features a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, which means you’ll have stunning views as you learn about the island’s history through a self-guided tour. There are also other great sites to see during the hike, such as the island’s lighthouse, and the bluffs at Pinniped Point and Cathedral Cove.
Freeman Homestead Nature Trail – Arizona
This trail is located in Saguaro National Park, which was established as a national monument way back in 1933 in order to protect the park’s massive cacti that only grow in that area. If you want to check out these extremely rare plants, you’ve just got to check out this hike. While a rather easy hike overall, it’s littered with incredible plants and wildlife, as well as signs that will teach you more about everything you might find during your hike.