The 10 best solo hiking trips in the US for female travelers

Whether you’re a seasoned solo female traveler, or you’re new to the experience (welcome!), a solo hiking trip could be the perfect accompaniment to your travel itinerary. Along with all the health benefits of hiking, trailing through a national park is a great way to take in some of America’s most stunning scenery.

Not only this but if you’re a TrustedHousesitters member who happens to be dog sitting near one of these amazing areas, you can take your new furry friend with you! What better way to bond with your new pup pal than a hike through some of the US’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty? But where to go?

Don’t worry, we’ve done some of the leg work for you. So, pack your trusty backpack with all the necessary travel gadgets and walking gear you’ll need, here are 10 of the best solo hiking trips in the US!

1. Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

We’ll start in the Northwest, with one of Equality State’s gorgeous Grand Teton National Park. Whilst not the easiest solo hiking trip on our list, it is still a great spot for hiking alone. At a total of 48 miles long, this trail offers views of mountain lakes and rocky hills as it meanders around the three Teton peaks. Be sure to check the weather before you leave home or set off, being a high-altitude climb will mean a greater chance of running into an unexpected storm. This solo hiking vacation can be done in segments, or over six days in its entirety.

2. Springer Mountain, Georgia

If you have a soft spot for the Deep South, you cannot miss out on the magnificent Chattahoochee National Park Forest. The Springer Mountain trail is a perfect solo hiking trip for walkers who love to be amongst the trees. As well as being a popular nature trail, you will also find openings along the way to gaze across the Blue Ridge Mountain range.

For those looking for a more relaxed hike, there are options to do 2-mile walks or a 3-mile loop route. Otherwise, if you’re seeking a longer hike, the full trail is 15.6 miles and is part of the famous Appalachian Trail Approach Trail. 

3. Yosemite National Park, California

Speaking of famous trails, Yosemite National Park is a must for solo hiking as a woman. Arguably one of America’s most popular trails, Yosemite is loved by travelers from around the globe, as well as by folks in the US. Because of the size of this national park, it caters to all levels of hikers and explorers, with plenty of options for camping. Dog sitting an equally energetic, nature-loving pup? Yosemite’s official website has a wide range of recommended trails and treks and recommends which are the most dog-friendly.

4. Waimea Canyon, Hawaii

For some, a solo hiking trip might be the last thing on your list to do in Hawaii. However, we think you should at least check out the Waimea Canyon, particularly for those traveling or hiking alone. 

Located on the southwest of the island of Kauaʻi in Waimea, this national park has been nicknamed ‘The Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. There are a variety of trails to take - 14 miles of rugged scenery can be done on an easy beginner trail, or a longer hike with camping for those looking for a more challenging adventure.

5. Lake Katherine, Pecos Wilderness, Santa Fe, New Mexico

When someone says New Mexico, it’s easy to think of wide flat deserts similar to Utah. Well, the trail along Lake Katherine throws those ideas of the Land of Enchantment out the window! Surrounded by an impressive evergreen forest, the 18.2-mile trail could trick you into thinking you were in Oregon. Although considered a relatively tough walk, for those hiking alone as a woman it’s a safe and regulated trail.

To make things even better, this is a dog-friendly route with much of the trail allowing pups to be off-leash. Lakes, trees, and no leashes, you can’t beat that!

6. Primitive Loop Trail, Utah

The Delicate Arches on the Primitive Loop Trail is an excellent way to see the incredible sandstone structures of Utah’s Arches National Park. You may start this trail in the Devil’s Garden, but it’s a whole lot more friendlier than the name suggests!

The loop is about 7.9 miles altogether, but parts of it can be done in less than 2 miles without missing out on any of the crazy rock formations. Be sure to pack and prepare for hot temperatures with limited shade as you won’t find any oases in these parts!

7. Lost Lake Trail, Seward, Alaska

We couldn’t mention solo hiking trips without including somewhere in Alaska on the list! Located on the South coast of The Last Frontier state, the Lost Lake Trail is a solo hiker's dream - regularly monitored yet quiet, bursting with nature and bird watching, and can be done over one or two days. Hikes range from 3 miles to the full 15 miles and it makes for a great dog walking trail too!

8. Cadillac North Ridge Trail, Maine

The Cadillac North Ridge Trail may be the shortest on our list at 4.4 miles in total, but it still packs a punch in the beauty department! Maine is already known for its gorgeous deciduous forests offering a variety of colors throughout the year, and this trail embraces this to the max. With a few tough climbs up step granite rock, it’s worth breaking a sweat to look over the Pine Tree State in all its glory! 

9. Timberline Trail, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

There are almost too many solo hiking trips to recommend in Oregon alone, however as we can only pick one, we suggest you try the Timberline Trail. At a staggering 40 miles in length, this incredible walk circles around the dominating Mount Hood whilst offering a view of other mountain ranges, including the infamous Mount St Helen.

Although parts of this trail can done in short bits, as longer hikes go, this is certainly more for those who are well-seasoned for solo hiking trips.

10. Big Bend National Park, Texas

If you’re an experienced female solo hiker and you know how to handle the heat, then the Big Ben National Park could become your Texan Everest. Not literally, of course, it’s no way near as high or treacherous. However, it is debatably equally as unique and beautiful in its own right. 

The Big Bend National Park covers the most naturally protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert (trust us when we say we didn’t pick this trail on the desert name alone). It covers 800,000 acres of national park with a variety of terrains - rivers, mountains, deserts, you name it!

For those who can brave the cold nights and camping, this is one of the best places in Texas to see the stars. Just remember to be prepared and pack appropriately - this ain’t for the faint-hearted!

Useful resources

• 8 dog cafes in NYC (that actually allow dogs inside)
• The most dog-friendly cities in the world
• Dog-friendly San Francisco CA: things to do in SF with a dog