10 Scenic Hikes Where the Summit Views Are the Reward
Sometimes, the real payoff of a hike isn’t the trail, it’s the breathtaking view from the top. Whether it’s a panoramic mountain vista, a pristine lake below, or a sweeping desert horizon, these summit hikes across the U.S. deliver unforgettable scenery for those willing to climb. Each one offers not just a great workout, but a visual reward that makes every step worthwhile. Here are ten hikes where the view from the top is the main attraction.
Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
Angel’s Landing is famous for a reason. This 5.4-mile round-trip trail tests your nerves with narrow ridgelines and steep drop-offs, but the reward is a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of Zion Canyon. For experienced hikers unafraid of heights, the final push is exhilarating. The contrast between red rock cliffs and the green valley below makes the effort entirely worthwhile. You’ll remember the summit, and the thrill, for years to come.
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome isn’t just a hike, it’s a rite of passage. This 14- to 16-mile round-trip journey includes cables to pull yourself up the final granite face. It’s a demanding day hike, but the summit offers a stunning panorama of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Falls, and the Sierra Nevada range. The sense of achievement at the top rivals the breathtaking views. Permits are required, but the experience is one of a kind.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire
The highest peak in the Northeastern U.S., Mount Washington is known for unpredictable weather and tough terrain. The 8.4-mile round-trip via the Tuckerman Ravine Trail leads to commanding views of the Presidential Range and beyond. The summit reveals a rocky expanse with vistas that stretch into Maine and Vermont. It’s a challenging climb, but the payoff is an unforgettable New England landscape that feels like the top of the world.
Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine
Cadillac Mountain offers one of the first glimpses of sunrise in the U.S., and the summit is accessible by several hiking routes. The South Ridge Trail, about 7.1 miles round-trip, provides a moderate challenge. At the top, you’ll take in the Atlantic coastline, dotted with islands and rocky cliffs. Whether you reach it at sunrise or midday, the views are sweeping and serene, perfect for lovers of ocean-meets-mountain scenery.
Mount LeConte, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Mount LeConte’s 11-mile round-trip Alum Cave Trail offers an enchanting forest journey, but the summit is where the magic truly unfolds. Views from Cliff Tops stretch over the rolling hills of the Smokies, often shrouded in a gentle mist. The hike includes unique features like Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs. It’s a rewarding challenge with a peaceful summit that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park, Montana
This 10.6-mile round-trip trail combines alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and ultimately, an awe-inspiring view of Grinnell Glacier. The elevation gain is steady, but the views keep getting better. At the top, the glacier and surrounding peaks make for a breathtaking reward. Wildlife sightings are common, and the pristine surroundings make this one of the park’s most memorable summit experiences. Bring water, layers, and a camera, you’ll want both.
Humpback Rocks, Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Short but steep, the 2-mile round-trip hike to Humpback Rocks delivers more than its length suggests. The summit opens up to a sweeping view of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the patchwork of rural Virginia. Especially stunning in fall, this quick climb packs a scenic punch. It’s a favorite among locals for good reason, a quick escape into nature with a view that lingers in your memory.
Mount Mitchell, North Carolina
The highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell offers summit views unlike any other in the Appalachians. The trail from Black Mountain Campground is 11.4 miles round-trip and steep, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll hike through lush forest before reaching the observation deck at 6,684 feet. From there, enjoy panoramic views of Pisgah National Forest and distant ridges layered in blue haze. It’s a quiet triumph.
Mount Fremont Lookout, Washington
This 5.6-mile round-trip trail leads to a historic fire lookout with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. The path winds through alpine meadows and rugged ridgelines, ending at the lookout perched high above the tree line. On clear days, you can see Rainier towering over the landscape, along with distant views of Mount Adams and Mount Baker. The summit feels remote yet accessible, offering one of the park’s most stunning, peaceful vistas.
Mauna Kea Summit Trail, Big Island, Hawaii
Rising over 13,800 feet above sea level, the Mauna Kea Summit Trail is a high-altitude adventure offering otherworldly views. Though steep and challenging, the reward is staggering: a view that stretches across the island and into the Pacific Ocean, with cloud cover far below. On clear days, hikers may see Maui’s Haleakalā. Sunsets here are spectacular, and stargazing at the summit is world-class.
