Some of these might take planning since they require a permit, but it's well worth the effort. The views are so unique and they'll be engrained in your mind forever. These trails will not only challenge you (in a good way), but will also give you a sense of accomplishment and a renewed connection to nature

Death Valley: Telescope Peak

There aren’t a ton of established trails, but of those, towering Telescope Peak is one of the toughest. Looming some 11,000 feet above Badwater Basin — the lowest point in North America — Telescope is reachable by a challenging 13 mile trail that kicks off at over 8000 feet.

Grand Canyon: Havasu Falls

While technically just outside the borders of Grand Canyon National Park, Havasu Canyon is nearly surrounded by the park and is just a short hike from the Grand Canyon itself. Getting a permit to hike in Havasu Canyon is an adventure in and of itself — but all the effort is well worth it. This unforgettable trek takes you nearly 28 miles into a spellbinding red rock canyon laced with otherworldly turquoise waters and emerald trees. The waters form a series of iconic cascades inside the Canyon, begging hikers to wade in to cool off.

Zion: The Subway

Zion National Park is not a place short on beauty or breathtaking scenery, but one of the landmark “you gotta do this one” hikes that everyone will ask you if you’ve done when you say you’ve visited is the Subway. This watery, thrilling 9 miles takes you deep into the upper reaches of Zion Canyon. The nearly perfect tube section known as the Subway is one of those bucket list places.

Joshua Tree: Queen Mountain

If you’re not in the mood to fight crowds or deal with permits, our next two adventurous trails should be right up your alley. In the northern reaches of Joshua Tree’s backcountry, Queen Mountain looms over the terrain without an established trail. What this route lacks in distance it makes up for with rugged scrambles and sweltering midday heat, so get going early and absolutely do not attempt this trail without copious amounts of water, a detailed map, and a compass.

Canyonlands: Syncline Loop

To date, this remains one the toughest trails we’ve ever done. Basically at the end of the one road in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky District, the Syncline Loop Trail is a partially maintained 10.5 mile loop that drops you into the canyon’s floor through unbelievable canyon country scenery and riparian corridors, then inside a massive upheaval dome that is either the result of a meteor impact or a giant chunk of salt that’s slowly pushing the landscape up and outward — scientists aren’t totally sure yet. Then you’ll climb up and over a rockslide, scrambling and squeezing your way upward, and emerge exhausted, exhilarated, and with a great story to tell.

Have you attempted any of these trails? Are there any others that should be added to the hiking list this summer?

Article and Photo Source: Modern Hiker