5 Treks, 10 Days Or Less: North America, Part One

From the Arctic reaches of Zenith Point, Canada to tropical Punta Mariato, Panama, North America’s terrain promises to keep serious trekkers occupied for decades. Consider this our shot at a “Life List,” a sample of North America’s must-hike trails. Grab your pack and explore the Continent’s most astounding natural beauty.

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim 

Location: Arizona, USA Miles Traveled: 44 miles Highest Point: 8,803 ft. Difficulty: High

Simply gazing at the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the natural world, inspires awe. Go deeper on the famous Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trek, a challenging route leading hikers across both majestic rims above the Colorado River. While beauty abounds in this geologic wonderland, beginners beware: you’ll encounter over 20,000 feet of elevation change, the equivalent of climbing Alaska’s Denali from sea level.

Best For: Advanced hikers who minor in geologic minutia.

The Yosemite Grand Traverse

Location: California, USA Miles Traveled: 60 miles Highest Point: 12,000 ft. Difficulty: Moderate

Tour the Sierra on this breathtaking traverse through Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. Along with diverse scenery, you’ll be privy to startling views of the Minarets and other majestic Nevada peaks. Take the Cable Route to stand atop one of Yosemite’s most recognizable landmarks with unparalleled views from Half Dome.

Best For: Remote lake and river swimming, bonus natural waterslides.

Tonquin Valley Trail

Image via GreatOutdoors.com

Location: Alberta, Canada Miles Traveled: 27 miles Highest Point: 7,250 ft. Difficulty: Low

This trek explores the Canadian Rockies and McCarib Pass to finish at the Astoria River. Take in views of expansive valleys and the precipitous Ramparts along with purple-streaked sunsets reflecting off Amethyst Lake. You’ll see why Ansel Adams picked the Tonquin Valley hike for his first trip as Sierra Club’s staff photographer.

Best For: Backcountry lovers unafraid of a little chill; snow is anticipated all year.

Long Range Traverse

Image via Takeoffs and Landings

Location: Newfoundland, Canada Miles Traveled: 23 miles Highest Point: 3,620 ft. Difficulty: Low

Located along Newfoundland’s Long Range Mountains on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this remote trek offers some of the Continent’s nastiest weather. Perseverance is rewarded with breathtaking inland fjords rimmed by 2,000-foot-high granite cliffs and waterfalls. Venture forth with a guide as there are no marked trails and dense, wild vegetation often proves impassable; rangers don’t issue permits unless a locator beacon is part of your kit.

Best For: Off-the-grid adventurers looking for untouched wilderness.

Big Beaver Trail

Location: Washington, USA Miles Traveled: 24.6 miles Highest Point: 3,620 ft. Difficulty: Low

Walk at the feet of giants on this lush hike in Washington’s North Cascades National Park. Some old-growth red cedar trees along this trail exceed 15 feet in diameter and sprang forth 1,000 years ago. Watch and wait to catch priceless glimpses of otter, black bear, beaver and deer. Temperatures are moderate while rain is a necessary part of the package.

Best For: Nature-loving novices and families with children.