Ocean views on hiking trails are what dreams are made of. Imagine waking up to the gentle hum of the waves, and spending each sunrise and sunset gazing out at the vast ocean. This is what awaits you on these 5 hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views that will leave you breathless.
The Wave, Arizona
The Wave is one of the most photographed hiking trails in the United States. This slot canyon is a must for anyone who enjoys solitude and jaw-dropping ocean views. The trails are restricted, and permits are needed to hike here.
The Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Arizona. It’s a 10-mile out-and-back hike that takes you through towering red rock formations and offers panoramic views of the Colorado River and the surrounding desert landscape. The most famous part of this trail is the slot canyon where the walls rise 1,500 feet high.
Location: Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Arizona
Distance: 10 miles, out-and-back hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Emerald Pools, Zion National Park
The Emerald Pools Trail in Zion National Park offers a glimpse into a lush oasis surrounded by red rock cliffs. Along the way, you’ll find three beautiful pools, including Lower Emerald Pool, Upper Emerald Pool, and Virgin Creek Pools, all with stunning ocean views.
The 2.2-mile hike to Lower Emerald Pool is moderately strenuous and is the shortest option for exploring Emerald Pools. For those seeking a longer hike, the 4.2-mile round trip hike to Upper Emerald Pool is recommended. Along the way, you’ll pass by a number of scenic overlooks offering breathtaking views of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River.
Location: Zion National Park, Utah
Distance: 2.2 miles, Lower Emerald Pool; 4.2 miles, Upper Emerald Pool
Difficulty: Moderate
Rattlesnake Ledge, Washington
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail offers a thrilling 3.2-mile round trip hike with 1,100 feet of elevation gain to a stunning viewpoint over the Raging River. The surrounding forest and the stunning ocean views from the top make this a must-visit trail.
This challenging hike is best done during the spring or fall months when the trails are not as hot and dry. The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a moderately strenuous hike that follows the Raging River and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and Cascade Mountains.
Location: Rattlesnake Mountain, Washington
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Black Rock Canyon, California
Black Rock Canyon Trail, located in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, offers breathtaking ocean views from its heights. The 5.5-mile round trip hike winds through a fascinating desert landscape and offers a chance to see bighorn sheep in their natural habitat.
The Black Rock Canyon Trail is a moderate hike that follows a narrow canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trail winds through a series of switchbacks, providing a scenic experience that showcases the area’s diverse vegetation and wildlife.
Location: Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
Distance: 5.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Mount Si, Washington
Mount Si offers breathtaking ocean views from its summit, making it a must-do for any hiking enthusiast. This strenuous 5.4-mile round trip hike is a classic Puget Sound trail that leads you through dense forest and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Mount Si is a challenging hike that leads to a stunning viewpoint over Puget Sound and the surrounding mountain range. The trail is well-maintained, and hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and the surrounding mountain range.
Location: Mount Si, Washington
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
In conclusion, hiking paths with ocean views offer a magical experience for the mind and soul. The views are simply breathtaking, and the feeling of solitude and connection with nature is unmatched.