hiking trips for adults

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Best places to hike in the usa.

If snowcapped peaks, jagged cliffs, towering volcanoes and old-growth forests are calling your name, then there's no time like the present to grab your boots and hit the trails in some of the world's most beautiful landscapes . Editors at U.S. News considered expert opinions and traveler votes, as well as scenery, diversity of hiking trails and presence of crowds, to determine the best hiking destinations across the U.S. Use this list to plan your next outdoor excursion, and cast your vote below to help decide next year's list.

Glacier National Park

Zion national park, grand teton national park, mammoth lakes, yosemite national park, rocky mountain national park, grand canyon national park, pisgah national forest, olympic national park, pictured rocks national lakeshore, acadia national park, hawaii - the big island, adirondacks.

Glacier National Park offers more than 700 miles of hiking trails that crisscross the northern Montana park's roughly 1 million acres of wilderness. Keep an eye out for the bears, beavers and bighorn sheep that populate the park while you climb up, across and around its towering mountains and freshwater streams. You'll find trails that appeal to everyone, including several that are wheelchair accessible like Trail of the Cedars. Seasoned hikers can take on harrowing trails to Grinnell Glacier or the Granite Park Chalet. Before starting your journey, stop by a visitor center or ranger station to plan the perfect adventure.

Sandstone cliffs with varying shades of red tower over visitors at Zion National Park. Three areas house this Utah national park's trails and attractions: Zion Canyon, the Kolob Canyons and the Kolob Terrace Wilderness. The less-visited Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Wilderness sections appeal to explorers due to their group size limits and primitive amenities. Meanwhile, Zion Canyon is the easiest to reach thanks to its shuttle service to multiple trailheads, including the famous and challenging Narrows and Angels Landing (permit required). Keep in mind, though, that the shuttle only runs from late May through late November.

The Teton Range creates the backbone of Grand Teton National Park, and hikers here can count on scenic views while weaving up and around the peaks. The park, which sits in Wyoming's Jackson Hole valley, caters to every level of hiker with its more than 200 miles of trails. While you traverse the trails in popular areas like Cascade Canyon and Jenny Lake, keep your eyes peeled for grazing bison and soaring bald eagles. Also remember to pack bear spray since black and grizzly bears are frequently spotted here. For the best hiking conditions, arrive between May and October.

This California town in the Eastern Sierra draws adventure travelers with a long ski season, but its 300-plus miles of trails that curve through granite peaks, forests and alpine lakes are equally invigorating. Crystal Lake Trail, a moderate hike with panoramic views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, is a must-do. Meanwhile, a trip to the Devils Postpile National Monument provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail, a bucket list trek for many backpackers. As an added bonus, Mammoth Lakes sits near some of California's best hot springs , so you'll be able to end your day of exertion with a well-deserved soak.

Most travelers flock to the Yosemite Valley area of Yosemite National Park to explore some of the park's most popular trails. Though you may have to rub elbows with other hikers as you traverse world-renowned paths like the daunting Half Dome Trail (permit required), you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas. For a less-crowded atmosphere and gorgeous views of kaleidoscopic wildflowers, timeworn sequoias and jaw-dropping rock formations, consider hiking quieter routes like the Four Mile Trail and the Swinging Bridge Trail. You'll have about 800 miles of trails to choose from in this nearly 750,000-acre park in central California.

This national treasure roughly 70 miles northwest of Denver is a Colorado must-see. With a base camp packed with amenities (Estes Park), exciting wildlife opportunities (think: moose, elk and bighorn sheep) and more than 350 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker's dream. Advanced trekkers looking to conquer a 14er (a peak higher than 14,000 feet above sea level) can climb the majestic Longs Peak. But travelers of all skill levels can catch an eyeful of the park's unparalleled beauty on routes like Emerald Lake Trail, which passes by four alpine lakes, and the Ute Trail, which affords exceptional views with minimal elevation gain.

Even for seasoned hikers, the combination of this Arizona national park's immense size and its unique climate make for an unforgettable adventure. The Grand Canyon's rims provide trails with varying degrees of difficulty and panoramic views. You'll find frequented routes like the Bright Angel Trail and the Rim Trail along the canyon's South Rim. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, head to the North Rim to trek paths like the challenging North Kaibab Trail. No matter which trails you plan on exploring, you'll want to set aside several days and map out your visit ahead of time.

Hikers make a beeline for this vast forest in western North Carolina for its perennial beauty. Depending on the time of year, Pisgah National Forest might be dotted with wildflowers, bursting with wild blueberries or awash with fall foliage. Trails like Looking Glass Rock Trail grant stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, while others lead trekkers to gorges and waterfalls. The Appalachian Trail also passes through this forest, so visitors can walk along the iconic route on trails like the easy, but no less scenic, Max Patch Trail. What's more, Pisgah National Forest's proximity to Asheville gives travelers access to top-notch amenities.   

Olympic National Park draws avid hikers from around the world to its 600-plus miles of top-notch trails on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Take your time hiking through the park's old-growth rainforests, across its glacier-capped mountains and along its more than 70-mile-long coast. During your journey, you may catch a glimpse of threatened or endangered wildlife like northern spotted owls and gray whales. To familiarize yourself with the park's ecology while enjoying a pleasant hike, walk the Hoh Rain Forest's Hall of Mosses Trail.

One of Michigan's top spots to visit, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore sits on the southern shore of Lake Superior. Visitors will have their pick of 100 miles of trails that encompass everything from sandy beaches to jagged sandstone cliffs. Chapel Loop is a popular 10-mile option that includes cliffside views, several waterfalls and a peek at the weather-carved Chapel Rock. Meanwhile, the Sable Falls Trail offers views of the park's Grand Sable Dunes. Though Pictured Rocks is stunning in any season and winter brings exhilarating ice climbing opportunities, April through November are the best months for hikers to avoid road closures and snow-covered trails.

With its rocky coastline, geological wonders and accessibility (visitors can drive to the most popular destinations on a 27-mile loop), it's no wonder Acadia National Park is one of the country's most-visited national parks. Get your heart pumping on summit hikes like the Beehive Loop, which incorporates rung and ladder climbing, or the Cadillac North Ridge Trail, where you'll reach the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard. Or, follow the more leisurely Jordan Pond Path around the pond's shoreline. You may want to hit the trails bright and early for the best chance at avoiding crowds, especially during Acadia's peak season – June through September.  

The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail circumnavigates Lake Tahoe, while its spur trails offer day-hikers an array of panoramic views. Start by climbing about a half-mile to the summit of Eagle Rock to catch a sunrise before beginning a more challenging hike, such as the Mount Tallac Trail. Be sure to visit when the weather is warm, since winter in Lake Tahoe is reserved more for snowshoeing and skiing. Also, remember that the trails surrounding Lake Tahoe are divided between California and Nevada, so rules regarding bikes, food and campfire permits may vary.

Known for its unparalleled natural beauty, this stretch of central California coastline is home to a long list of state parks. The local favorite, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, has seven distinct trails that weave through picturesque locations, though three are currently closed due to damage sustained from wildfires. Meanwhile, the 4,800-acre Andrew Molera State Park provides even more trails in a relatively undeveloped setting, satisfying hiking enthusiasts and anyone searching for unique photo ops. What's more, this destination boasts moderate temps year-round. Due to a mudslide, portions of Highway 1 in Big Sur are closed, though alternate routes are available.   

Located in a box canyon within the Rocky Mountains, this small Colorado town boasts all kinds of hiking routes, from manageable to challenging. The out-and-back Bear Creek Trail and Bridal Veil Falls Trail, which wind hikers past various water features, are popular moderate options. Meanwhile, experienced trekkers can take on Telluride's lengthy Sneffels Highline Trail. Hiking conditions in Telluride are at their best between May and early October. Summer visitors will be treated to colorful wildflower displays, while fall visitors will see yellowing aspens and less traffic on the trails. 

The Big Island of Hawaii's variety of landscapes makes hiking here a unique experience. Begin your expedition across this roughly 2.5 million-acre island with a route that overlooks one of its two active volcanoes. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's K?lauea Iki Trail, which travels more than 3 miles through dense rainforest to a hardened lava lake, offers incredible volcano vistas. If you'd rather end up on one of the island's famed sandy shores , try trekking to Makalawena Beach in Kekaha Kai State Park.

The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York feature one of the largest hiking systems in the country, with more than 2,000 miles of trails. Short but steep routes like Baker Mountain in the Saranac Lake area will leave you breathless, but the sprawling views of the region's lakes, ponds and mountains are well worth the effort. Those looking for a longer trek can hike the Indian Head Trail near Lake Placid or take on one of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, while beginners can walk on various nature paths. When you're sufficiently winded, treat yourself to a pint at a local brewery.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

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Hiking Trips

Guided Hiking Adventures

Hiking has always been an essential element of the OARS experience—we’ve been sharing incredible hikes in remote river canyons with our guests since 1969. We’ve since combined our love of hiking with what we do best—guiding—and have established a full series of guided hiking tours.

Designed for our travelers who regularly hike, run, bike, and lead an active lifestyle, OARS-guided hiking trips are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs and interests of our travelers while featuring the very best a region has to offer with local, knowledgeable guides. And whether it’s a  hiking-intensive rafting trip through Canyonlands National Park or a lodge-to-lodge trek in Peru, you’ll find all the creature comforts and delicious meals you’ve come to expect on every OARS adventure.

Join us on one of our unique hiking tours and we’ll show you the unforgettable nature of an active OARS vacation.

Find Your Perfect Trip

Yosemite Hiker

Location: California Adventure Level: Challenging Minimum Age: 12

Stillwater & Cataract Canyon Hiker

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 12

San Juan River Hiker

Location: Utah Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 12

Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Location: Patagonia, Chile Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 6 (10 – 12 for hiking)

Patagonia Hiking: Torres del Paine W Trek

Location: Patagonia, Chile Adventure Level: Moderately Challenging Minimum Age: 13

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Inca Trail Trekking

Machu Picchu Hiker

Location: Machu Picchu, Peru Adventure Level: Moderate Minimum Age: 10

Specialty Trips

Yampa River Natural History & Hiking Adventure – 5 Days

Join OARS and discover the natural history of the Yampa River on this rafting and hiking adventure with award-winning author Dr. Patrick Tierney

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• National Parks
• Tiny Houses

12 Epic Hiking Camps & Summer Backpacking Trips

Posted by D.T. Christensen April 21, 2022 Updated February 09, 2024

We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers’ experience, user reviews and more. We may earn a commission when you book or purchase through our links. See our editorial policy to learn more.

There’s no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. Here’s where the best summer memories often begin.

Across the country you’ll find hiking camps, backpacking expeditions and wilderness programs aimed at teaching youngsters the ways of the outdoors, from following Leave No Trace principles to building leadership qualities and self-reliance.

When even the best summer vacation spots aren’t quite adventurous enough, hiking camps step in with the perfect blend of structure and freedom, discipline and discovery. They’re not always easy (or cheap), but they’re a damn good way for kids to learn about the natural world — and themselves.

Here’s a look at 12 hiking camps, backpacking trips and other outdoor programs for kids, teens and young adults looking for unforgettable adventures this summer.

Related read:   11 Backpacking Trips in the U.S. That Should be on Your Bucket List

1. Alpengirl

Alpengirl is a girls-only summer camp offering adventures in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. Based out of Montana, Alpengirl hosts one- and two-week trips focused on building positive attitudes, self-esteem and independence in girls aged 11 to 16.

Although hiking and backpacking are major components of each trip, campers face a range of outdoor challenges that also involve rafting, climbing and horseback riding. Alpengirl considers itself a bridge between local day camps and extended wilderness retreats at schools like NOLS.

Each camp is relatively small, with sessions limited to 12 campers and a 1:4 or 1:6 camper-to-staff ratio, ideal for campers who don’t want to get lost in the shuffle of big groups.

Related read:  8 Epic Backpacking Trips in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

2. Outward Bound

Outward Bound’s 10 regional schools help more than 50,000 students embark on new adventures every year. One of the country’s biggest outdoor camps is also one of its oldest: Kurt Hahn , the founder of Outward Bound, was born in 1886 and opened up his school in 1962.

“There is more in you than you think,” Hahn’s personal motto, is the guiding principle behind Outward Bound’s outdoor trips for middle schoolers and high schoolers . There’s also a program specifically for grieving teens , and additional itineraries for adults and extended trips.

Hiking and backpacking trips are held around the country, from east coast camps in New York and Pennsylvania to west coast treks in California, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest.

3. Wilderness Adventures

Wilderness Adventures has a distinct advantage over many backpacking and hiking camps: back in the ’70s, the school got hooked up with operating permits in national parks and other places that most camps don’t have access to today.

The result? Wilderness Adventures conducts trips in places like Grand Teton National Park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Denali State Park and Mount Rainier National Park.

Each year, they offer more than 40 adventures to students around the country, from practical day camps to extended trips like Yellowstone Teton Discovery , a 14-day hiking, backpacking and rafting trek through epic wilderness areas.

Wilderness Adventures’ alumni is 30,000 strong, and for campers over 18, they offer a gap semester program to help young adults earn professional certifications and leadership skills for future outdoor endeavors.

Related read:  9 Great Hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

4. Apogee Adventures

Apogee Adventures is a service-focused camp for students 11 to 18 interested in hiking, biking and creative outlets like writing and photography. Although each of the camp’s 40-plus adventures includes a community service element, one trip — their Caribbean Service experience — is focused on helping Puerto Rico communities with hurricane relief and trail maintenance.

The camp is relatively small compared to larger organizations, and the camp goes out of its way to ensure students are a good fit for each trip and its objectives. Each trip lasts one to six weeks and includes a challenge rating to give parents an idea of each trip’s physical demands.

NOLS is an internationally recognized outdoor school equipping students with the skills and wisdom to become environmental stewards of tomorrow.

A network of 16 campuses and 800+ instructors makes NOLS the most well-known outdoor leadership program in the world, and their summer backpacking expeditions allow students to explore areas like Alaska, the Adirondacks, the Pacific Northwest and Wyoming’s Wind River Range.

More than 40 trips are available to teens, and additional programs are offered specifically for women , people of color and LGBTQ+ students . An additional 40-plus courses are available to students 23 and older. NOLS also offers wilderness medicine and professional training programs for students looking to pursue outdoor careers.

Few nonprofits do as much as NOLS to train the next generation of environmental leaders, and each trek highlights the importance of sustainability, climate change effects, conservation and other ecological concepts.

Related read:  8 Gorgeous Backpacking Trails In The Wind River Range

6. Overland

What began as a 1982 cross-country biking trip for Tom Costley eventually became Overland , a summer hiking, backpacking and biking camp for students in 4th to 12th grades.

Their first sessions back in the ’80s were bike treks in New England, but today, Overland courses span the globe, from their roots in New England to trips in the Alps, Rockies, Sierras and Alaska. Introductory trips lasting one or two weeks are available to fourth, fifth and sixth graders, and longer hiking trips are open to older campers.

Session groups are small, friend pairs are limited, and the camp maintains a no-phone policy that focuses on their time outdoors. In addition to hiking trips, Overland also offers biking, language and service courses in places like Nova Scotia, France and Costa Rica.

7. Adventure Treks

North Carolina-based Adventure Treks offers one- and two-week hiking experiences for teens in areas like Washington, British Columbia, California and Colorado. Unlike most hiking and backpacking camps, Adventure Treks offers larger groups of 20 to 24 that make it easier for campers to meet more friends each summer.

The larger group sizes clearly work: more instructors and students return to Adventure Treks for additional trips than most other camps around the country. And even with more students on each hike, the company still offers an attentive 1:4 instructor-to-camper ratio.

Related read:  5 Best Backpacking Trips & Trails in Big Sur, California

8. Appalachian Mountain Club

For more than 100 years, Appalachian Mountain Club’s mission to conserve and enjoy the outdoors has kept lands and trails in the Northeast open to outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Their network of 16,000-plus volunteers maintains nearly 2,000 miles of trails, and they’ve protected thousands of acres of forest in the process.

One of their many programs offers hiking trips for teens : 6-day treks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Cardigan Mountain State Park . The trips focus on backpacking skills and safety while teaching campers about sustainability, conservation and trail maintenance.

In fact, each trip includes at least a half-day’s worth of trail maintenance service — and opening the door to future volunteer opportunities with AMC across the Northeast.

9. Lasting Adventures

Lasting Adventures focuses on national park-based hiking trips in Yosemite, Olympic National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Every summer, the nonprofit organization offers more than 10 trip itineraries, mostly 6-day and 13-day experiences taking campers through the rigors of hiking while learning important environmental skills and knowledge.

Shorter trips typically include 25 to 35 miles of hiking, while longer trips can cover up to 70 miles. Each trip focuses on distinct environmental aspects of the region, from the rocky coast of Washington to the unique lava beds of Lassen.

With more than 180 5-star reviews on Google, Lasting Adventures is one of the most reputable hiking and backpacking summer camps in the country. They also offer a scholarship program for families facing financial hardships — a benefit more than 1,500 students have put to good use since the camp’s opening in 1997.

Related read:  16 Spectacular Northern California Camping Spots

10. Camp Chief Ouray

Camp Chief Ouray — named for the famous Tabeguache Ute chief Ouray of Western Colorado — is one of the oldest outdoor camps in America, hosting students as far back as 1908. Today, the property northwest of Denver retains an old school summer camp vibe with nearly endless opportunities to explore the surrounding region and beyond.

In addition to a day camp and traditional summer camp , students can enroll in adventure trips — week-long endeavors that combine sleeping on campus and nights out in the wild — as well as Trekker Trips , which take campers out-of-state for even more adventures.

The YMCA-based camp takes kids 7 to 17 and is a Leave No Trace Youth Accredited organization, so the focus on sustainable recreation is expertly woven into each camp activity.

11. Farm & Wilderness

Located on a gorgeous hillside farm in central Vermont, Farm & Wilderness offers six summer camps focusing on “caring for the environment.” One of those is Questers , a coed backpacking program for 15- to 17-year-olds.

The camp offers two options: one for “Long Trail” Questers looking to hike Vermont’s 272-mile Long Trail — one of the oldest trails in the country — in 36 days, and one for “Classic” Questers exploring the White Mountains or Adirondacks for 18 days.

Both itineraries focus on sustainability, simplicity, integrity and other Quaker principles that guide the entire organization. And while their roots may be old, Farm & Wilderness’s approach to education and student success is firmly up-to-date, with diversity, inclusion and identity as core parts of the camp’s philosophy.

Related read:  6 Amazing Waterfalls in The Adirondacks You Don’t Want to Miss

12. Adirondack Camp

Adirondack Camp is a throwback summer camp in every sense, where a live bugler awakens campers every morning from open-air cabins and there’s not a screen or Wi-Fi password in sight. There’s also no central air, no swimming pool and no TVs, so there’s plenty of time to tackle the camp’s five signature outdoor “quests.”

One such quest is the Fire Tower Challenge , requiring campers to reach each of 23 fire towers located in Adirondack Park , where the camp is located on a small Lake George peninsula. There’s also the Northville Lake Placid Trail quest, where campers hike the park’s longest trail — 120 miles — in several multi-day backpacking trips throughout the summer.

The quests are fun challenges, but Adirondack Camp isn’t about competition: the counselors here are focused on creating meaningful relationships and moments between campers, and even campers. Sessions vary in length from two to eight weeks, and a close-knit camper-to-counselor ratio ensures students get the attention they need as they embark on their epic ADK journeys.

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Seen in: Backpacking , Hikes

Posted by D.T. Christensen

Dustin is the founder of Territory Supply. He was born and raised in Phoenix, and fills most of his shelves with books on American West history. When he’s not writing or reading, he likes to travel with his wife and twin daughters, a rambunctious team that makes backpacking the Grand Canyon seem easy.

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Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in USA

From the granite cliffs of Yosemite to the twists and turns of the Grand Canyon, the United States is home to some of the most coveted trails in the world. Explore the icy slopes of Alaska or the volcanic peaks of Hawaii , the world is your oyster on a hiking adventure in the Land of the Free.

250+ Hiking & Trekking tour packages in USA with 3,569 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

Utah’s Big 5 My trip was absolutely amazing! We had Matt as our guide/CEO. He’d always make sure everything is going all right, never rushed us on hikes, was knowledgeable and would always tell stories about places we visited. It was raining the first two days, and we couldn’t make it to some trails, but it didn’t stop our guide to come up with some other plans. Since he knows the area well, we went on a couple more different hikes instead of the ones we couldn’t do. Cannot be more happier with the amount of trails we’ve done! Also, I was the only vegan in our group, so I was happy to know that there would always be something for me to eat, it was not a problem at all. The campgrounds were nice and clean, definitely better than I expected. I loved everything about the tour, thank you for making it such a great experience ????☀️

Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite

Hard working and efficient CEO. Camping sites were ok - facilities not working well. Stated iteniary changes - hiking options (unavoidable) and drop off at end of tour (would have been helpful to know sooner). Beautiful area to experience - some hikes too difficult for me unfortunately. I will look more closely at the rating in the future.

Hiking in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada

The trip was well coordinated. Our trip had to be re-routed due to the very snowy winter, but our tour guide, Phil, still managed to keep our days full, and our hikes about the same mileage that we would have walked otherwise. The hikes were moderate to steep, nothing that our entire group could not keep up with. I felt that everyone was accommodated to. And we went to our rooms at night exhausted from our days journey. Yosemite is a must-do, if you have never been there. The pictures do it no justice. Having the tour guide from intrepid was great, because he told us all about the history of the National Park- things that I would have walked right by if I were hiking alone. This trip was great! can’t wait until the next one.

• Walking Adventure

4 day Yellowstone and Tetons in depth tour from Salt Lake City Small Groups Tour

I just got back from the Yellowstone/Tetons trip leaving from Salt Lake City. I had such a great time. I was apprehensive about camping, since I’m not a big camper, but the camping and time around the campfire at night helped to create a bond with all the other people on the trip. We saw some really great views and Mike, our guide, did a wonderful job at getting us to all the best places. The trip was well organized, and the communication before the trip was exceptional, whether it was answering an email, questions over the phone, or email communication just before the trip. I would definitely travel with Bindlestiff tours again.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hiking Utah's National Parks

Great people , Great time. First meal together in los Vegas was awful. It was slimy Thai with NO VEGETABLES. We had to walk across a four lane highway in Los Vegas! I think a great and inexpensive restaurant is Ping Pang Pong.or what ever. Horrible stay in Bluff behind a gas station. No lobby, no restaurant, and no room to move around. Put suitcases on table. Change stay to town of Bland.

• Mountain Hikes

7 Day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour

This has been one of the best travel of our life. The landscapes are all breathtaking and all the activities are extraordinary. The only negative point is that this is a lot to do in 7 days and we would have like to spend more time in each national park.

Yellowstone Base Camp Tour

The Yellowstone Base Camp tour was excellent. We covered a wide variety of Yellowstone sites from the popular attractions to beautiful but less frequented locations. Our guides, Chris Rapich and Ed Cochran, were great. They provided a lot of information about the park and wildlife, made great meals and did everything they could to make this a memorable experience. I'd travel with them anytime.

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Nick was also our guide. They both did a great job of taking care of the group and making the best decisions on the fly so everyone had a great experience.

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What people love about hiking & trekking tours in usa.

the best way to explore the vastness and glory of the Utah desert is by camping and hiking in small groups. I enjoyed this trip immensely, it was challenging enough but not too much. Our guide was a brave and resourceful powerful woman. I am planning my next trip with you already!

Great way to travel and meet new people! Changes were made to the itinerary due to road/trail closures but it worked out in the best way. CEO adapted meals for vegetarian travelers in the group. I would book with them again!

Hiking & Trekking Tours

• Attraction-Based Hikes (57)
• Mountain Hikes (32)
• Centre Based Walking Holidays (9)
• Rocky Mountains (158)
• Sierra Nevada Mountains (30)
• Appalachian Mountains (28)
• Mount Denali National Park (10)
• Mount Rainier (6)

Regions in USA

• Western USA (319)
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• Rocky Mountains (160)
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• Four Corners (125)
• Pacific Coast USA (68)
• West Coast USA (64)
• California (59)
• Northern California (46)
• Yellowstone National Park (40)
• Grand Canyon (39)
• Yosemite National Park (35)
• Sierra Nevada Mountains (31)
• Central California (30)
• Lake Tahoe (30)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Hiking & Trekking Companies
• Your Guide to Planning a Private Hike 2024/2025
• Best Hiking Tours in The World 2024/2025
• USA Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• Best time to visit East Coast USA (Low & High Season)
• Best Time to Visit the West Coast, USA in 2024/2025 (with California)
• Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more
• 5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & Tours
• Best 10 Day USA Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Strengthening connections to the natural world through outdoor education

• Day Hikes & Tours
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• Personalized Hikes & Tours
• Members Only Programs
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• School Field Trips & Programs
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• About The Glacier Institute
• Mountain Air: The Glacier Institute Blog
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• Glacier National Park Vehicle and Park Pass Requirements

Adult Hikes & Tours

We make it stress-free and fun for adults to be outdoors in glacier national park.

Our expert hiking guides and naturalists will take the stress out of your multi-day vacation or day hike in Glacier National Park. We know all the best places to go. We also do all the driving, so you can sit back and enjoy some of the most incredible views on the planet! You also won’t have to deal with parking and vehicle permits.

For our multi-day adult hikes and educational programs, we also include lodging at Field Camp, three meals a day, and unlimited hot showers. All you have to do is show up at the airport and let us handle the rest. We promise you a stress-free trip that you’ll remember forever!

Explore Hikes and Tours

Avalanche Lake Guided Day Hike

Complete Going-to-the-Sun Road Guided Day Tour

Exploring Glacier Park | 6-Day Guided Hike in August

Exploring Glacier Park | 6-Day Guided Hike in September

Exploring Glacier Park | 6-Day Guided Hikes in July

Firebrand Pass Guided Day Hike

Hidden Lake Overlook Guided Day Hike

Highline Trail Guided Day Hike

Many Glacier Guided Day Hike

Two Medicine Valley Guided Day Hike

Winter Snowshoe

Help Preserve Big Creek for Generations to Come

We'll match every dollar you donate to double your impact.

Over the next 8 days, we aim to raise $75,000 to protect and preserve this cherished place.

Thanks to a group of incredible major donors, every donation you make will be matched, doubling the impact of your contribution. Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding this precious camp for future generations. Donate today and be a part of something big!

If this magical place has impacted you, consider sharing your story with your network and helping us complete our $1.7 million capital campaign, Restoration Big Creek. Start your own fundraising page, share your story, or send the link to a friend, classmate, or former camper!

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Guided Hiking Trips in USA & Canada

A guided walking trips in the USA or Canada is ideal for travelers who prefer the camaraderie of like-minded walkers from around the world and appreciate the local knowledge shared by expert local guides.

Your walking guide is with you from the time your guided walking trip commences until it concludes. Your guide will work tirelessly to tailor the trip to your interests while also ensuring your guided walking trip runs smoothly for the whole group. Their passion for their country, or the region you are walking through, helps bring to life the flora, fauna and history of their homelands.

On a guided walking tour you’ll share memories and laughs with travelers around the world who also appreciate the benefits of exploring the world on foot.

Discover the USA or Canada in an active way on our guided walking trips.

Trip Finder

Any destination, any activity, any travel style, any duration, any grading, advanced search, find your guided hikes trip.

Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Trails

Activities:, introductory.

Great Alaska Adventure

Exploring National Parks of Western USA

Adventure touring.

Deserts and Canyons of the Southwest

Introductory to moderate.

Best of the West - San Francisco to Las Vegas

Hut to Hut in Wildflower Heaven

More about guided hikes.

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Why travel with us

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Responsible travel

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Trip reviews

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Grading Information

Popular guided hiking destinations.

British Columbia

Newfoundland

Guided hikes highlights.

Gros Morne National Park

John Muir Trail

Hike the Chilkoot Trail

Utah's National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

Unrivalled experience.

North America Active is a division of the World Expeditions Travel Group, who has been operating authentic and unique active and adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled since 1975.

We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries across the globe, and many say our trips start where most others end.

As the leaders in responsible travel, we offer big adventures with a small environmental footprint.

While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to feel that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like minded travelers.

Quality Inclusions

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality equipment and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free guided walking trip in your chosen pocket of the US or Canada

North America Active is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when our parent company, World Expeditions, was established in 1975, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to global environments and cultures, our commitment is stronger than ever. Over several decades we have honed our responsible travel philosophy and are continually assessing and improving initiatives that are practiced in the field to ensure that we are mitigating our impact to the smallest possible footprint. By joining a hiking or cycling tour, you too are making a concerted effort to minimize your impact when you travel. Learn more about our Thoughtful Travel policies and practices .

Frequently Asked Questions

what should i expect on a guided trip.

When you choose one of our guided trips, you’ll enjoy the company of an expert guide and a small group of like-minded travelling companions from around the world. The group size ranges from 4 to 12 participants depending on your chosen trip. Travelling in the safety and camaraderie of a small group is a great way to explore the North American wilderness. To sweeten the experience, our guides will do most of the camp set up/take down and all of the cooking for you. In fact, we’ve made arrangements on our backpacking trips to include food drops and/or additional support, allowing you to enjoy the stunning surroundings without the burden of carrying a lot of heavy camp equipment and group food.

? How fit do I have to be?

Fitness is an important aspect of our trips, with each itinerary carefully-graded for ease of selecting the trip that best suits you. Detailed information, including suggested pre-trip training, can be found in the trip notes and pre-departure information. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the physical requirements of your trip and speak to our staff if you have any questions. View our trip grading system for more detail as to how we grade the activity levels on our adventures and the suggested physical preparation.

? Can I organise my own private trip?

If the specified departure dates are not suitable, or if you would like to vary the itinerary, we would be happy to develop a program to suit your travel interests. We regularly organise tailor-made holidays for families, groups of friends, schools and charities.

? What is included in my trip?

It is our aim to ensure that we incorporate as many inclusions as possible in your trip to minimise any out of pocket expenses while you are away. It is important that you refer to our trips notes for the exact inclusions. On most trips, all meals and arrangements are included from the start of the trip right through until the end.

? What is the camping like on camping based trips?

To capture the essence of your journey we have, wherever possible, selected campsites where we can enjoy the wilderness away from busy public campsites. Provincial and National Parks in Canada come with plenty of regulations in order to protect our precious ecosystems. All tents are provided on a twin share basis and solo group members will be matched up with same-sex tentmates, keeping our environmental footprint small and also reducing individual pack weight. If space is not an issue at campsites, we may be able to provide single tents for those who prefer not to share.

? What about the food?

Our trips generally include daily breakfast and many may also include lunch or dinner - please refer to the specific inclusions on the trip page of your chosen itinerary or download our detailed trip notes. We introduce you to restaurants that feature local flavours and traditional specialties unique to the region. Food is an integral part of any active travel experience - the many culinary delights are yours to savour. Where possible, we are able to cater to most dietary requirements, provided you let us know in advance.

? Are tips included in my trip price?

No, tips and gratuities are not included in the trip cost, unless listed under the trip-specific inclusions. Tipping is customary in the USA and Canada but is a completely personal thing. Guidelines are provided in our pre-departure information upon booking.

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Related Articles

• Trip Grading
• Suggested Training

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures rarely involve camping.

These adventure tours may visit remote areas where facilities are often basic. Some of these trips involve camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will sometimes involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity.

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, or paddling for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. Hikes are mainly on well-defined trails with undulating terrain and cycling is on mostly flat surfaces.

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with some moderate components. Hiking trips typically require carrying a daypack only, but could involve carrying a pack of up to 20 pounds (9kg), depending on personal gear.

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, or paddling for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. Many moderately graded hiking trips involve the carrying of a daypack only, though some may involve carrying a backpack of up to 30 pounds (14kg), depending on personal gear. Hikers should be prepared for plenty of roots, rocks, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and potential variable weather conditions. Cyclists should be prepared for undulating terrain and some steep hills.

Moderate to Challenging

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity with some challenging components. Hikers should be prepared for very rugged off-trail hiking, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and to carry a pack weighing up 45 pounds (20kg), depending on personal gear.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or paddling in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). Hikers should be prepared for very rugged off-trail hiking, significant elevation gain, wilderness camping, and to carry a pack weighing up to 45 pounds (20kg), depending on personal gear.

These journeys of discovery and cruises are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2-3 months prior to departure.

To enjoy these adventures, we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude.

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for 3 months leading up to your trip.

On these adventures you will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week from a minimum of 3 months leading up to your trip. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For hiking trips, hill or stair walking with a 15lb daypack is highly recommended at least once per week.

These adventures require a good level of fitness and be in good health.

Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For hiking trips, hill or stair walking with a full day pack is strongly recommended at least once per week (or a 30lb pack for backpacking trips).

These trips require an excellent level of fitness and be in good health.

Suggested preparation: 1 hour of aerobic exercise, four to five times per week for three to six months leading up to departure. Hill walking with a full pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is essential.

On these adventures, you will need to be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions, have an excellent level of fitness and be in good health.

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• Trip Styles
• Destinations
• Camping Hiking Tours

BASECAMP TOURS

Give us a call at  800-715-HIKE (4453)  to learn more about any of our Basecamp hiking tours!

A Wildland Trekking Camping Tour is an incredible way to have an adventurous outdoor experience of world renowned national parks and wilderness destinations while hiking with only a light daypack and sleeping soundly in comfortable, vehicle-accessible camps. Led by expert hiking guides, we set up camp in established campgrounds (with showers) and embark on a series of unforgettable hikes! We provide all the gear, meals, transportation, permits, fees and reservations so you can focus 100% on hiking and and enjoying your national park camping vacation.

Your only “job” on these trips is absorbing and enjoying everything the national park, or parks, of your choice have to offer – their breathtaking views, challenging and fulfilling hikes, awe-inspiring natural and cultural history, wildlife, and unique natural wonders.

All Camping Hiking Tours Trips ( 21 results)

Filter trips.

Destination

Trip Length

Wild Patagonia Explorer

Pacific Northwest Basecamp Tour

Best of Lassen Volcanic Basecamp

Zion Basecamp Tour

Death Valley Basecamp Tour

Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour

Red Rock Basecamp Tour

Yellowstone Basecamp Tour

Bryce and Escalante Basecamp

Best of Utah Basecamp

Grand Canyon Basecamp Tour

Best of Moab Basecamp Tour

Backpacking Trips

Hike deep into the wilderness with everything you need in your backpack (provided by us). Experience breathtaking scenery, camp under the stars, enjoy fantastic backcountry cuisine prepared by your guide, watch for wildlife, learn about the fascinating natural and cultural history of the area you’re in, and challenge yourself physically. Trips include nearly all the gear, meals, local transportation and a professional backpacking guide.

Stock/Porter Trips

Experience the adventurous backcountry of America’s national parks and wilderness areas with the added joy of hiking with only a light day pack! Let porters, llamas or pack mules carry the gear so you can maximize your enjoyment while hiking and enjoy more elaborate backcountry meals! Trips include all camping gear, meals, a professional hiking guide, and porters, llamas or mules to carry the supplies.

Inn-based Tours

Hike your national park(s) of choice in style! Join us for an unforgettable hiking vacation featuring a variety of adventurous forays into the wilderness each day with cozy lodging and charming restaurant meals each night. Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the area and challenge yourself on exceptional hikes. Trips include local transportation, lodging, meals, park entrance fees and a professional hiking guide.

Day Hike Tours

Make the most of your day at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided day hike! Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the area, enjoy the peace of mind that results from hiking with a local expert, let us take care of the gear and food, and hear amazing stories that have taken place in the Park. All hikes include use of a backpack, trekking poles and crampons (Grand Canyon in winter); snacks and lunch; and a professional hiking guide.

MORE ABOUT GUIDED CAMPING VACATIONS

What’s included on a wildland trekking camping tour.

Our signature basecamp tours are all-inclusive camping vacation tours to premier national parks and wilderness destinations. We provide local transportation, camping gear, wonderful meals, permits and fees, safety equipment including extensive first-aid kits and emergency communication devices, expert guides and more! One differentiating inclusion on our camping vacations is the natural and cultural intepretation the guides provide that help bring the national park(s) to life in a way that’s different from camping and hiking on your own.

WHY JOIN A WILDLAND Camping Trip?

There are many reasons our guests join our camping trips. Here are some common ones:

• Many guests prefer hiking and camping with local, professional guides to increase the safety and enjoyment of their national park adventure.
• Some guests are new to camping and don’t own the gear, so joining a tour makes practical and financial sense.
• For many of our guests, a specific camping and hiking vacation (such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, or Utah’s national parks) has been something they’ve wanted to do for a long time, and they want to make the very most of it.
• Some folks are most interested in the educational aspect of learning about the area they’re hiking through, which is a huge perk of joining a professionally guided tour provided by a reputable company.
• Some guests join our camping tours for the ease and convenience of letting us handle the logistics so they can focus 100% on enjoying the hiking and camping experience.
• For most of our guests it’s a combination of some or all of these points that they join our camping trips.

CHOOSING THE BEST NATIONAL PARK(S) FOR YOUR CAMPING VACATION

We offer basecamp tours in many mountain and canyon destinations in the USA, and internationally in Iceland. Mountain camping destinations include Yellowstone, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Pacific Northwest (Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks). Canyon destinations include Grand Canyon, Utah’s amazing national parks (Zion, Bryce and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument), Sedona’s Red Rock Country, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. If you’re looking for a summer trip, we recommend the mountain national parks and the Grand Canyon, where we camp at high elevation. If you’re interested in a trip in the spring and fall, the best options are high desert destinations like Sedona and Utah. And winter trips are best in lower destinations like Joshua Tree and Death Valley. For more help choosing the right trip, feel free to call us  800-715-HIKE (4453)

When to Join a Camping Tour

One of the wonderful aspects of Wildland Trekking basecamp tours is that you can find an excellent option for any time of year. In the spring we have prime options in Utah, Arizona and California. In the summer months we offer amazing camping trips with incredible daily hiking adventures in Montana/Wyoming, Colorado, California, Washington, Utah, Arizona. In the fall you’ll find the same shoulder season destinations that we have in the spring again in their peak seasons. And, finally, in the winter we have desert hiking and camping trips in California (Death Valley and Joshua Tree) and in Patagonia, Chile that help Wildland guests make the most of the winter months.

The bottom line is that if you want to get out and explore the world’s amazing national parks and wild areas on foot, i.e. hiking and trekking, and would like an outdoor experience with some of the creature comforts of modern life (showers, cold drinks, cell service, great meals), then a Wildland Trekking basecamp tour is an excellent option year round. Deserts, canyons, mountains and seashores all have unique ecosystems that make year round, outdoor hiking vacations not just possible, but excellent!

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Don’t let your age stop you from booking that hiking trip  

As a seasoned hiker, Ulrike believes age needn’t stop you from enjoying what you want. She says your body – and your confidence – sometimes just need a little push. 

‘Am I walking too fast for you?’ says my guide on Cape Town’s Table Mountain. I was rendered speechless because I am usually the one who walks well ahead of the group. I only kept close because I wanted to hear what she was saying. My mind wondered what had led to the question. I guessed it was because I looked my age – in my late 50s, nearly 60 – because I could walk as fast, if not quicker, than most people.  

Okay, so, on paper, I am slowly leaving middle age, defined by some as ranging between 36 and 64 years , and heading toward what some call older adulthood and others call old age, with a pension and free bus passes looming in my near future.   

While the numbers on my birth certificate don’t lie, I feel like I am in my 30s or 40s. Despite being fit and having this confidence, I must admit that doubts do pop into my head when I book activities that require fitness, strength or even just a bit of courage. I’ll ask myself if I’m too old for this sort of thing.  

When it comes to adventure or active trips, old(er) people often worry they may not fit in with a group of younger hikers, that trekking is no longer for them and they would slow the group down. But walking, hiking and even trekking have no age limit. Plus, there’s plenty of preparation you can do beforehand to help with fitness (if that’s a worry), and there are many tips and tricks you can try to help keep it that way.  

Get strong   

When I was a child, my father regularly took me hiking, so my little legs learned to move very fast. But I recently changed my workout routine because of my age. I want to stay fit and feel up for any adventure by building my strength and confidence with weight training.  

Cardio fitness is great for hiking, but you must also build strength and muscle to help with your balance and endurance. Research suggests that muscle mass decreases by approximately three to eight per cent per decade after age 30. To counteract this, I started strength training.   

If you have the time and means, it’s worth booking a session or two with a personal trainer and getting a workout plan in place. According to a research review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which looked at 200 scientific studies with over 8000 participants, consistent strength training twice a week can provide the same muscle growth and benefits as more frequent, intensive workouts.  

After four months of strength training just twice a week alongside cardio workouts, I noticed a huge difference in my strength, fitness and self-confidence.   

As always, before starting any kind of new workout or fitness regime, get the go-ahead from your family doctor.  

Start slow   

If you’re new to walking, hiking or trekking long distances, starting slow is best. Intrepid walking trips will take you on defined tracks and over smooth surfaces, while hiking trips will take you to mountains and rugged countryside and trekking trips into remote parts of the world with expert guides and special equipment.   

If you want to discover the world on foot in that way, you can begin building your stamina (and confidence) at home. Take it one mile at a time on a flat surface but try walking as fast as possible. As you get more comfortable, you can set bigger goals for yourself. For example, making it to the next village along a scenic canal walk or visiting a local hiking trail. Then, slowly increase your distance and speed and the gradient.  

If you can access a treadmill, try one out because the different speeds and gradients increase stamina. Even if the views along the route are not as thrilling as those out in nature, train at least three times a week, and you will soon notice a difference in your fitness.  

Intrepid also offers a physical rating for every trip from 1 to 5, which can help guide you when picking a trip. If you’re not comfortable doing a mountain trek in the Andes, you can try a more leisurely walking trip in Europe .   

Use the right tools   

Firm shoes that hold your ankles steady and offer a good grip on the ground, even if uneven or slippery, are essential. But wear them in before you set off. There is nothing worse than blisters on day one. Take a walking stick or one or two walking poles. They’ll give you more confidence until you get stronger and feel more secure within your body.  

Wear comfy clothes. It doesn’t have to be those hideous all-weather, all-occasion, multi-functioning trousers. If you have stretchy jeans, which you can move around in without restraint and feel better in, go for it. Comfy yet versatile is key.   

Go with a group    

Trekking, hiking and even walking are all about enjoying the nature and scenes around you and sharing it with others . With Intrepid, you’ll get to follow in the footsteps of a local leader who knows the locale and terrain well and you’ll walk with other like-minded people, which is good for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. There’s also the added benefit of having a bunch of people readily available to motivate and support each other.  

Add other activities    

Intrepid has many multi-active trips that include a mix of walking and other activities. Adding other activities to a hiking or walking trip makes it more fun and exciting. It breaks up the walking with experiences like swimming in lakes, exploring waterfalls or watching wildlife. It also gives hikers a chance to rest and enjoy the scenery in different ways. Plus, trying new activities brings the group together and creates lasting memories of the trip.  

Practice makes perfect   

Browse Intrepid’s small group adventures involving walking, hikes and trekking . Each offers very different levels of challenge, from simply walking on relatively even ground along the Camino de Santiago to trekking through the Himalayas off-grid. Start easy, get a feel for what your body and mind can do, and once you’ve completed one trail, up the ante and go for something more challenging.  

Back in Cape Town, after the guide realised that my age was no obstacle to hiking, I opted for a longer trek around Table Mountain. While enjoying the views and the exercise, I spotted plenty of wildlife, searching out the adorable rock hyrax. As a reward, I decided to take the scenic cable car down the mountain again. After all, there is no need to overdo it. 

Find your happy feet on a walking, trekking or hiking trip with Intrepid.

Feeling inspired?

Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey

Ulrike has lived and worked across the UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France. She writes about travel and lifestyle but also covers science and holds a marine biology degree. Ulrike has written for BBC Travel, TIME, Nat Geo, Lonely Planet, and more.

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USA Hiking & Camping trips

USA National Parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery, hiking, and outdoor experiences in the world. Our trips aim to deliver true adventures in nature while keeping you safe and comfortable. You might find yourself learning to set up a tent, cook around a campfire, or better understand "Leave No Trace" principles while hiking in these beautiful national parks.

-Meet authentic sled dogs -Spot wildlife in Denali National Park -Enjoy the seaside town of Seward -Kenai Fjord National Park -Hike the Exit Glacier Trail -Wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords

San Francisco & Yosemite

-Wine Tasting -Endless Hiking Options -See Great Sequoias -3 nights Camping -Explore San Francisco -Adventure in Yosemite National Park

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More about hiking and camping trips & tours, what's included on a hiking or camping trip.

Don't own camping gear? No worries, we provide tents, sleeping pads, and all cooking supplies needed to enjoy the campsite. Each trip also includes a trained guide to help you set up and be comfortable during your trip! Any national park entry fees and permits will be included. We do not provide sleeping bags or pillows. Please review your trip's exact itinerary for details.

Does every trip include camping?

No. Most USA National Park trips will include at least one night of camping, but some trips like Las Vegas to Zion Bryce Canyon does not include camping at all. All trips will include some hiking and plenty of outdoor time!

How should I pack for my trip?

As mentioned above, you will not need much camping gear but if your trip does include camping you should bring a sleeping bag and pillow. If you would like to shower at the campground, please bring a towel, shower shoes, quarters (depending on the campsite), and toiletries. We also highly recommend a day hiking backpack, water bottle, hiking shoes/boots, and a lightweight rain jacket. Each trip has more recommendations on the Trip Details pages. We also strongly recommend checking the weather report before leaving for your trip. Some locations are at high elevations and can be cool even in the summer months. If traveling in the spring or fall you may encounter a variety of weather during your trip as the seasons are changing.

What is the best time of year to go hiking or camping in a National Park?

This varies by the region you want to explore. Western mountain locations like Yosemite National Park are great in the summer months and into early fall. If you are looking for winter trips then you’ll want to focus on desert trips like Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park.   ‍ We only run trips during months that we believe are great for visitors based on the weather.  Some of our trips run off-peak so you can enjoy the park to yourself while still hoping to have decent weather.

Why sign up for a group hiking or camping trip?

Here are just a few of the reasons we see travelers join our group trips:

• Not everyone owns camping gear or has set up a tent on their own. We provide all the essential equipment and assist with setup so you can enjoy your trip without any of the hassle!
• A guide is with you throughout your camping trip to help with equipment, lead you on hikes and teach you about the area.
• If you encounter any wildlife like bears or moose your guide will know what to do.
• Meeting great people! When you join an Under30Experiences camping or hiking trip you know you will be with a group of like-minded people in your age range. 

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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