7 AMAZING National Park Hikes for Older Hikers

In this video, we've curated a list of 7 amazing national park hikes specifically designed for older hikers. Whether you're seeking breathtaking vistas, tranquil forests, or awe-inspiring waterfalls, these trails are sure to meet those demands. From the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park to the dramatic landscapes of Yosemite National Park, we'll give you suggestions for great trails that lead to an unforgettable experience. We believe that age should never limit your sense of adventure, and these hikes have been carefully chosen to offer breathtaking sights while being mindful of varying fitness levels. So, grab your walking sticks and join us on this journey of discovery, where age is just a number and the beauty of nature knows no bounds. Let's embark on these 7 amazing national park hikes for older hikers, together!
Let me know what your favorite national park hike is in the description.
Here are links to full videos on each spot.
Shenandoah - • Shenandoah National Pa...
Bryce - • Bryce Canyon National ...
Yosemite - • Visiting Yosemite Nati...
White Sands - • White Sands National P...
Wrangell-St. Elias - • Visiting the Largest N...
Big Bend - • Big Bend National Park...
Olympic - • Olympic National Park:...
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:22 Hike 1
0:58 Hike 2
1:40 Hike 3
2:28 Hike 4
3:15 Hike 5
3:56 Hike 6
4:31 Hike 7
Special thanks to Josh of ThroughMyLens for helping me put this video together.

[@ThroughMyLens]

You look familiar! I can't place it

[@popshiking]

@ThroughMyLens I think I look like a lot of people. Old guy with a beard. Hahaha

[@thedogzoo]

😅

[@elissahartwig5618]

😂

[@violetbf3773]

🤣🤣🤣

[@debo9396]

TY for the tip on hiking glasses!

[@stargazer5073]

Wow, great idea to have your own channel!!!!! Yes, we need age appropriate activities.

[@popshiking]

Yes we do

[@wendypederson243]

The Redwoods won my heart...and soul. Walking among the giant trees ...life changing.

[@popshiking]

@wendypederson243 I 100% agree! They make you feel small but engage you with their beauty!

[@cindywestlake6278]

I love you have your own Channel Pops!! BIG FAN of you and Josh!!!! I AM 58 and don't have the best feet anymore and I love hiking but can't do the hard stuff anymore. Thank you!!!

[@popshiking]

I just figure I'll do what I can as long as I can. Thanks for the kind words!

[@bostonphotographer20]

POPS!!!! We regularly watch your son's videos and you are always a positive. Subscribed instantly when I found out it was you.

[@popshiking]

Thanks for the sub! Really appreciate it!!

[@Mimi-yc9iq]

Hi pops Hubby and I watched all through my lens videos. Now we can’t wait to watch yours. 🤗

[@popshiking]

Mimi-yc9iq I really appreciate it!!

[@sunnygram3850]

All seem to be beautiful. Hikes .

[@jymnmeier3527]

Great video, Pops! I can't even begin to express how excited I am that you have your own channel :) Can't wait to see what you create here.

[@popshiking]

@jymnmeier3527 You are so kind! I am glad to have Josh in my corner to help produce some decent stuff.

[@violetbf3773]

So happy you have your own channel, Pops! 🙌🏽

[@popshiking]

@violetbf3773 Violet my friend! Yeah Josh and I have been talking about it and thought it might be fun. Of course he is helping me a ton. Thanks for the kind words. We missed you at our live chat.

[@violetbf3773]

@@popshiking I had to miss it, it was my birthday; so I was out and about. I watched it afterwards. And that’s how I found out about your new channel. I’m glad you decided to do it. You know we are all happy to see you in your adventures with Josh. So I was wondering what was taking you so long to make the decision to open your own channel 😁

[@shadyberero6809]

Hi from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 super video. I love Through My Lens, one big aspect is your nice positive outlook, humour, commentary, with you and the scenery/ places it is just lovely and uplifting ❤

[@popshiking]

@shadyberero6809 Thanks for the encouraging words!

[@Michael-st1hl]

I hope you reach your 1000 subscribers very soon! These are some of parks I want to do a solo motorcycle trip to, get off the bike and hike! I’m working on my first 1 k as well but have a long way to go. Keep up these beautiful videos my friend. I subscribed !

[@wanderlust62]

So glad you decided to do this! Loved these hikes, sometimes, lately more often, I want a more leisurely hike! These are great. Arches has great easy hikes, too!

[@popshiking]

@wanderlust62 Arches is one of my favorite parks!

[@debbienichols-pawlak6060]

❤

[@Alltheoutdoorthings]

What a great idea to share your take on all of these!

[@popshiking]

Thanks so much!

[@wildzenventures]

Nicely done! Definitely some beautiful hikes listed here. :).

[@popshiking]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrelliev1268]

Thanks for doing this! My husband and I are going to White Sand Dunes in 3 weeks! Keep making videos Pops!

[@popshiking]

@andrelliev1268 Thanks for the encouragement! I didn't mention it in my video, but if you look at Josh's Through My Lens on White Sands, you will see it's fun to bring a sledding snow disk! I hope you get a great sunset!

[@zipawaytravel]

Yes, the Yosemite Panorama Trail seems very nice.

[@popshiking]

One of my favorites!

[@mamaebbie7326]

Pops! So excited to see your own channel! As a fellow not so young hiker, I am looking forward to your perspectives and tips. You and Josh are our favorite team

[@popshiking]

@mamaebbie7326 Thanks for the kind words! Hopefully I can give you some encouragement.

[@ashvarma2486]

Great idea to have your own channel Pops. Great video. Enjoyed your selection. Thanks for sharing

[@popshiking]

Thanks for watching!

[@RobB943]

I’m in, love your videos with your son and look forward to more from you 🇬🇧

[@popshiking]

Thanks!!

[@michelleb2116]

Congrats Pops! Looking forward to more of your travels. I’ve done 4 of the hikes you mentioned. White Sands is extraordinary and equally beautiful at sunrise. Happy Trails!

[@popshiking]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Galaxy2191]

Yosemite is one of my favorite places to go too!

[@popshiking]

Me too! Like Yellowstone so much to see there.

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

Nice first video pops! You have some awesome trails on this for your favorites! I would say some of my favorite National Park hikes would be. 1. The Subway Zion 2. The Mist Trail Yosemite 3. Yosemite Falls Summit 4. Fern Canyon Redwoods NP 5. The Blue Lake Trail North Cascades 6. Mt Scott Summit Crater Lake 7. Alpine Lakes Loop Great Basin NP Congratulations on your new channel, and I look forward to your future videos!

[@popshiking]

@adventuringoutdoorswitheric That is an amazing list! Have only done a couple of those. Thanks for the list!

[@ericswanson4707]

Very exciting to see that you have your own channel, Pops! My family and I have watched every video that Josh has made on both of his channels (we especially like the ones that you participated in!), and look forward to watching all of your future videos! Eric in Japan

[@popshiking]

@ericswanson4707 Thanks so much for the kind words! I want to get to Japan someday. Just had family who visited and absolutely loved it!

[@NicoleHikesalot]

I loved seeing Pops talk about his favorites! Well done!

[@popshiking]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I’m closer to you and your wife’s age than Josh and Amy’s age. I’ve never done the panorama trail in Yosemite. I really have been wanting to. Now I’m inspired to go. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve done the queens garden/navajo loop. It’s challenging going back up but not bad. Just take my time. Ho rainforest is so incredible. All of Olympic national park is lovely. Kings falls loop in Lassen is lovely and doable but I heard the wildfires really devastated that area and took down all the trees that really made that hike extra special. Again not a hard hike but a little challenging coming back up. Just take your time. I love hiking in pinnacles national park. I do the loop thru the caves up to the reservoir then take the alternate back down. Going down that way is a gorgeous path. I just have to make sure to have something to pad my knees for the exit of the tallus caves. For pops the caves might not be your thing so the alternate is gorgeous. Really any trail in pinnacles is lovely.

[@popshiking]

@kellyjohnson3617 So cool that you have done those hikes. Yeah, I think starting by going down the switchbacks is probably easier for Navajo loop. As I noted in the video too, the whole panorama trail is challenging but the first part is not too bad.

[@jonathantitus2629]

I have enjoyed watching you travel with the family and now this. Thanks for this particular video. I just turned 60 and although I work out and consider myself to be in good shape for the shape I'm in, I can't do the really long hikes anymore. Of these my favorite would be the Olympic and Bryce ones with Yosemite coming close. I think that all the hikes that begin at Bear Lake in RMNP are doable for people in reasonably good shape and most of the geyser basin ones found in Yellowstone are not overly taxing. God bless. Keep on traveling!

[@popshiking]

Thanks for the Big Bear tip.

[@ItsBalakA]

Would love for you to do a ranking video of the favorite places you have traveled to in the US. Not just national parks but everywhere you have been. Great video!

[@popshiking]

@ItsBalakA That's a great idea! I will start thinking about doing that!

[@VanGo_AZ]

Now I see where Josh got it from😻

[@popshiking]

@VanGo_AZ Likely it is the other way around! I got any ideas I have from him! Hahaha

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Congrats buddy you will be fabulous. 🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦

[@popshiking]

@Badgeweefixstuff Thanks so much!

[@MeanderThisWay]

Great Video 👍👍👍👍🫵🫵🫵

[@popshiking]

Thanks for the visit

[@globehiker]

GREAT 👍

[@popshiking]

Thanks for watching!

[@jcwandering-sharingourstory]

Great video! We've been able to visit a few of those already. Thanks for the info!

[@popshiking]

@jcwandering-sharingourstory Thanks so much for stopping by!!

[@MovingToAdventure]

My favorite hike has gotta be Grinnell Glacier

[@popshiking]

@MovingToAdventure That spot looks amazing!

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Awesome video very cool thanks 🛠️🇨🇦

[@popshiking]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BobasaurBex]

Hi pops! I’m in my 30’s but due to some issues with my knees I have to be careful with the hikes I choose to do. I’m excited to see your recommendations and I loved this video! ❤️

[@popshiking]

@BobasaurBex I am with you with knee problems. Old basketball injuries for me. I will try to remember to mention hikes with challenges. My next video will be about a hike outside of Los Angeles and might not recommend it for folks with knee issues unless you really took your time. As you know, its less about the uphill as it is about the downhill, at least it is for me. Thanks for watching!

[@kathyhepler382]

Thanks for joining us. Awesome video. Beautiful parks!!!!

[@popshiking]

@athyhepler382 Thanks for stopping by!

[@jennad4602]

Nicely done! I really like your style and enjoyed your thoroughness. I moved to Alaska from California back in 2004 and you and Josh refresh my fond memories of CA. Thank you! ❤

[@popshiking]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@christopherlands2706]

Thank you Pops!! My Pop is going to enjoy this channel too!! Going to recommend it to him now 😊

[@popshiking]

@christopherlands2706 Great! Thanks for the encouragement.

[@jimfunchess]

Hey Pops! It's great that you have your own channel. You should have done this years ago! Good luck, and I look forward to hearing your advice!

[@popshiking]

@jimfunchess Thanks so much for the encouraging words!

[@dub88acc]

Lost mine in Big Bend has some sneaky elevation lol. Definitely great view at the end

[@popshiking]

Hahahaha it really does! Love the payoff at the end.

[@MsGidget09]

This is so helpful to see other hikes that are assessable for everyone no matter their age. As we travel, its good to see both the difficult trails, but also the easy and breathtaking ones. If you haven't seen Sol Duc Falls in Washington State, I'd highly recommend that trail! 0.8 mile one way with amazing views. Happy Travels!

[@popshiking]

@MsGidget09 I will have to that one on my list. I still do some challenging hikes with my don Josh/Throughmylens but on the lookout for others that are still very beautiful but doable for older folks like me. I did one today that I’ll be making a video of called Barker Dam Hike in Joshua Tree National Park. One of my new favorites.

[@MsGidget09]

Wow! I'll look forward to seeing that video! Being from Kansas, there is still so much to explore West!

[@mattfriel2724]

24 hours after the live stream and you're up to 644 followers. Way yo go Pops.

[@popshiking]

@mattfriel2724 Thanks! Helps to have a legit, social media son like Josh. I think those followers are mostly people sharing how much they appreciate him! Hahaha

[@bettybrigance6784]

Thank you for this, brief but good information for a senior adventurer as myself...stay safe and keep going...

[@popshiking]

@bettybrigance6784 Thanks for stopping by!

[@debbiestevens4171]

Happy first video! I look forward to more.

[@popshiking]

@debbiestevens4171 Thanks so much!

[@vikimoody8783]

thanks for this list. Will do them all!

[@popshiking]

@vikimoody8783 Awesome! Thanks for stopping by.

[@kirbyhays]

Wow, I love it. I just turned 39 so I’ve been looking for some great old-person hikes!

[@popshiking]

@kirbyhays You got a lot of gray hairs for 39! (Kirby is a long time friend of mine)

[@Ianman258]

incredible video!! so lovely to see all the places youve been to and im looking forward to seeing more exciting adventures! for me personally one national park hike that stood out (and is not too difficult!) was the bristlecone pine hike at great basin; super underrated park (and nearby cathedral gorge was also super impressive).

[@popshiking]

@Ianman258 I have done several hikes with Josh to bristlecone forests. They are amazing. Not surprised it would be one of your favorites

[@kathieodonnell6882]

Thanks for focusing on those of us who have limited mobility issues. We still want to enjoy the beauty of national and state parks. It makes one appreciate paved, accessible trails. In the videos with Josh, it's good to show people that it is ok not to go all the way up a dangerous trail - for example Angel's Landing.

[@popshiking]

There is so much out there that is accessible and beautiful. Yeah, Josh will tease me at times, but he didn't when it came to Angels' landing.

[@PatrickMchenry-qp8fp]

Awesome hikes been on a few of these thanks pops

[@popshiking]

@PatrickMchenry-qp8fp Thanks for stopping by and watching!

[@bleonesmd]

Glad to see you Pops! Just did Hoh Rainforest 10 days ago after I watched ThroughMyLens Video. It is so beautiful!

[@popshiking]

@bleonesmd Agreed! Thanks for stopping by!

[@lynnmacleod1879]

Hi Pop's...enjoyed your video... I've subscribed and look fwd to continued content... thank-you!

[@popshiking]

@lynnmacleod1879 Thanks for your subscription and watching the video!

[@beaubows239]

I went to Hoh Rainforest Trail last March and it was amazing!! Spent the lot of my time appreciating the surroundings and peace.

[@popshiking]

@beaubows239 I think that is the best way to do it!

[@1958zed]

Great suggestions. I really enjoyed the Lady Bird Johnson loop trail in Redwoods National Park. It's relatively flat and takes you through an amazing grove of Redwoods with little interpretive signs matching the map. (Another Illini alum in San Diego!)

[@popshiking]

@1958zed Yeah I love Redwoods too! Illinois having a good bball year so far.

[@vlaSINda]

Yeah!!! POPS!!!!

[@popshiking]

@viaSINda Thanks!!

[@daviotkelly1267]

Pops has a channel. Hell yeah!!!!

[@popshiking]

@daviotkelly1267 Hahaha! Thanks so much!

[@cindylouwho8429]

I have seen you in Josh’s videos. Happy you have your own channel. I subscribed. As a senior traveling solo I would I am interested in recommendations from someone closer to my age. Thanks 😊

[@popshiking]

@cindylouwho8429 Yeah, that is what I am hoping to do in both my travels with Josh and some other trips on my own. Thanks for stopping by!

[@trebthree]

Mount Rainier, WA

[@popshiking]

@trebthree A great recommendation! I spent some time there but there is so much more I would like to explore.

[@lisahill6268]

Congratulations, Pops! Good luck with the channel.

[@popshiking]

@lisahill6268 Thanks so much!

[@cesarjimenez9390]

Great job pops 👍🏻, like son like father 😊, or is it the other way around?

[@popshiking]

@cesarjimenex9390 Hahaha you got me figured out! It's more like the other way around.

[@suebrownchapin9487]

Thank you for sharing this info! We've watched you with Josh for awhile now (awesome), and as a couple nearing retirement and getting ready to do some traveling, we're excited to see your perspective. Thanks also for the work you do to make this world a better place for all.

[@popshiking]

@suebrownchapin9487 Thank you so much for watching Josh’s videos and joining me here! Yes I have been try to think through the idea of “gray hair hiking” for a while. Josh has been so helpful in that. Thanks for the kind words!

[@carlapires7732]

Well done on your fresh start! Not easy an adventure when you go solo! More remarkable at your age which deserves a big👍Do not forget your sense of humour even if on your own now. We like the "hype" Pops too. You have made it so much easier when scheduling trips with less digging into travel books. Straight to the point & unbiased. Well noted for the next stop!

[@popshiking]

@carlapires Josh and I thought it just might be a fun thing for me to try. Of course still traveling with him as long as he will have me! Hahaha.

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

Been to a few of these. Great choices. Hopefully visiting Yosemite for the first time next year. Love watching you both. You live so fully. 😁

[@popshiking]

@MagellanandGreyhound I know you guys are well-traveled but you will absolutely love Yosemite!

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

@@popshiking we are so excited. It’s one of those top of the list places that we have just failed to get to on several tries.

[@NumberSpace]

Thank you for this great list! I love the Historic Railroad Tunnels hike at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

[@popshiking]

@NumberSpace Thanks for stopping by! Wasn't aware of the Railroad Tunnels. Just looked it up online. Those are pretty amazing!

[@NumberSpace]

@@popshiking Hopefully you can hike there someday! They used the tunnels for the train to transport materials when building the hoover dam. They took the railroad out and built a trail through there. Nice and flat and great views of the lake!

[@C-TOS]

The only hike I did with my parents at a National Park was the Grand Canyon,

[@popshiking]

@C-TOS not many place more amazing than there! We were just there and between the snow, clouds and fog couldn’t see a thing!

[@garyconley69]

Hey Pops! First of all do you prefer Pops or Jeff? Secondly thanks for the video and good luck with your new adventure!!! Being a so cal resident I've done a lot of the hikes in Yosemite. My favorite hike is Tenaya lake to clouds rest as it used to be nearly deserted compared to the half dome hike. Plus its more downhill to the valley as you start higher up I believe. A new favorite is McWay falls (how cool is it to see a waterfall into the ocean, right? We did a hike up in south lake Tahoe last year that was pretty awesome as well. Year before we did some hiking at Zion but we were Snowed out at Bryce so will have to revisit to try your recommendation there. Thanks again and be well!!

[@popshiking]

@garyconley69 Thanks for the kind words! Pops or Jeff is fine. These are great suggestions. I also love McWay falls. Thanks for sharing your favorites.

[@Harames]

My favorite hike with a stunning view has to be Hidden Lake Overlook at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park. It’s amazing, especially if you get to see some mountain goats cross the trail in front of you like I did. For a less known park, there’s a hike along old railroad grade at Golden Spike National Historical Park. It’s really cool to walk along the grade and see the remains of the first railroad that connected the United States together. With it being railroad grade, it’s also an easy stroll along mostly flat ground.

[@popshiking]

@Harames Those sound great! I also really enjoy trying to understand a bit of the history of a place before I visit.

[@Dakine_OAG]

So awesome!! Here in Hawaii, the members of the Hawaii Trail & Mountain Club (HTMC as we call it) are mostly older (60+ with some in their 90's)!! They've inspired me in my hiking journey and I'm sure you're gonna inspire thousands to get out and live the awesome outdoor life!! Love following you & Josh on Josh's channel. Looking forward to your adventures as well. Let us (my wife & I - she has a Hawaii hiking channel) if you're ever in Hawaii. We'd be more than honored to take you folks around (mainly Oahu).

[@popshiking]

@Dakine_OAG Sounds like a great group! And thanks for the invite to get with you sometime. That would be fun.

[@hedycohen9804]

Absolutely love the video. What time of the year did you go to the Olympic National Park rainforest?

[@popshiking]

@hedycohen9804 It was last summer in June ‘23 just at the start of our extensive Alcan trip.

[@leanncady8208]

Have you thought about doing voice overs? Your voice is so soothing to listen to. I think it's awesome you have your own channel! I enjoy watching the travel videos you and your son create - so informative! I travel vicariously through you two! Some of my favorite hikes include Edith Cavell Meadows Trail in Jasper National Park, Avalanche Trail and Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, and Rainbow Falls Hike in Smoky Mountains National Park.

[@popshiking]

@leanncady Wow that is quite a list of gorgeous places! Thanks for the kind words too.

[@debo9396]

NC....67 single female here....lol. thx! I like, age appropriate, Hanging Rock State Park in NC.

[@popshiking]

@debo9396 That’s a great suggestion!

[@IMJAFO2]

After watching this video, Josh may have some competition

[@popshiking]

@IMJAF02 He helped so much in making it he will be competing with himself! Hahaha

[@IMJAFO2]

@@popshiking ha ha

[@davidnewhouse9403]

You should do some road trip tip videos next pops!😊

[@popshiking]

@davidnewhouse9403 Josh already keeps me pretty busy. Thinking of a few things I might though.

[@davidnewhouse9403]

@@popshiking I think a video of “what pops packs for a road trip” could be cool.

[@jaxcoop1511]

Love your channel concept. I too share your dislike for open heights 😳

[@popshiking]

@jaxcoop1511 Thanks so much! Yeah, not a fan of heights but maybe getting a little better.

[@krismarie4837]

I was do hoping to walk the trails. Little sad just a talk through. Maybe next time take cam and take us for an actual walk. Show us the sights and sounds

[@MawarMerah20]

You should come to Alabama.

[@popshiking]

@MawarMerah20 I have only driven through the state a couple of times on the way to someplace else. I would love to spend significant time in Sweet Home Alabama where the skies are so blue!

[@garyconley69]

Hey Pops... what would you recommend for my 82 year old stud mother in law in terms of hikes around southern CA? She did some hikes in Zion with us last year and did the mist trail in yosemite the year before. she's in good shape

[@popshiking]

@garyconley69 so cool she enjoys hiking! Here is a link that Josh put together that you might look at to get some ideas californiathroughmylens.com/top-ten-hiking-trails-southern-california/

[@garyconley69]

@@popshiking I've probably watched it but will check it out again. There is so much content to review and so many places to go! Thank you for the link. Keep at it!

[@paulsushycki4113]

Been meaning to write you and your son for sometime now I’m from Canada and the trip I’ve taken in the past is my motorcycle from Ontario to Newfoundland Newfoundland is a province that you should really do perhaps with your son perhaps with Josh we started out from corner brook and then took the great Northern trip to The Viking settlements from there we took a coastal freighter to Labrador and a town called Nain we then took another freighter to take us to St. John’s Newfoundland St. John’s is a place that you could spend a week exploring just that but we took a small launch to Saint Pierre and Miquelon about a half an hour from Saint John’s this is France and you’re greeted with a little Frenchtown French restaurants etc. this trip that we took was many years ago and I guess I would I guess it has changed it has changed somewhat from themBut I would urge you to at least explored by computer first and then if it meets your requirements do the trip you’ll come back with surprising videos and experiences all the best Paul SUSHYCKI

[@popshiking]

Sounds like an amazing trip! Thanks for the recommendation and I will check it out.

[@IMJAFO2]

Wow!!! 552 subscribers already. WATCH OUT JOSH!!! POPS IS GOING TO CATCH UP AND SURPASS YOU!!

[@popshiking]

@IMAJFO2 Hahaha I don’t think he’s worried!