If you’re looking to enjoy beautiful landscapes without engaging in strenuous hiking, there are plenty of options available! Below, I am sharing some stunning landscapes that you can easily appreciate without the need for extensive hiking!
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder known for its vastness and vibrant colors. You can enjoy stunning views from various overlooks and viewpoints that are easily accessible by car or shuttle bus.
One of our favorites was the view just past Mather’s Point. This viewpoint is the closest to the Visitor Center and can be quiet crowded. But if you keep walking along the sidewalk, on the rim walk towards the South Kaibab trail, the crowds thin out. This is where we got some of our best photos of the canyon!
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Garden of the Gods is a popular landmark in Colorado Springs, CO. It’s known for its stunning red rock formations and picturesque landscapes. The walkway inside the park is also on a paved trail and can be quiet easy to maneuver. I suggest the Perkins Central Garden loop that takes about twenty-five minutes to complete.
If you prefer a more leisurely experience, you can take a scenic drive through the park on paved roads. The main road, known as Garden Drive, offers several viewpoints where you can stop and admire the stunning rock formations.
Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Bear Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is one of the most popular destinations in the park due to its accessibility and amazing scenery. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks and the waters are emerald-green.
The loop around the lake is wheelchair accessible and is approximately a 0.5 mile loop. The parking lot is also close to the lake, but since it is one of the most popular areas in the park, it does fill up quick. Shuttle service is also available in the Bear Lake Corridor!
Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Sprague Lake is another picturesque lake located within Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a popular destination for visitors due to its serene beauty, wildlife, and accessibility. The lake is surrounded by a peaceful landscape of forests and meadows with stunning views of the mountains, including the Continental Divide.
The trail features a short, 0.8 mile loop that encircles the lake. On our summer visit, we began the walk around the lake at 4:30 pm, and encountered a moose and her baby by around 4:45 pm. It was the highlight of our day! This is a great spot for wildlife viewing and taking in a sunset or sunrise!
Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, Utah
Dead Horse Point State Park is a gorgeous natural park located in southeastern Utah. It is known for its breathtaking views of the Colorado River and its deep canyons. Because it’s located on a high plateau, it offers panoramic views and dramatic overlooks.
The Dead Horse Visitors Center Loop trail is considered an easy route and takes under ten minutes to complete. We were in complete awe walking around this area. The views are breathtaking, and I honestly enjoyed this destination more than the Grand Canyon!
Upper Mesa Falls in Ashton, Idaho
Upper Mesa Falls is a massive waterfall that you can find in Ashton, Idaho. This waterfall is 114 feet tall and 200 feet wide. It is most known for its impressive cascades and powerful rush of water!
I recommend exploring the Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk & Lookout trail. This trail is less than half a mile, it’s considered very easy, and takes about fifteen minutes to complete. Here you will find a paved trail that leads to a boardwalk with many different viewpoints of the waterfall!
Stout Memorial Grove Trail in Redwoods National & State Parks, California
The Stout Memorial Grove Trail is located in Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park near Crescent City, California. This easy, 0.7 mile loop winds through ancient coastal redwood trees and takes under thirty minutes to complete. This loop is suitable for people of all skill levels and we found it very easy to traverse!
This was our favorite trail in the Redwoods. It was so peaceful walking among these giant trees that date back seven hundred years. Our boys loved climbing on the downed trees and it’s a memory that we will never forget!
As you can see, these destinations offer stunning landscapes and each location has plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy without the need of hiking. So, don’t be afraid to get out there and explore more of this amazing country. Be sure to follow my blog for more updates and family-friendly travel recommendations, destinations, and guides!
