National Landscapes in United States
National Landscape Guide
While the United States does not have an official "National Landscape" designation, it is home to more than 50 federally protected areas of equivalent national significance, such as National Monuments. These areas span the country, from urban parks in New York Harbor to vast desert expanses in Utah and Arizona. The terrain is diverse, encompassing immense sandstone canyons, high desert mesas, old-growth redwood forests, and volcanic formations. The primary outdoor activities available across these landscapes include hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling.
National Landscapes in United States
This list of national landscapes in United States features more than 2,000 routes for human-powered outdoor sports. More than 122,000 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Among the top national landscapes in United States, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument in Utah offers more than 60 hiking trails through its rugged terrain. In California, Muir Woods National Monument provides routes through its towering old-growth redwood forests. Further east, Colorado National Monument contains dozens of routes for hiking and cycling among its dramatic canyon landscapes. These protected areas offer a framework for exploring some of the country's most significant geological and cultural sites through an extensive network of trails and routes.
2968
Routes
4.7
(4958)
Average rating
119K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026
4.7
(326)
18,938
hikers
#1.
Governors Island National Monument
Governors Island National Monument is a car-free urban oasis in New York Harbor, offering diverse landscapes for hiking, jogging, and cycling with scenic views.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.7
(1359)
14,440
hikers
#2.
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument offers vast, rugged landscapes with dramatic geological formations for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.8
(49)
9,044
hikers
#3.
Bears Ears National Monument
Bears Ears National Monument in Utah offers diverse terrain, from sandstone canyons to high desert mesas, for hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Cycling
4.5
(237)
8,466
hikers
#4.
Stonewall National Monument
Stonewall National Monument in NYC's Greenwich Village offers urban outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and jogging on flat, paved routes through historic streets and Christopher Park.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.9
(24)
7,933
hikers
#5.
Natural Bridges National Monument
Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah features massive sandstone bridges, deep canyons, and high desert terrain, offering routes for hiking and touring cycling.
Hiking
Cycling
4.5
(311)
7,191
hikers
#6.
Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head State Monument, a prominent national monument in Honolulu, offers varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and jogging, with panoramic coastal views from its summit.
Hiking
Running
Road cycling
Cycling
4.7
(290)
7,138
hikers
#7.
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument, north of San Francisco, features towering old-growth redwood forests perfect for hiking, jogging, and cycling in the surrounding area.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.7
(293)
5,204
hikers
#8.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona offers diverse terrain, from slot canyons to plateaus, for hiking and jogging.
Hiking
Running
4.7
(40)
4,916
hikers
#9.
Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument features dramatic canyon landscapes and towering rock formations, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and more.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.8
(178)
4,206
hikers
#10.
Statue Of Liberty National Monument
Statue Of Liberty National Monument offers pathways and green spaces for walking, with nearby Liberty State Park providing extensive routes for cycling, jogging, and hiking.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.8
(152)
2,868
hikers
#11.
Santa Rosa And San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Santa Rosa And San Jacinto Mountains National Monument offers diverse outdoor routes, from desert to pine forests, for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(123)
2,786
hikers
#12.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument offers panoramic coastal views and diverse landscapes for hiking, jogging, and cycling at the tip of San Diego's Point Loma.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.7
(171)
2,760
hikers
#13.
California Coastal National Monument
California Coastal National Monument protects over 1,100 miles of coastline, offering diverse environments for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.9
(106)
2,283
hikers
#14.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore offers over 100 square miles of diverse coastline, grasslands, and ridges for hiking, cycling, and running.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Road cycling
Cycling
4.6
(165)
2,174
hikers
#15.
Fort Ord National Monument
Fort Ord National Monument offers diverse terrain, from rolling hills to oak woodlands, with extensive routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.8
(146)
2,109
hikers
#16.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore protects 40 miles of diverse coastal landscapes, offering numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.6
(64)
1,350
hikers
#17.
Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument features a 17-mile volcanic escarpment with ancient rock carvings, offering routes for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.1
(35)
1,294
hikers
#18.
Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine
Fort Mchenry National Monument And Historic Shrine offers accessible outdoor spaces in Baltimore with scenic waterside views for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
Hiking
Running
Road cycling
Cycling
4.5
(62)
1,171
hikers
#19.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument features a 400-foot deep canyon with unique geology, offering diverse routes for hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
4.6
(87)
877
hikers
#20.
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument offers over 33,000 acres of rugged canyon and mesa country with diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
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Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
Most popular routes in United States
Nature to explore in United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 'National Landscapes' in the United States?
The United States does not have an official 'National Landscape' designation. This collection refers to over 70 federally protected areas of equivalent national significance, such as National Monuments, which safeguard distinctive landscapes and ecosystems. These areas offer thousands of routes for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
What are some notable examples of these protected landscapes?
Notable examples span diverse environments across the country. They include the vast desert terrain of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument in Utah, the towering old-growth redwood forests of Muir Woods National Monument in California, and the dramatic canyons of Colorado National Monument.
What kinds of outdoor activities are available in these landscapes?
The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with over 2,800 routes available across the collection. Specific routes range from urban cycling paths in places like Governors Island National Monument to rugged backcountry hiking trails in areas such as Bears Ears National Monument.
How do these National Landscapes differ from US National Parks?
This collection focuses on designations like National Monuments, which often protect specific historic, cultural, or scientific features within a defined area. In contrast, National Parks in United States are typically larger areas Congressionally designated for their scenic beauty, unique geology, and diverse ecosystems, managed for conservation and public recreation.
What are the main activities in Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument?
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument offers a vast, rugged landscape for outdoor sports. There are over 60 hiking trails through its dramatic geological formations. The area also provides routes for mountain biking and touring cycling.
Are there hiking and cycling routes on Governors Island National Monument?
Yes, Governors Island National Monument is a car-free urban area in New York Harbor with routes for several activities. It features over 40 hiking routes and nearly 50 combined road and touring cycling routes, offering scenic views of the city.
What kind of terrain is found in Bears Ears National Monument?
Bears Ears National Monument in Utah features diverse terrain ranging from sandstone canyons to high desert mesas. This landscape provides a setting for hiking, mountain biking, and touring cycling, with routes that explore its unique geological and cultural features.
What hiking opportunities are available in these landscapes?
There are thousands of hiking trails across these protected areas, catering to various skill levels. For example, Muir Woods National Monument offers accessible trails through redwood forests, while Vermilion Cliffs National Monument has more challenging routes through slot canyons and plateaus.
Are there many cycling routes in these designated areas?
Yes, numerous cycling routes are available for both road and mountain bikes. Colorado National Monument is a notable location with dozens of routes for hiking and cycling among its canyons. Urban areas like Stonewall National Monument also feature many paved routes suitable for city cycling.
Are these landscapes suitable for beginners or families?
Many of these areas offer routes suitable for all skill levels. Urban monuments like Governors Island National Monument have flat, paved paths ideal for families. Other locations, such as Natural Bridges National Monument, provide shorter hiking trails to view its massive sandstone bridges.
What is the best time to visit these National Landscapes?
The best time to visit varies greatly by location. Desert landscapes in Utah and Arizona, such as Grand Staircase-Escalante, are often best explored in the spring and fall to avoid extreme summer heat. Coastal areas like Muir Woods in California can be visited year-round, though winter may bring more rain.
Can these areas be accessed by public transport?
Access varies by location. Urban monuments in New York City, such as Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty, are accessible via ferry. More remote monuments in states like Utah or Arizona generally require other means of transport to reach the trailheads.
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