Whether your teen has a sparkling and agreeable personality who thirsts for adventure or is a bit sour on the idea of a family vacation and thinks everything is boring, the answer is likely the same. Give your teen travelers a challenge with a hiking adventure that transforms their view of the world. From relatively easy hikes in California to visiting the “black waterfall” in Iceland, here are five hiking adventure ideas with teens.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, California
is full of fabulous and challenging hikes, but for something relatively easy teens and littles alike will love, head to Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. The one-mile hike envelopes guests in stunning views of the falls for year-round hiking. If your teens are begging for more, you can hop on a more strenuous trail for travel selfies, a friendly competition of who can hike the fastest and a chance to wear everyone out for a good night’s sleep.
Cinque Terre Village to Village Hike, Italy
Hiking in the Cinque Terre isn’t just an amazing way to take in the Italian landscape, it’s also free to do and gives your teens a chance to meet other families and explore new towns. However, some of the Cinque Terre is challenging and requires some advance planning. For a relatively easy hike, try the path from Manarola to Corniglia with rolling gardens and coastline views.
National Park in Cinque Terre, Italy © Andym80 | Dreamstime.com
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
As one of the most visited national parks in the country, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers endless hikes to challenge your family. For an epic hike your teens will rave about, Mt. Ida offers panoramic views along most of the route and a rugged ending. Hallett Peak offers a less ambitious, but fantastic hike with impressive views without the drop-offs and challenging terrain. Meanwhile, Bluebird Lake guides visitors past three waterfalls, with the crowning Bluebird Lake the star attraction.
Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park is a hiker’s paradise at the foothills of the biggest glacier in Europe. Teens earn bragging rites on a glacier hike and capture photos of native Icelandic birds like puffin. For a short and sweet hike, head to Svartifoss waterfall where water tumbles over black hexagonal basalt columns. Afterwards, double back and head toward the marker for Sjónarnípa for views of the Skaftafell glacier and surrounding mountains.
Dragon’s Back, Hong Kong
The popular Dragon’s Back hike in Hong Kong is easy, scenic and empties onto an idyllic sandy beach where your teens can spread out and soak up the sun. Hike options hover around two hours with plenty of stops to take in sweeping views below. Along the way, make a stop at Shek O Peak for views of Shek O and Big Wave Bay. Just make sure to start this hike before the afternoon heat and crowds sweep in.
Whether your teens have fun or are still a little sour, the benefits of a full day of hiking are new experiences and worn muscles ready to unwind. Plan for a lazy day at your campground or hotel and soak up the newfound sense of accomplishment.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Jul 16, 202613 U.S. Lighthouses to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these lighthouses with us.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Ogunquit: Maine’s Perfect Beach Town
Maine’s south coast has beaches for every taste. There’s Old Orchard for the razzle-dazzle of an old-school pier and oceanside amusement park, Parson’s Beach in Kennebunkport for those who like just sand and dunes, and York’s Long Sands for surfers.
North America
Jul 15, 2026Grand Canyon West Launches Kids Free Offer, July Discount to Celebrate America’s 250th
It’s not too late for family travelers to take advantage of America’s 250th savings, even if the Fourth of July has passed. Grand Canyon West offers families a fun, affordable getaway with a Kids Free promotion and a special July promotion to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Destinations / North America
Jul 15, 2026The Best NYC Neighborhoods to Book (And Not to Book) a Family Stay
New York City can be a lot for tourists, especially if they’ve never been there before. The city feels massive and confusing at times, and it can be hard to decide which neighborhood is the best place to book your stay — especially if you’ve got kids. To mak planning a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of neighborhoods that are great, and not so great, options.
Hotels
Jul 15, 2026Teach Kids About Sustainability with This Hotel’s Conservation Concierge Program
Family travelers are beginning to seek trips that allow them to give back and learn something new. On Florida’s Treasure Coast, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa lets families become part of its conservation story.
ShareThis