{"id":10218,"date":"2019-06-22T13:45:19","date_gmt":"2019-06-22T13:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/?p=10218"},"modified":"2019-06-22T13:45:19","modified_gmt":"2019-06-22T13:45:19","slug":"best-urban-day-hikes-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotelsbyday.com\/blog\/best-urban-day-hikes-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Happy Trails: Best Urban Day Hikes in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the weather warms and we shed our spring jackets for summer shorts, it can be tempting to while away our weekends drinking on a sunny patio. As fun as \u2018ros\u00e9 all day\u2019 can be, sometimes escaping the city and immersing ourselves in nature is just what we need.
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Indeed, studies show that spending time outdoors can help reduce the risk of diabetes<\/a> and cardiovascular disease as well as lower stress levels. Overall, people exposed to a lot of nature are healthier and more relaxed<\/a>.
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Whether you live in the bustling Big Apple or the streets of Hot-lanta, there are a medley of different parks and trails to explore all easily accessible via car or public transit. So pack some snacks, lace up your boots, and get ready to discover the best day hiking trips the U.S. has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phoenix- Camelback Mountain (Cholla Trail)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a challenge, don\u2019t mind the heat and are keen to witness the stark beauty of the desert, you can’t do better than hiking in Phoenix. Arizona\u2019s capital city provides a wealth of nearby hiking options that will intrigue even the most experienced hikers.
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Our personal favorite can\u2019t-miss hike of the area? Camelback Mountain. This stunning vista is iconic to Phoenix and only 20 minutes from downtown. Hikers can choose between two equally difficult trails (Echo Canyon and Cholla) both which boast a 1,420-foot climb to the summit, which you guessed it: resembles the hump of a camel\u2019s back! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cholla Trail<\/a> totals 3 miles (one mile longer than Echo Canyon) but has a steadier incline. Keep your eyes peeled for native desert fauna such as the desert tortoise, chuckwalla lizard, cottontail rabbits, and rattlesnakes. Your reward after this strenuous climb? A beautiful panoramic view of what recently became the fifth-largest city in the U.S. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Los Angeles – Griffith Park Observatory (West Observatory Trail)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Los Angeles may be the city of the silver screen, but it would be a shame to spend your time in SoCal at the cinema when sunshine, natural beauty, and epic hikes beckon.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Griffith Park Observatory offers a dash of classic Hollywood with a healthy serving of outdoor recreation. Griffith Park is home not only to the legendary \u2018La La Land\u2019 sunset dance scene (and some picturesque views of the Hollywood sign) but a bevy of well-maintained trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At over 4,300 acres and just 5 miles from downtown LA, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. The West Observatory Trail<\/a> is perfect for a quick and easy day hike, with a modest elevation gain of 580 feet and a round trip length of 2 miles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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