Hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural world, with every season offering its own unique treasures. Whether you’re drawn to sun-drenched desert trails, snow-blanketed mountain paths, or the lush vibrancy of forest landscapes, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you every month of the year. To help you make the most of 2025, we’ve asked our team at Gossamer Gear to share their favorite year-round hiking spots for the ultimate adventure bucket list.

In this blog, our staff presents a carefully curated, month-by-month guide to the best hiking destinations of 2025, all chosen from their personal outdoor experiences. You’ll hear first-hand recommendations tailored to inspire hikers of all skill levels. Each destination has been thoughtfully selected to align with the season’s unique character, offering ideal conditions and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re seeking routes that embrace the golden warmth of spring, provide an escape from the peak heat of summer, or immerse you in the tranquility of winter, there’s something here for everyone.

So, lace up your trail runners, pack your gear, and get ready to explore the most unforgettable hiking adventures of 2025!

1. January: Big Bend in Texas

Photo Credit: Jonathan Schmid

January is one of the most magical times to visit the Big Bend region of Texas. The stars at night are big and bright for cowboy camping, and the crisp mornings warm up quickly once the sun shines. Typically, the only “crowds” you may find are around the Chisos Basin, so we find ourselves favoring the state park, and an easy, short first hike of the year is the Closed Canyon Trail at Big Bend Ranch State Park. This short slot canyon carves its way through a mesa as it makes its way to the Rio Grande, and you can spot various plants and animals along the way. 

—Jonathan Schmid, CEO

2. February: Lake Morena in California

Photo Credit: Gossamer Gear

February is a tough one for hiking, especially if you’re like me and don’t exactly love the cold. During this time of year, nothing beats the southern California weather, and the further south, the better. If you’re in the San Diego area during February, one of my favorite places to hike is Lake Morena. It’s a bit of a drive outside the city, but Lake Morena is a fantastic spot to enjoy the beautiful landscape without the usual crowds. It’s also an iconic landmark for those early on their Pacific Crest Trail journey! While there likely won’t be any thru-hikers on trail during this time of year, you can just imagine the nerves and anticipation one may have knowing they’ve got roughly 2,600 miles left. Who knows, maybe you’ll get that itch to thru-hike yourself?

—Joshua Garza, Director of Brand Marketing

3. March: Davis Mountains State Park in Texas

Photo Credit: Travis K. Witt

I don’t know if this place counts as a hidden gem, but it definitely feels like one in March. You won’t bump into a ton of folks on the trails or at the campsites, which makes securing reservations super easy. There’s still a little chill in the air, but the Texas sun keeps the biting cold at bay during the day—perfect weather for day hikes at any level. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might catch some early blooms of the claret cup cactuses by the end of March. One of my favorite itineraries for this area involves hiking up to the Limpia Primitive Canyon area, finding a primitive campsite, and enjoying the incredible stargazing that the Davis Mountains offer. Last time I was there, my trusty The One really came in handy during an early spring windstorm, too!

—Sarah del Puerto, Marketing Manager

4. April: North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in California

Photo Credit: Carrie Fritsch

Table Mountain, near Oroville, California, is a beautiful mesa with wildflower blooms, vernal pools, and waterfalls, such as the 166-foot Phantom Falls. Formed by ancient lava flows, it offers scenic hikes, picnicking, and kite-flying. It’s my favorite spot to explore and hike with my family in April. The wildflowers are truly stunning! Hikes range from 4 to 11 miles, with varying difficulty. Be mindful of the flowers, wear sturdy shoes on the rocky trails, and avoid the mesa edge and cattle. I pack a Loris daypack with snacks, plenty of water, a kite, and a Lightrek Hiking Umbrella with the Handsfree Umbrella Clamp. It’s a must-visit!

—Carrie Fritsch, Designer + Development, Manufacturing, & Logistics Lead

5. May: Three Sisters Trail in Evergreen, Colorado

Photo Credit: Gracie Villanueva

The Three Sisters Trail system is a perfect spot for anybody looking for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and bouldering. Hidden in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the interconnected trails wind through scenic pine forests and open meadows, with awesome views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This is the perfect trail to customize your adventure to suit your pace—whether you’re hiking, running, or biking. And after hitting the trails, you’ll find great bouldering opportunities with problems ranging from easy to very challenging, making it a perfect way to cap off your day in the mountains. The Minimalist daypack is the perfect companion for these trails—ideal for storing your stinky climbing shoes and packing your favorite hiking snacks for a fun-filled day.

—Gracie Villanueva, Head of Sales

6. June: Adirondacks in New York

Photo Credit: Caroline Brammer

The Adirondacks is tucked away in the northeastern corner of the country, only about five hours away from New York City. Expect rolling mountains, fun quirky towns, atmospheric loon calls, sparkly lakes, and tons of charm. The lakes might still be a bit chilly for swimming, but the air is great for hiking! I recommend the Indian Head and Rainbow Falls hike. I’d also bring rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable, and a bug net in case the black flies overstay their welcome. If you’re wanting to experience the region from a different perspective, I highly recommend canoeing! This is a fun way to give your legs a rest, and reach secret island campsites before their prime season of July and August.

—Caroline Brammer, Brand & CX Lead

7. July: Emigrant Wilderness in California

Photo Credit: Glen Van Peski

I love being outside in general, and I’m not too picky. But if I am picking, my favorite places are in the mountains, near or above treeline. Being at high elevation is a plus during the summer months to beat some of the heat at lower elevations. For mountains, there’s something special about the Sierra. You can skip the crowded Yosemite area, and get a walk-up permit for Emigrant Wilderness, just to the northwest. You get the same granite spires and sparkling lakes, without the crowds and permit hassles. Long days mean plenty of time for wandering, on trail and off. Bring sunscreen and clothing coverage because the sun at high elevations is fierce. You’ll want your Lightrek hiking poles for clambering on some cross-country routes to get back to some of the off-trail lakes. Bring some Bug Dope repellent and a headnet because there can be some significant bug pressure, depending on the year. The Whisper is the perfect tent to keep the bugs away without weighing you down.

—Glen Van Peski, Founder

8. August: Redwood National and State Parks in California

Photo Credit: Korrin Bishop

Backpacking and hiking during August in the West can be a little tricky given that it’s prime wildfire season. While never a guarantee, I’ve often found that Redwood National and State Parks along the far northern California coast is a safe bet when inland mountain areas are burning. While this park is known for its fog and rain, you’ll find ample sunny days in August (although, honestly, probably still some rainy days, so make sure to bring your poncho!). On these days, I particularly recommend hiking the Coastal Trail. It offers 70 miles of nearly continuous trail hiking along the ruggedly scenic Pacific coastline. In addition to stunning ocean views, you’ll find tide pools, sandy beaches, and magical forests filled with sitka spruce, red alders, ferns, mosses, and wildflowers. If you want to get a good taste of ancient redwoods, as well, make Damnation Creek Trail your starting point. This path is lined with towering coastal redwoods and connects with the Coastal Trail for an extended adventure.

—Korrin Bishop, Content Manager & Editor

9. September: Dolomites in Italy

Photo Credit: Grant Sible

My pick for September is the Dolomites in the Italian Alps. September weather is typically a bit dry and cool and the post-summer crowds are smaller. This area is an alpine paradise with something for almost everyone—less expensive than France or Switzerland, great food and friendly people, and a lot of easy access to incredible hiking. There are granite peaks, high meadows and ponds, and views for miles. While “wild camping” in the Alps is generally illegal, every mountain walker should experience hut-to-hut hiking if they can. Typically, the huts have great food, hot showers, electricity, and good water, and can and should be pre-booked. You don’t have to bring a tent, and you can carry a lot less food, as you eat most meals at the huts and can even purchase a lunch there. The trails between huts can be as challenging as you choose, and aren’t typically very busy away from the access points. For a longer walk, I suggest a section of the Via Alpina. You can also find some easy day hikes to classic Dolomite attractions and head down for the night for a great sunset view with dinner.

—Grant Sible, Board Chairman

10. October: Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina

Photo Credit: Caroline Brammer

Instead of driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway, experience the fall leaves by foot! There are plenty of walking trails—including the Appalachian Trail—to enjoy the mostly mild, crisp weather, America’s oldest mountain range, and even older trees. There’s always a possibility of rain throughout this region, and it can still be quite humid in the fall. Wear light, breathable layers that will dry quickly after an unexpected rainshower. Despite the uncertain forecast, there’s something magical about walking through the “green tunnel” surrounded by yellow, orange, and warm red colors.

—Caroline Brammer, Brand & CX Lead

11. November: Lost Maples State Park in Texas

Photo Credit: bettyloulou70

There is no campsite more coveted than a campsite at Lost Maples State Park during the month of November in Texas. It’s known for its stunning fall foliage, which is something to behold here. This is why it’s important to grab reservations right as they open for the fall season or else you might miss out. However, if you miss out on the reservations, you can always go for a quick day trip to enjoy the trails. You’ll likely want to pack binoculars for bird watching, a camera, and your favorite daypack for a day at Lost Maples.

—Sarah del Puerto, Marketing Manager

12. December: Black Hills in South Dakota

Photo Credit: Korrin Bishop

In December, I recommend grabbing some microspikes, trekking poles, and warm layers and fully embracing the chilly season in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Known as the “Island in the Plains,” these rugged mountains are a uniquely beautiful place to explore, surrounded by grasslands, badlands, and labyrinthine cave networks. They look particularly stunning with a dusting of snow. My favorite trail is Little Devil's Tower Trail, a three-mile out-and-back hike that rewards you with 360-degree views of the Black Hills, including the famous Needles formations, Black Elk fire tower, the backside of Mount Rushmore, and even Badlands National Park on a clear day. Note that during the winter, Highway 87 to the trailhead is closed. You’ll need to park at Sylvan Lake via Highway 89 and road walk a bit less than a mile up to the trailhead off Highway 87.

—Korrin Bishop, Content Manager & Editor

Set a Goal to Do a New Hike in Every Month of 2025

Whether you follow in the footsteps of our staff or map out your own top 12 hikes for the year, we mostly hope that this blog inspires you to get out there and to keep exploring. Setting a goal of doing one new hike each month is a great way to give your outdoorsy soul a little accountability for prioritizing adventure this year. 

Have a favorite hiking destination that’s not on our list or a new one planned for this year? We’d love to hear about it! Share your upcoming adventures with us by tagging Gossamer Gear on social media (@gossamergear) and using the hashtag #takelessdomore.

Looking for more outdoor adventure inspiration? Check out some of our other articles on the Light Feet blog:

• 6 Best Waterfall Hikes in the Pacific Northwest
• 6 of the Best Winter Hiking Trails in the United States
• Trip Shakedown Series: 27 Days Thru-Hiking the Colorado Trail
• 7 Popular Park Dupes for More Adventure and Fewer Crowds
• 6 Fall Hikes to Experience Autumn’s Beauty on Foot

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