7 Affordable & Safe Hiking Destinations For Solo Women In The USA

Nothing beats the feeling of being on a trip, and realizing it is going to profoundly change you. As a travel enthusiast and avid hiker, I am so excited to share seven of my all-time favorite destinations in the USA that have changed my life. Whether you're looking for breathtaking scenery, challenging hikes, or unique accommodations, these destinations have it all.

Sedona, AZ:

Known for its stunning red rock formations, Sedona is a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Visitors can also explore spiritual sites, art galleries, and boutique shops. Sedona's mild climate and striking scenery make it a popular year-round destination.

With over 100 hiking trails to choose from, there is something for hikers of all skill levels. According to SafeAround, Sedona has a safety rating of 89 out of 100 for female travelers.

Popular Hikes:

1. Cathedral Rock Trail (shown): a challenging 1.5-mile hike that rewards hikers with stunning views of Sedona's red rocks.

2. West Fork Trail: a moderate 6.4-mile hike that takes hikers along a picturesque creek.

3. Devil's Bridge Trail: a moderate 4.2-mile hike that leads hikers to a stunning natural arch.

Unique Accommodations:

1. Sedona Real Inn & Suites: a boutique hotel located just outside of Sedona that offers spacious rooms and stunning views of the red rocks.

2. The Lodge at Sedona: a romantic bed and breakfast that offers comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens.

3. The Views Inn Sedona: a budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a great location.

Durango, CO:

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Durango offers a blend of outdoor adventure and Old West charm. Visitors can ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, hike in the nearby San Juan National Forest, or explore the town's breweries, restaurants, and shops. In winter, Durango becomes a winter sports wonderland with skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, hikers can enjoy the beautiful scenery year-round. According to SafeAround, Durango has a safety rating of 92 out of 100 for female travelers.

Popular Hikes:

1. Animas City Mountain Trail: a moderate 6.3-mile hike that takes hikers through beautiful forests and offers stunning views of the city.

2. Purgatory Resort Trail: a moderate 6.2-mile hike that takes hikers through beautiful alpine meadows and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Engineer Mountain Trail: a challenging 6.5-mile hike that takes hikers to the summit of Engineer Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Unique Accommodations:

1. Antlers on the Creek Bed & Breakfast: a charming bed and breakfast located just minutes from downtown Durango that offers cozy rooms and a beautiful creek-side setting.

2. Rochester Hotel & Leland House: a historic hotel located in downtown Durango that offers unique rooms and a great location.

3. Strater Hotel: a historic hotel located in downtown Durango that offers comfortable rooms and a great restaurant.

Bar Harbor, ME:

Situated on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, a coastal paradise of rugged cliffs, sparkling lakes, and lush forests. Visitors can go hiking, biking, kayaking, or take a scenic drive on the Park Loop Road. In town, Bar Harbor offers charming shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.

With miles of coastline and beautiful forests, hikers can enjoy the best of both worlds. According to SafeAround, Bar Harbor has a safety rating of 88 out of 100 for female travelers.

Popular Hikes:

1. Precipice Trail: a challenging 1.8-mile hike that takes hikers up steep cliffs and offers stunning views of the coastline.

2. Jordan Pond Path: an easy 3.4-mile hike that takes hikers around a beautiful lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Beech Mountain Trail: a moderate 1.6-mile hike that takes hikers to the summit of Beech Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Unique Accommodations:

1. The Tides Beach Club: a beachfront hotel located just outside of Bar Harbor that offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the ocean.

2. Asticou Inn: a historic inn located just outside of Bar Harbor that offers comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens.

3. The Claremont Hotel: a historic hotel located in Bar Harbor, Maine, overlooking Frenchman Bay. The hotel was originally built in 1884 and has since undergone several renovations and additions.

Moab, UT:

Home to two national parks, Moab is a desert playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike to delicate arches and towering spires in Arches National Park, go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, or explore Canyonlands National Park's vast canyons and mesas. Moab also offers a vibrant downtown scene with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

According to the SafeWise 2021 Safest Cities in Utah report, Moab ranks #7 out of the 50 safest cities in Utah. It has a violent crime rate of 0.62 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 9.16 per 1,000 residents

Popular Hikes:

1. Delicate Arch: This 3-mile round-trip hike takes you to the iconic Delicate Arch, a must-see natural arch formation in Arches National Park.

2. Corona Arch Trail: This 1.5-mile round-trip hike is a great alternative for those who want to see a stunning arch without the crowds.

3. Fisher Towers Trail: This 4.4-mile out-and-back trail takes you through a beautiful red rock canyon with stunning views of the Fisher Towers.

Unique Accommodations:

1. Under Canvas Moab: Experience glamping at its finest with Under Canvas Moab, located just 7 miles from Arches National Park.

2. Moab Springs Ranch: This ranch-style resort offers cozy cabins and private tents with access to hot tubs and fire pits.

3. Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa: This luxury resort is located along the Colorado River and offers stunning views of the red rock formations.

Luray, VA:

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Luray is a picturesque town known for its stunning natural beauty and historic landmarks. Visitors can explore the awe-inspiring Luray Caverns, hike in Shenandoah National Park, or take a scenic drive on Skyline Drive. Luray also offers a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and museums.

According to the SafeWise 2021 Safest Cities in Virginia report, Luray ranks #20 out of the 50 safest cities in Virginia. It has a violent crime rate of 0.46 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 12.24 per 1,000 residents

Popular Hikes

1. Old Rag Mountain: This challenging 9-mile hike takes you through a beautiful forest and rock scramble to the summit of Old Rag Mountain, offering stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley.

2. Dark Hollow Falls Trail: This 1.4-mile round-trip hike takes you to a beautiful waterfall in Shenandoah National Park.

3. Stony Man Trail: This 1.6-mile round-trip hike takes you to the summit of Stony Man Mountain, offering panoramic views of the park.

Unique Accommodations:

1. Shadow Mountain Escape: Experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a cozy cabin or treehouse at Shadow Mountain Escape

2. Mayneview Bed & Breakfast: This historic B&B offers cozy rooms and suites with stunning views of the mountains.

3. Big Meadows Lodge: Located in Shenandoah National Park, this rustic lodge offers a variety of rooms and cabins with access to hiking trails and stunning views.

Keene Valley, NY:

Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, Keene Valley is a quaint town known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike in the High Peaks Wilderness Area, go fishing in the Ausable River, or explore nearby attractions like Lake Placid and the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. Keene Valley also offers charming shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Crime Grade gives Keene Valleys an A+ as it is in the 96th percentile for safety, meaning 4% of cities are safer and 96% of cities are more dangerous.

Popular Hikes:

1. Cascade Mountain - This 4.8-mile round trip hike is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it the perfect spot for a picnic.

2. Rooster Comb Mountain - This 3.3-mile round trip hike is a bit more challenging, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort.

3. Giant Mountain - This 6.6-mile round trip hike is one of the more difficult hikes in the area, but the views from the summit are breathtaking.

Unique Accommodations:

1. The Snow Goose Bed & Breakfast - This charming B&B is located just a few miles outside of Keene Valley and offers cozy rooms with stunning views of the mountains.

2. The Hungry Trout Resort - This family-friendly resort is located on the banks of the Ausable River and offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins and cottages.

3. The Alpine Homestead - This off-the-grid cabin is perfect for those looking to unplug and enjoy the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. It's located just a few miles outside of Keene Valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

Woodstock, VT:

Located in central Vermont, Woodstock is a postcard-perfect New England town known for its charming covered bridges, historic architecture, and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the Billings Farm and Museum, hike in nearby Mount Tom State Park, or take a scenic drive on the nearby Quechee Gorge. Woodstock also offers charming shops, restaurants, and inns.

Crime Grade gives Woodstock an A- grade as the rate of crime is much lower than the average US city. Woodstock is safer than 80% of cities nationwide.

Popular Hikes:

1. Mount Tom - This 3.3-mile round trip hike offers stunning views of Woodstock and the surrounding countryside. It's a relatively easy hike that is perfect for beginners.

2. Quechee Gorge - This short, easy hike takes you to the bottom of the stunning Quechee Gorge, one of the most photographed spots in Vermont.

3. Killington Peak - This 7.8-mile round trip hike is one of the more challenging hikes in the area, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort.

Unique Accommodations:

1. The Woodstock Inn & Resort - This historic inn is located right in the heart of Woodstock and offers luxurious accommodations and fine dining.

2. The Shire Woodstock - This charming hotel is located just a few miles outside of Woodstock and offers cozy rooms and a farm-to-table restaurant.

3. The Applebutter Inn - This charming bed and breakfast is located in nearby Taftsville and offers cozy rooms and a delicious homemade breakfast.

If you can't settle on just one of these stunning destinations, consider pairing some of them up for an epic roadtrip!

Keene Valley NY & Woodstock VT are about a 2 hours drive from one another. The scenic drive is littered with local farmers markets, overlooks & more. Moab UT & Durango CO are just under 3 hours apart, and guarantee a breathtaking drive to and from. Leaving the looming San Juan Mountains and opening up into the vast desert you'll feel worlds away from where you began your journey.

Take it from a roadtrip professional, these destinations cannot be beat. If you want to know what my roadtrip must-haves are claim your FREE copy of The Ultimate Roadtrip Checklist!

I hope you found some destination inspiration in this post.

Sharing my favorite places with you means the world to me.

As always follow Leave No Trace Principles, & Happy Hiking!