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13 Hikes That Will Allow You To Splurge All Of June For National Frozen Yogurt Month
June is National Frozen Yogurt Month (with June 1st being National Frozen Yogurt Day), and let’s be honest, there’s no better excuse to indulge in cold, creamy happiness. But before you start eyeing extra toppings, you might want to earn those swirls.
Hiking is the ultimate guilt-shielding activity to get your heart racing, sweat a little (or a lot), and finish off with the satisfying knowledge that yes, you absolutely deserve that extra-large fro-yo.
Plus, hitting the trails gives you the perfect excuse to reward yourself afterward. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and fitness tracker. And by the end of the month, you’ll be fit, satisfied, and expertly navigating the subtle art of balancing physical effort with dessert cravings.
Got tips for trails that pair perfectly with post-hike snacks or a froyo topping combo you swear by? For our MSN followers, drop them in the comments – your suggestions might just inspire someone to hike a little farther, or at least reach for the gummy bears.
Navajo Loop Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
June mornings at Bryce Canyon are like stepping into a dream… if your dreams include towering red rock spires called hoodoos and air that doesn’t feel like sitting inside an oven.
The Navajo Loop Trail takes you straight into this surreal maze of stone pillars, winding switchbacks, and – wait for it – “Wall Street,” a narrow canyon that sort of feels like trading stocks but with fewer suits and more awe. And see if you can’t spot a raven doing its best goth performance atop a hoodoo.
Hidden Lake Overlook – Glacier National Park, Montana
Alpine views that might make you stop in your tracks? Check. Tiny patches of stubborn snow reminding you that winter does not take criticism well? Double check. The Hidden Lake Overlook is less a hike, more a slow-motion gasp fest as you soak in jagged peaks and blooming wildflowers.
Perfect for those “I’m one with the universe” moments – right before you remember there’s a snack bar not far away. And Glacier’s June air is crisp enough to keep you cool, even when your heart’s racing from the climb (or the altitude).
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall – Yosemite National Park, California
Waterfalls in June are often extra special (and full of spring rains), and Vernal Fall is no exception. The Mist Trail will leave you drenched – not metaphorically, but by actual mist, because there’s no way around it.
Every step feels like a risky negotiation with slippery rocks and sheer beauty. Listen to the thundering roar of the falls while you contemplate life… or just panic a little because your shoes weren’t actually waterproof. Either way, it’s a sensory overload you didn’t know you needed. Don’t forget – we warned you about those wet socks.
Canyon Overlook Trail – Zion National Park, Utah
Short on time but craving cinematic views? The Canyon Overlook Trail delivers in spades. It’s not one of Zion’s epic hauls, but don’t think for a second this path lacks dramatic flair. Picture expansive sandstone cliffs bathed in early summer light.
Midway through? You’ll be asking yourself if this should’ve required a permit – it’s that good. And keep on the lookout for bighorn sheep, naturally doing their whole “effortlessly fabulous on precarious terrain” thing, because who doesn’t love being out-staged by wildlife?
Cades Cove Loop & Trails – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Cades Cove is a little slice of Appalachian heaven – assuming “heaven” comes with lush valleys, wildflowers working overtime, and the occasional black bear casually minding its own business. And June brings perfect weather for exploring.
The 11-mile paved loop trail offers everything from rolling fields to historic cabins that whisper stories of the past (okay, fine, maybe they don’t whisper, but you can pretend). Just don’t try to feed the bears, no matter how many gummy snacks you packed… they won’t appreciate the gesture, trust me.
Bear Lake Trail to Emerald Lake – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
If you’re looking for an accessible trail with maximum payoff, this is it. You kick things off at Bear Lake, which is basically a celestial mirror surrounded by dramatic peaks, before winding toward Emerald Lake.
And each stop along the way (Nymph and Dream Lakes, anyone?) feels like nature trying to one-up itself. Early June keeps the crowds tolerable, and there’s something magical about walking through air so fresh you’ll wonder how you’ve survived without it. Pack layers… because Colorado likes to keep you guessing.
Delicate Arch Trail – Arches National Park, Utah
Want to feel like you’ve accidentally walked into the set of an epic desert movie? Hit the trail early, not because you’re an overachiever, but because Utah in June likes to cook humans by lunchtime.
The highlight? That glowing sandstone arch that looks like it’s straight out of a geology fairytale. And Delicate Arch isn’t just a rock – it’s a masterpiece chiseled by eons of wind and water. Standing beneath it, you’ll wonder how something so big can look so delicate. Spoiler: it’s not that fragile, but I maybe wouldn’t try to climb it just in case.
Notch Trail – Badlands National Park, South Dakota
This one’s for adventurers who enjoy their hikes with a side of “what planet is this?” The Notch Trail is South Dakota’s answer to Mars, featuring jagged rock formations and dusty paths that scream you aren’t on Earth anymore.
A ladder climb? Yep, you’ll channel your inner action hero as you scramble up to sweeping views of the eroded wilderness. And June weather is like a gift here – dry and breezy, perfect for exploring without worrying about slipping into oblivion.
Lands End Trail – Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California
Urban hikes don’t get more cinematic than this. Imagine sweeping Pacific Ocean views, tangled cypress trees, and the Golden Gate Bridge looking better than it does on postcards.
Mild June temperatures make this trail a lesson in breezy relaxation… unless you’re allergic to walking uphill, in which case, good luck. And the salty wind from the Pacific slaps you in the face (in a refreshing way, of course) as you meander toward the Sutro Baths ruins. Coastal charm? Check. Jaw-dropping views? Double check.
Grinnell Lake Trail – Glacier National Park, Montana
This one’s for the “I want stunning views, but please, no snow in my boots” crowd. Lower in elevation than the famous Grinnell Glacier Trail (pictured above), this route serves up turquoise waters so vibrant you’ll question your eyesight.
June is a sweet spot here – the snow has mostly thrown in the towel, and wildflowers are sprinkled like confetti along the trail. And you’re less likely to run into glacier-stalkers (yes, that’s a thing), which makes the lakeside peace feel all the more earned.
Rim Trail – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (South Rim)
Confession time – tackling the entirety of the South Rim Trail is the stuff of legends (or lunatics). But short sections between viewpoints? That’s the sweet summer hack. And early June delivers cooler morning temps, which are perfect for gawking down at the massive chasm without melting into a puddle.
From sunrise at Mather Point to sneak peeks of the Colorado River, it’s a sensory overload in the best way. Just be sure to take breaks. This isn’t an ultra-marathon… you’re here to observe, not audition for Survivor.
Brandywine Gorge Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
There’s something oddly satisfying about strolling through a forest so shady you forget it’s June. And this Ohio spot charms visitors with its cascading waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and a canopy of trees that whispers, “Take a breather.”
Brandywine Falls, the trail’s star, roars like it’s performing for an audience. And that earthy, woodsy smell? Pure delight. It’s the kind of hike where you can be both athletic and lazy because who wouldn’t pause at every picturesque turn?
Wild Cave Trail (Tour) – Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Caves in June? Genius, really. While the world above sweats, you’ll descend into the cool, damp underworld of Mammoth Cave NP. The temperature stays stubbornly chill, no matter how high the mercury rises outside.
The Wild Cave Tour isn’t for the faint-hearted – you’ll crawl, squeeze, and maybe question why you booked this tour. But what’s adventure without a bit of mud sticking to your clothes, right? And emerging back into the sunlight feels like a rebirth. Plus, the forested trails above offer a serene post-cave stroll for your newly humbled soul.
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