Iconic American Hiking Trails That Are Now Closed To The Public
Some of America's most beloved hiking trails are now permanently closed, but it's for good reason. While it’s disappointing to lose access to such places, understanding why they were lost helps us become more responsible visitors and more respectful of the land. Here's a look at a few trails that are no longer accessible and what we can learn from their disappearance.
Palouse Falls, Washington
Palouse Falls, a 200-foot waterfall formed by Ice Age floods over 13,000 years ago, is a striking geological feature in Washington and was named the state's official waterfall in 2014. The scenic 1-mile hike to the falls once drew up to 200,000 visitors annually, offering views of wildflowers and wildlife like marmots. However, due to repeated safety violations, trespassing, and four tragic deaths since 2016, all trails to the canyon, base, and surrounding cliffs, including the Castle Rock formation, have been permanently closed to the public.
Crystal Lake Trail, California
The Crystal Lake Trail in California's Sequoia National Park was a demanding 9.5-mile hike with a 3,330-foot climb, leading to a peaceful alpine lake and offering views of rugged mountains, meadows, and diverse wildlife. Along the route, hikers passed remnants of the area’s silver mining history, including the Chihuahua Mine and historic cabins, all within a landscape once home to Native American tribes. Despite its popularity, the trail was permanently closed after a 2003 wildfire left it severely damaged with fallen trees and washouts, making it unsafe and too costly to maintain.
Stairway to Heaven, Oahu
The Haʻikū Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, were a steep 3,922-step trail in Oahu's Haʻikū Valley, originally built in 1942 as a secret naval communications facility. Over time, they became a popular but unauthorized hiking destination, attracting up to 20,000 visitors annually. Despite being officially closed in 1987 due to safety and liability concerns, trespassers continued to climb them, driven largely by social media attention. Efforts by local advocates to preserve the stairs failed, and a $2.5 million government plan is now underway to dismantle the historic structure permanently.
Uncle Tom's Trail, Wyoming
Uncle Tom's Trail in Yellowstone National Park, once a daring route into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, dates back to the late 1800s when "Uncle Tom" Richardson led picnicking tourists down a rugged path of ropes, ladders, and over 500 steps. In later years, the trail was shortened to a steep 328-step descent. Though only 0.6 miles round trip, the climb back up was challenging. Due to structural damage, safety concerns, and the high cost of repairs, the trail was permanently closed in 2019, with its removal planned.
The Wave, Arizona
Technically not a hiking trail, The Wave in Arizona once allowed freer access. But due to overwhelming crowds and damage to the fragile rock formations, it's now only accessible via a strict permit system that functions like a lottery, with only 64 people being allowed on-site per day. For many, the odds make visiting nearly impossible, so it's ostensibly closed to the public unless you're very patient or very lucky.
Trail closures are rarely easy. They affect local tourism, lifelong hikers, and the broader outdoor community. But in many cases, closing a trail is about either protecting lives or preserving a fragile ecosystem. These trails may be gone, but they remind us that the places we explore aren't permanent, and that our impact matters. When one trail closes, others remain, and with greater care, they can stay open for generations to come.