Choosing the right trail is important. You want to have a good time, not try for an Everest ascent.

When you arrive at the park, locate the visitor's center, and get a trail map. Talk with the ranger on duty about the available trail options, and their difficulty levels.

Important: When looking at the trail map, pay close attention to if the trail is a loop, or a one-way trip. Loops are measured by the distance around the loop, one-way trails are measured from the trailhead to the destination. So a 6 mile one-way will turn into a 12 mile hike!

Also pay attention to changes in elevation. Many trail maps have topographical elements (those squiggly lines around the map). The tighter those lines are together, the steeper the incline. A relatively short trail can be difficult if it features steep inclines or rapid changes in elevation.