So you’ve seen the clips. A bike plunging through a pitch-black tunnel with a single pinprick of light at the end. A kayak floating on impossibly clear water beneath jagged granite peaks. A slot canyon glowing like amber fire at golden hour.
They’re the three most-saved Western US destinations on TikTok right now: Route of the Hiawatha, Redfish Lake, and Arches National Park. I visited all three in June 2026 to answer one question: are they actually worth your vacation time and money, or are they just good lighting and a trending sound?
Here’s the honest breakdown.
Photo by Laura Seaman on Unsplash
Quick Comparison: Which One Should You Prioritize?
| Destination | Best For | Cost (per person) | Time Needed | Crowd Level (2026) | Skill Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route of the Hiawatha | Families, casual bikers, history buffs | $38–$48 (bike rental + shuttle) | 3–4 hours | Moderate (weekdays best) | Easy – moderate |
| Redfish Lake | Paddlers, photographers, hikers | $15–$30 (kayak rental) | 1–2 days | High (reservations essential) | Easy – expert |
| Arches National Park | Hikers, sunrise chasers, geology nerds | $30–$35 (entry) + $6–$20 (permits) | 2 days minimum | Very high (timed entry required) | Moderate – strenuous |
Bottom line: If you only have one day, do the Hiawatha. If you have a weekend, drive to Redfish. If you want the iconic shot, Arches delivers—but you’ll need patience.
Route of the Hiawatha: The Viral Tunnel Ride That Actually Delivers
Location: Lookout Pass, Northern Idaho (about 90 minutes from Missoula, MT)
Why it’s trending in 2026: The “tunnel shot” from Hiawatha has been viewed over 40 million times on TikTok. The visual is simple: you’re cycling through a 1.7-mile-long, pitch-black train tunnel with only a dime-sized circle of daylight at the far end. It’s disorienting, thrilling, and makes for incredible video.
What It Actually Is
The Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile rail-trail that follows the historic Milwaukee Road railroad line across the Bitterroot Mountains. You ride downhill (mostly) through 10 tunnels and over 7 sky-high trestles. The whole thing takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on how often you stop for photos.
The viral tunnel, Tunnels 1–5, is the longest. You’ll need a headlamp or bike light—the darkness is absolute. I used a [AFFILIATE_LINK_HEADLAMP] and was glad I had a backup battery.
Pros
- Genuinely unique experience. There’s nothing else like coasting through a mountain in total darkness.
- Family-friendly. My 10-year-old nephew managed the whole ride without complaining. The grade is only 1.6% downhill.
- Well-organized. The shuttle system at the bottom runs like clockwork. You bike down, they bus you back up.
- Stunning trestles. The sky-high bridges over the St. Joe River valley are worth the trip alone.
Cons
- Crowds at the tunnel. Even on a Tuesday in late June, we waited 10 minutes to enter the long tunnel. Groups of 20+ bikers go in together, so you lose the “alone in the dark” vibe.
- Cold in the tunnels. It’s 40–45°F inside, even on a 90°F day. Bring a windbreaker.
- Not for serious mountain bikers. This is a gravel path, not singletrack. If you want technical riding, go elsewhere.
Best For
Families with kids 8 and up, casual cyclists, and anyone who wants a bucket-list photo without breaking a sweat.
2026 Specifics
- Season: Late May to late September. The tunnels are closed in winter.
- Reservations: Required. Book at least 2 weeks ahead on weekends. [AFFILIATE_LINK_HIAWATHA_BOOKING]
- Cost: $38–$48 per person including bike rental, helmet, headlamp, and shuttle. Bring cash for the parking fee ($5).
- Pro tip: Go on a weekday before 9 AM. The light entering the long tunnel is dramatic in the morning, and you’ll beat the crowds.
Redfish Lake: The Sawtooth Gem That’s Harder to Reach Than It Looks
Location: Near Stanley, Idaho (about 3.5 hours from Boise, 2 hours from Sun Valley)
Why it’s trending in 2026: The “Redfish Lake float” videos—kayaks or paddleboards drifting on water so clear you can see 30 feet down, with the Sawtooth Mountains reflected perfectly—have been reposted by every major outdoor influencer. The hashtag #RedfishLake has 1.2 billion views on TikTok.
What It Actually Is
Redfish Lake is a 4.5-mile-long alpine lake at the base of the Sawtooth Wilderness. It’s the largest natural lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The water is absurdly clear because it’s fed by glacial melt. Even in July, the surface temperature hovers around 55°F.
The viral spot is the Redfish Lake Outfitters dock area, where you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. The classic shot is from the middle of the lake, looking south toward Mount Heyburn.
Pros
- Water clarity is unreal. You can see the bottom at 20 feet. It looks like a swimming pool.
- Sawtooth views. The mountain backdrop is among the best in the Lower 48. Period.
- Multiple activities. Hiking, fishing, boating, and camping are all within walking distance.
- Less crowded than Glacier or Tetons. Idaho is still a “flyover state” for many tourists.
Cons
- Remote location. Stanley, ID (population ~60) has one grocery store and a handful of restaurants. Gas up in Sun Valley or Challis.
- Cold water. You’re not swimming for long. Wetsuits are recommended for paddleboarding.
- Mosquitoes. June and early July are brutal. Bring DEET.
- Expensive rentals. Kayaks are $30–$40 per hour. A half-day rental for two people runs $100+.
Best For
Paddlers, photographers, hikers who want a base camp for Sawtooth Wilderness trails, and anyone who wants to escape crowds.
2026 Specifics
- Reservations: Camping at Redfish Lake Lodge and the Forest Service campgrounds books out months in advance. As of July 2026, August weekends are completely sold out.
- Cost: Day use is free. Camping is $22–$35 per night. Kayak rentals $30/hour. [AFFILIATE_LINK_REDFISH_RENTALS]
- Pro tip: Skip the main beach. Hike 1.5 miles to Bench Lakes (the trail starts at the Redfish Lake Creek outlet). The smaller alpine lakes are even clearer and have zero crowds.
- Nearby bonus: Visit Stanley Lake (10 minutes north) for a less-crowded, equally beautiful alternative.
Arches National Park: The Viral Shot That Requires a Permit and Patience
Location: Near Moab, Utah (4 hours from Salt Lake City, 2 from Grand Junction)
Why it’s trending in 2026: The “Delicate Arch at sunset” video has been viewed 200 million times. But the newer viral spots are Double Arch (where people stand inside the arch frame) and The Windows (for the “mirror reflection” shots after rain). Arches is also facing major 2026 changes that affect every visitor.
What It Actually Is
Arches National Park contains over 2,000 natural stone arches. The park is 76 square miles of red rock, fins, and balanced rocks. The main road is 18 miles long, with pullouts and trailheads along the way.
The TikTok-famous spots are:
- Delicate Arch: 3-mile round trip hike, no shade, steep drop-offs. The arch itself is 60 feet tall.
- Double Arch: 0.5-mile flat walk. You can walk under and inside the arch.
- The Windows: 1-mile loop. Best at sunrise.
- Sand Dune Arch: 0.3-mile walk. Great for kids.
Pros
- Unforgettable landscape. There’s nothing like it. The red rock against blue sky is postcard-perfect.
- Short hikes. Most of the viral spots are under 2 miles round trip. You can see 5 major arches in a half day.
- Moab is a great town. Good food, gear rentals, and lodging for all budgets.
Cons
- Timed entry is mandatory in 2026. You must reserve a time slot online. They sell out days in advance.
- Crowds are insane. At Delicate Arch trailhead at 5 PM in June, we counted 80 people in line. The arch itself had a 20-person queue for photos.
- Heat. Summer temps hit 100°F+ by 10 AM. Hiking after noon is dangerous.
- Parking is a nightmare. The Delicate Arch lot fills by 7 AM. Overflow parking is 0.5 miles away.
Best For
Sunrise photographers, families with older kids (no strollers on most trails), geology enthusiasts, and anyone who wants the iconic “Utah” shot.
2026 Specifics
- Timed Entry: Required from April 1 to October 31, 2026. Book at [AFFILIATE_LINK_NPS_ARCHES]. Cost: $2 reservation fee + $30 park entry. Slots release 30 days in advance and often sell out within hours.
- Alternatives: If you can’t get a reservation, enter before 7 AM or after 4 PM (no permit needed during those windows).
- Pro tip: Do Fiery Furnace instead of Delicate Arch. It’s a ranger-led hike through a labyrinth of fins. Permits are $10 and you’ll have more solitude. Book 2 weeks ahead.
- Nearby bonus: Dead Horse Point State Park (15 minutes from Moab) has similar views with 1/10th the crowds. Entry is $20.
How to Do All Three in One Trip (The 2026 Western TikTok Road Trip)
These three destinations are spread across 800+ miles, but you can hit them in a 7-day loop:
Day 1: Fly into Missoula, MT. Drive to Lookout Pass (90 min). Ride Hiawatha. Stay in Wallace, ID (historic mining town, cheap motels ~$100/night).
Day 2: Drive to Redfish Lake (4 hours via I-90 and Highway 75). Rent kayaks. Stay at Redfish Lake Lodge ($250/night) or camp ($35/night).
Day 3: Hike Bench Lakes or Sawtooth Lake. Drive to Sun Valley for a nice dinner.
Day 4: Drive to Moab, UT (7 hours). Long day. Break it up with a stop in Salt Lake City.
Day 5: Early morning timed entry at Arches. Hit Delicate Arch at sunrise. Explore Windows. Afternoon in Moab.
Day 6: Fiery Furnace or Canyonlands National Park (adjacent, no timed entry).
Day 7: Fly out of Grand Junction, CO (1.5 hours from Moab) or Salt Lake City.
Total cost estimate: $1,800–$2,500 per person including flights, car rental, lodging, food, and activities. Budget version (camping, cooking your own meals): $1,000.
FAQ: Real Questions from Travelers
Q: Do I need to book the Route of the Hiawatha in advance? A: Yes. Weekends book out 2–3 weeks ahead in summer 2026. Weekdays are easier, but I still recommend booking at least 5 days out. Walk-ups are rarely accommodated.
Q: Is Redfish Lake safe for beginner kayakers? A: Yes, on calm days. The lake is large but protected. Wind can pick up in the afternoon, creating 1–2 foot waves. Go in the morning (8–11 AM) for glassy conditions. Rent a sit-on-top kayak for stability.
Q: Can I see Delicate Arch without hiking? A: No. It’s a 3-mile round trip hike with 480 feet of elevation gain. There’s no road access. If you can’t hike, visit Balanced Rock or Park Avenue (both visible from the road).
Q: Are these places worth it in winter? A: Hiawatha closes in winter. Redfish Lake is accessible but roads can be icy; cross-country skiing is popular. Arches is open year-round and less crowded, but trails can be icy and some roads close. Winter is best for photographers who want snow on red rock.
Q: What’s the best month to visit all three? A: Late May or late September. Crowds are thinner, temperatures are moderate, and you avoid wildfire season (August). September is ideal for Redfish Lake because the mosquitoes are gone.
The Honest Verdict
Route of the Hiawatha: Worth it. It’s a genuine bucket-list experience that’s fun for all ages. The tunnel is as cool as the videos suggest. Rating: 9/10
Redfish Lake: Worth it, but only if you have 2+ days. The drive is long, and the lake itself is just one piece of the Sawtooth experience. The hiking is the real star. Rating: 8/10
Arches National Park: Worth it for the right traveler. If you hate crowds, skip it. If you’re willing to wake up at 5 AM and deal with permits, it’s unforgettable. Rating: 7/10 (deducted for crowds and heat).
Final advice: Don’t chase the TikTok shot at the expense of the experience. The best memory from my trip wasn’t the viral photo—it was floating on Redfish Lake at 7 AM, alone, with only the sound of a loon echoing off the Sawtooths. That’s what you’re really paying for.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I have personally used and believe add value to your trip.
Last updated: 2026-07-13