Top 15 Most Beautiful Hikes In The World
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| Top 15 Most Beautiful Hikes In The World |
Some of the world's most gorgeous scenery is off-limits to all those who want to craft a memorable life experience on the beaten trail.
Amazing hikes will make you breathless as you climb the summit of the mountain with awe-inspiring views. A sweeping vista or two is essential, some unique flora and fauna are almost par for the course, and mesmerizing geological features like waterfalls or ice fields certainly don’t hurt. Add in a bit of isolation and you have a recipe for success.
But whether it’s ancient temples, one-of-a-kind mountain peaks, a strong sense of history, or just truly epic landscapes, each bucket-list hike in this roundup has that extra something special it takes to stand above the rest. I’ve been a professional travel writer for most of my adulthood, and these are the all-time best places that have impressed me over the years.
Here is our list of the best day hikes in the world. Some are short, some are long, all of them are amazing. And all of these hikes take just a single day of your time.
List of top 15 best hikes in the world
1. Torres del Paine W Circuit
2. Inca Trail
3. Everest Base Camp
4. Mount Kilimanjaro
5. Mount Fitz Roy
6. Bay of Fires
7. Long Range Traverse
8. Kalalau Trail
9. Croagh Patrick
10. West Coast Trail
11. Trek to Petra
12. Bibbulmun Track
13. Yosemite Grand Traverse
14. Queen Charlotte Track
15. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon NP
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What are the 15 most beautiful hikes around the world?
1. Torres del Paine W Circuit
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| Photo: howlanders |
Location: Patagonia, Chile
Distance: 37+ miles (60+ km)
Time: 5 – 6 days
Best time to go: October to March
Located down at the southernmost region of Chile, the W Circuit in Torres Del Paine National Park is one of the world's most famous hikes. Easily identifiable by the jagged towers of rock and glacial lakes, this rugged and remote region draws hikers from around the world.
Improvements in the trail and services over the past few years have made the trail more accessible - you no longer need to carry your own gear. The hike generally takes between four and six days, and the main season is December to February. Reservations are required for accommodations and camping within the park.
The weather in Patagonia is erratic and changeable. Be prepared for rain, snow, sun, and, of course, lots of wind.
2. Inca Trail
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| Photo: wildernesstravel |
Location: Peru
Distance: 26 miles (43 km)
Time: 4 – 5 days
Best time to go: May to September
One of the most popular hikes in the world, the Inca Trail takes you through 26 miles of grueling inclines and declines. You get a chance to explore ruins, jungle, and beautiful mountain scenery, and of course, end the hike at Machu Picchu.
Slightly shorter in length and higher in altitude than its famous sibling, the Inca Trail, this two-to-three-day trek starts in the village of Lares and traverses the Urubamba mountain range. It’s the best way to experience the true Andean culture. You’ll see farmers hand-tilling potato fields at 10,000 feet, Quechua women wearing beautifully colored woven shawls while herding llama-like vicuñas, and cross 14,435-foot Ipsaycocha Pass, the highest point on the trek, before descending to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you can catch a train to Aguas Calientes, the jumping-off point for Machu Picchu. No permit is required for the trek, but going with a local guide is recommended. Hire the best through Explorandes Peru. For a more luxurious option, Mountain Lodges of Peru offers multi-day adventures combining day hikes, visits to villages and archeological sites, and farm-to-table meals at its tasteful, plush lodges throughout the Sacred and Lares Valleys.
3. Everest Base Camp
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| Photo: kandooadventures |
Location: Nepal
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Time: 12+ days
Best time to go: March to May, September to December
Up and down are probably the two best words to describe the Everest Base Camp hike (EBC). This 65-kilometer, one-way trail literally climbs a mountain ridge then drops down to a river, then climbs another mountain ridge as it makes its way to base camp.
The hike takes 12 to 14 days on average and is high - you will max out at 5,500 meters (18,044 feet). That said, most of the walking is done in the 3,500- to 4,500-meter (11,482 to 4,763 feet) range. The air up here is thin, and any exertion seems twice as hard.
Be aware that you do not see the peak of Mount Everest from Base Camp. You will, however, see it from various points on the trail when other massive mountains are not in the way. The hike is best done from March to May and September to December when temperatures are moderate, and the skies are clear.
Highlights along the way include Namchee Bazaar, the Everest View Hotel (the highest hotel in the world), and the Tengboche Monastery. Accommodation along the trail is basic but comfortable and readily available. This is a well-trodden path, and you can likely find your way on your own or, if you prefer, with one of the many outfitters.
4. Mount Kilimanjaro
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| Photo: mtnprofessionals |
Location: Tanzania
Distance: Depends on the route
Time: 5 – 9 days
Best time to go: June to October
While 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro gets the most glory in climbing circles as Africa’s highest summit, its little brother, 14,980-foot Mount Meru, reins as the more approachable mountain for those less-obsessed with altitude and more attuned to the African experience. Often considered a warm-up for Kili, Africa’s fourth-highest mountain offers a stunning trekking experience in its own right. The dormant stratovolcano is just 43 miles west of Kili and the centerpiece of Tanzania’s Arusha National Park, a famed safari location known for a menagerie of giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, monkeys, flamingo, elephant, leopard, and other African wildlife. Typically, a Mount Meru climb takes four days, though some take six days and enjoy a slower acclimatizing pace. Unlike Kili, there is only one official route to the summit of Meru, the Momella, which posts an elevation gain of 12,060 feet.
Summit views are beyond spectacular. Meru lies on a nearly 200-mile axis of Africa's most famous national parks, extending from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.
Meru hopefuls can try organizing their own summit attempt but must have a licensed guide, plus a cook and porters. And a kicker: the abundance of wildlife on and around Meru’s base means an armed ranger will accompany trekking groups on the first day to ensure they make it safely to the first campsite. The better option is to hand the keys to a tour operator who handles every aspect of the climb.
5. Fitz Roy Trek
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| Photo: back-packer |
Location: Patagonia, Argentina
Distance: 36 miles (58 km)
Time: 4 – 7 days
Best time to go: November to April
Carved out by glaciers eons ago, Mount Fitz Roy towers over a treasure trove of awe-inspiring trails in Patagonia’s stunning landscape. Fitz Roy sits right on the border between Argentina and Chile, guarding “Argentina’s Trekking Capital,” El Chaltén. Winding through the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Los Glaciares National Park, the Fitz Roy trek is the gateway to the walls of Patagonia’s iconic granite massif. The serrated peaks pose as a majestic backdrop on many of the national park’s hikes, and the Fitz Roy Trek is no different.
Mount Fitz Roy is located on the border between Argentina and Chile, part of the Andes Mountains in southwest Argentina. The mountain rises from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, a 13,000 square kilometer expanse covered in flowing glaciers, fjords, and mountains stretching to the most southern tip of the South American continent. The massive ice sheet contains the third-largest amount of freshwater ice and the largest in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica. This also means Patagonia is one of the windiest and wettest places on Earth.
Fitz Roy is also part of the Los Glaciares National Park. The peak is walking distance from the village of El Chaltén, the gateway to the mountain, as well as a coveted rock climbing and hiking spot. El Chaltén was actually founded in 1985, and I dare to say it didn’t really get popular until the start of the 21st century. In 2015, the area was dubbed “Argentina’s Trekking Capital.”
Towering Mount Fitz Roy is about 3,400 meters (11,000-plus feet) high. Whether you choose to hike to the foot of this iconic mountain or climb it, the sight of Fitz Roy will leave you wondering how is it possible such epic landscapes exist. You’ll see this jagged mountain rising from the distance on most of the hikes in the park. It’s truly inspiring to see its three spires piercing the bright blue sky. The Fitz Roy hike difficulty isn’t to be underestimated — it’s considered one of the most challenging hikes in the world. Fortunately, there are several options to accommodate a range of fitness levels.
The stunning view of the mountain competes with panoramas of giant glaciers across the rugged terrain. The otherworldly glacial peaks meet forests, lagoons, and valleys, all thanks to the dynamic and ever-shifting landscape of the sprawling South Patagonian Ice Field. This ice cap is where Fitz Roy can be found.
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6. Bay of Fires
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| Photo: greatwalksofaustralia |
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Distance: 16 miles (25 km)
Time: 4 days
Best time to go: October to May
This hike is highlighted by white beaches, blue waters, and orange-toned granite. The air is absolutely pristine and you’ll get a chance to experience ecology, wildlife, and rocky headlands along the way.
The Bay of Fires was named by an early British sailor for the numerous smoke plumes from the aboriginal campfires along the coast. Sadly, the original inhabitants are long gone, but the physical beauty of the bay, with its blue seas, white sand, and red-tinted rocks remain.
The Bay of Fires Walk has become one of the better-known walks in Tasmania, largely due to its promotion as a high-end hike, complete with a stay at a luxury eco-lodge with gourmet meals and fine wines. Curiously, although the ecolodge is situated at the northern end of the Bay of Fires, most of this walk is further north, along the beaches of Purdon Bay and Cod Bay in Mount William National Park.
7. Long Range Traverse
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| Photo: grosmorneoutdoor |
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Distance: 23 miles (37 km)
Time: 3 – 5 days
Best time to go: June to September
Long Range Traverse is a 36.0-kilometer point-to-point trail located near Sallys Cove, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking.
The Long Range Traverse across the outback of Gros Morne National Park is a must for the avid hiker. Six campsites on route allow you to plan the trip over as many days as you please, although due to rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and lack of a definitive trial park officials suggest five days to complete the hike.
The trek itself begins with a ferry across stunning Western Brook Pond, a 16-kilometer-long fjord-like freshwater lake that is an artifact of glaciation in the region. After being dropped off on a tiny platform at the far end of the "pond," hikers climb through a dense, difficult-to-navigate forest, past the aptly-named Pissing Mare Falls, to one of the most iconic views in Canada looking back down the ravine. The climb is at times harrowing, particularly after losing one's way, but once onto the plateau the majority of the trek proceeds across rolling, open alpine scrubland and past numerous lakes, ponds, and rivers. In addition to the fabulous scenery, moose, caribou, black bear, coyote, and a variety of bird species including rock ptarmigan make regular appearances on the trail.
Established tent platforms have been constructed at convenient navigation checkpoints to provide metered overnight stops and a place to pitch a tent that is elevated above the soggy turf. However, they are often in low-lying locations by water, which can make for a muggy, buggy night at camp. Experienced, knowledgeable campers can often do better by selecting their own sites that take advantage of terrain features and the soft, spongy vegetation.
The hike concludes after an average of three to four nights afield with a march up the park's eponymous 807-meter Gros Morne Mountain, the "Great Sombre," an imposing purple mound that is unmistakable for many miles in the surrounding landscape. Expansive views from the top give the Long Range hiker a great opportunity for a well-deserved celebration.
8. Kalalau Trail
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| Photo: kalalautrail |
Location: Kauai, Hawaii, United States
Distance: 22 miles
Time: 3 – 5 days
Best time to go: April to October
The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Nāpali Coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The Kalalau Trail is in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park which is part of the Hawaii State Parks system.
The Kalalau Trail provides only land access to this part of the rugged coast. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakāpīʻai and Kalalau.
Camping is only allowed at Hanakoa or Kalalau and is not allowed anywhere else along the trail or at the trailhead. Permits are required to camp. You can hike all the way to Hanakapi’ai and up to Hanakapi’ai Falls as a day hike without a permit. Permits are required to hike past Hanakapi’ai even if you don’t plan to camp. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapi’ai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams.
9. Croagh Patrick
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| Photo: peakery |
Location: Ireland
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 1 day
Best time to go: April to October
Topping the list of the best day hikes in the world, Croagh Patrick is one of Ireland’s most-climbed mountains and a significant place of Christian pilgrimage. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of Clews Bay and the surrounding scenery near the town of Westport.
Croagh Patrick is a peak steeped in history, religion, and mythology. At 764m high and offering breathtaking views across Clew Bay, climbing is also a rite of passage for hiking enthusiasts.
Croagh Patrick is one of Ireland’s most stunning mountain climbs with its unique conical shape towering above the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the rugged west coast. On a clear day, it offers panoramic views of the hundreds of tiny, green drumlin islands in Clew Bay, the Wild Atlantic Way, the gorgeous tourist town of Westport, and surrounding mountain ranges.
The mountain is steeped in history. It’s believed to have been a pagan pilgrimage route as far back as 3000 BC, before Christian times. It’s thought that pagans gathered on Croagh Patrick to celebrate the start of the harvest season.
But the mountain got its name and true fame from St Patrick who is reputed to have fasted at the top of the mountain for 40 days during the fifth century. Due to this Christian link, a small church was built around 1905, and mass is said there at certain times of the year. Because of that, it’s better known as Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’ or ‘The Reek’ among locals.
10. West Coast Trail
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| Photo: sooke-portrenfrew |
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Distance: 47 miles (75 km)
Time: 5 – 7 days
Best time to go: May to September
Located along Vancouver Island's wild Pacific Coast, the West Coast Trail is one of the most spectacular maritime hikes in Canada. The trail is 75 kilometers (46 miles) long and was originally designed as a lifesaving trail for ships that foundered in the treacherous seas just offshore. The trial takes six to eight days to complete.
This is a true wilderness experience. Dense rain forest lines one side of the trail, with the deep blue ocean on the other. To say this is an adventure hike might be understating things a bit: plan for wading through fast-flowing rivers, climbing over 100 ladders with your fully loaded backpack, and traversing extensive muddy stretches.
You'll need to be prepared for every weather eventuality: rain, wind, fog, and hopefully sun. Plan well in advance, and note that trail bookings are required and tend to fill quickly. A shorter three- to five-day option is to start at the Nitinaht Village trailhead, this cuts off a few days but still gives you the West Coast Trail experience.
11. Trek to Petra
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| Photo: gat |
Location: Jordan
Distance: 47 miles (76 km)
Time: 5 – 6 days
Best time to go: October to April
Petra was unknown to the western world until Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt was guided into the “Rose City” by Bedouins in 1812. You can only imagine his astonishment as he emerged from desert canyons into the city. His first sight: the elaborate and towering treasury, one of Petra´s most striking structures.
Today, nearly half a million tourists visit Petra every year via the standard method: the front gate. For those who want a deeper experience – a memory to cherish for a lifetime – there are better ways to enter the city.
The biggest and most dramatic trek into Petra takes a 5-7-day itinerary from the north via the Dana Nature Reserve, on ancient pathways, and through remote canyons and valleys.
Tour providers like Experience Jordan or KE adventures offer all-inclusive trips starting at around US $1,500. Expect to cover around 11mi/day (18km/day) on rugged trails, for a total of over 49mi (80km). Two or three-day variations are possible if jeeps are used.
The spring (March-May) and fall (October–November) are the best seasons for trekking.
Apart from normal travel items, a GPS, water filtration system, good hiking shoes, long hiking pants, a long-sleeve shirt, high-SPF sun cream, a sun hat, and a basic first-aid kit are essential items to pack.
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12. Bibbulmun Track
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| Photo: thesenior |
Location: Australia
Distance: 623 miles (1000 km)
Time: 6 – 8 weeks
Best time to go: April to November
The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world’s great long-distance walk trails, stretching 1000km from Kalamunda in the Perth Hills, to Albany on the south coast, winding through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia.
If you want to tackle one of the best long hikes in the world but want to avoid the crowds, then Bibbulmun Track is the trail for you. Lookouts, boardwalks, and footbridges are scattered throughout the trail to highlight the amazing coastal, forest, and valley views you’ll encounter on the trail.
The Track is for walkers only and is signposted with yellow triangular markers symbolizing the Waugal, the rainbow serpent of the Aboriginal Dreaming. Trail markers are spaced up to 500m apart. They are more frequent when there is an intersection with other tracks or when the Track takes a turn. For more information about the Nyoongar culture please see the various Along with the Track pages and visit Nyoongar Knowledge.
The Track takes walkers through towering karri and tingle forests, down mist-shrouded valleys, over giant granite boulders, and along breathtaking coastal heathlands. It passes through many of the most beautiful national parks of the southwest forests and coastline.
13. Yosemite Grand Traverse
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| Photo: mtsobek |
Location: California, United States
Distance: 60 miles (96 km)
Time: 6 – 7 days
Best time to go: July to September
Known for some of the best hiking in the world, Yosemite National Park is famous for its views and huge sequoia trees. Praised by National Geographic, the Yosemite Grand Traverse will take you through waterfalls, green mountaintops, and meadows on its surreal trail.
The Yosemite Grand Trail requires much more planning than other routes on offer in Yosemite, and turning up on the day is not an option.
Located in Central California, Yosemite National Park has designated a World Heritage site in 1984. The park is famous for its massive granite faces, valleys, waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees and is visited by roughly 4 million people each year.
The key attraction that pulls in tourists is the stunning valley, stretching for almost 12 kilometers and is approximately 3000–3500 feet deep. Yosemite houses thousands of lakes and ponds and approximately 800 miles of hiking trails and is home to over 300 species of mammals.
The valley is forested with pines and surrounded by towering granite summits such as Half Dome and El Capitan.
Yosemite Valley is where most visitors arrive and stay, despite only making up a small part of the entire park. The valley and El Capitan are heavily photographed by tourists and are what most people will associate with the name Yosemite.
If you’ve ever seen the background photos on Apple Macs, you’ll get a taste of what to expect!
Over 1,500 kilometers of trails are available to hikers with a range of difficulties available to suit every ability.
The Yosemite Grand Trail is just one of the many options for trails in Yosemite, however, due to its length and price it requires much more advanced planning than some of the other routes on offer, and turning up on the day is not an option.
Depending on whether you choose to go self-guided or as part of a package, and what company you choose to do the experience with, individuals should expect to pay around £1600/ USD$2200.
14. Queen Charlotte Track
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| Photo: ozgo |
Location: New Zealand
Distance: 45 miles (70 km)
Time: 3 – 5 days
Best time to go: September to May
The iconic Queen Charlotte Track, stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, is a journey from past to present, via panoramic ocean views, thriving native bush, and encounters with the likes of weka, fantail, wood pigeon, and even seals.
The 72km Queen Charlotte Track offers a rich history, incredible scenery, and the freedom to walk or mountain bike without heavy gear with a network of water taxis available to transfer you to and from the track and transfer your gear to your accommodation each night.
A full range of accommodation options is available, including luxury water's edge resorts, lodges, holiday houses, backpackers, and campsites.
The track is relatively easy walking, taking 3 to 5 days depending on how far you want to walk each day, and is a fantastic mountain bike ride, over 2 to 3 days. The full track is open to mountain biking from 1 March to 30 November each year, with some sections closed outside of these dates. If time doesn't allow you to complete the full track, take a water taxi out and complete just a section from a few hours to a couple of days.
15. Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon NP
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| Photo: nps |
Location: Arizona, United States
Distance: 48 miles (77 km)
Time: 1 – 3 days
Best time to go: May to June, September to October
As you peer over the Grand Canyon rim, you'll see a hiking trail snaking its way down the cliffside across a wide plain and then dropping off again towards the Colorado River. What you are viewing is the world-famous Bright Angel Trail.
This trail is 25 kilometers (15.6 miles) long and drops 1,340 meters (4,380 feet) from the south canyon rim to the water's edge at the Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. The views along the trail across and down the canyon are spectacular, and many people do portions of the trail as a day hike. The park service recommends going no farther than Indian Springs if this is your plan.
Bright Angel Trail is extremely well maintained and easy to follow, just watch out for the frequent mule trains sharing the route with you. Reservations for the campground and the Phantom Ranch lodge must be made well in advance and need to be confirmed two days prior to your arrival date.
Tips On How To Prepare For A Hike
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