Summary of the Best Hikes in the World
- Mount Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal
- Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
- Laya Trek – Bhutan
- Inca Trail – Peru
- Torres del Paine National Park – Chile
- Jyrgalan Valley – Kyrgyzstan
- Great Ocean Walk – Australia
- El Camino de Santiago – Spain
- Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
- Mount Kinabalu – Malaysian Borneo
- John Muir Trail – United States
- Routeburn Track – New Zealand
- Angels Landing – Zion National Park
- Adam’s Peak – Sri Lanka
- Sapa – Vietnam
- Pukaskwa Coastal Trail – Canada
- West Coast Trail – Canada
- Mount Fuji – Japan
- Gunung Batur – Bali
- Cinque Terre – Italy
- Annapurna Circuit
- Sunshine Coast Trail – Canada
- Headhunter’s Trail and Pinnacles – Borneo
- Trolltunga Hike – Norway
- Snowman Trek – Bhutan
- Laugavegur Trek in Iceland
- Kungsleden Trek
- Haute Route
- Appalachian Trail
- Pacific Crest Trail
- Half Dome – Yosemite National Park
The Best Hiking Trails in the World
Throughout our many adventures around the globe, we have had the privilege of participating in some of the best hikes in the world. We’ve been lucky to have hiked, trekked, and visited 120 countries on all seven continents. Multi-day hikes can be life-changing and whenever we strap on a pair of hiking boots, we feel disconnected from the hustle and bustle of life and at one with Mother Nature. If you are planning to add a bit of adventure to your travels, make sure to include one of these hikes. We’re listing everything from multi-day treks to short day hikes around the planet to suit anyone’s needs.
From the windswept vistas of the Andes to the lush green corridors of the Himalayas, from the scorched deserts of Africa to the icy realms of Antarctica, trekking routes challenge our physical limits, captivate our senses, and offer a gateway to cultures and landscapes often untouched by the modern world.
Welcome to a voyage across the best treks in the world – where every step is a story, every breath is an experience, and every destination is a revelation. Are you ready to traverse the globe? Let’s begin, one trail at a time.
1. Mount Everest Base Camp Trek – Nepal
Nothing has ever compared to trekking to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world. The EBC Trek is one of the most famous treks on earth and in our opinion, it is one of the best long-distance hikes in the world.
The hike takes a 12-day round trip to complete through the Himalayan mountain range surrounded by the world’s tallest peaks.
What makes this trek difficult is the number of days spent at a sustained high altitude. Once you land in Lukla and climb for a day, the rest of the trip is over 4000 meters. There is an elevation gain of 2540 meters (8215 feet) which is significant since you are already starting at 2,860 m (9,383 ft).
However, if you take it slow and steady, this is a trip that is worth every heaving breath. The trek is awe-inspiring as you walk through high passes, surrounded by the highest peaks on earth.
- Duration: 12 Days
- Highlights Include – Villages, views of the highest mountains, Sherpa Memorials, tea houses, base camp
- Best Time to Trek – Feb – May (we trekked in Feb and there were few crowds) and Nov – Dec
- Suggested Tour Company – Simrik Real Nepal
2. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro was one of the greatest achievements we’ve ever accomplished. Starting in the jungles of Africa with an elevation gain of 4155 meters (13,620 feet) is a true test of endurance!
We took the Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, to Uhuru Peak in Tanzania. What makes this trek so unique is how many ecosystems the trail passes through.
It begins in a tropical rainforest of Tanzania and then moves through farmland, forests, moorlands, a mountain desert, and a freezing summit climbing zone. Seeing massive cacti lining the route made for spectacular scenery.
- Duration: Our entire hike took 7 Days. However, there are variations.
- Highlights Include – changing scenery, moorlands
- Best Time to Trek – It’s possible to climb Kilimanjaro any time of year, but the two main seasons are Jan – March and June – Oct. We climbed the first week of March and it was in great condition.
- Suggested Tour Company – Kessey Brothers
3. Laya Trek – Bhutan
Trekking in Bhutan was a dream come true. Surrounded by the Himalayas in a country that few people travel to was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever had. It is certainly one of the most beautiful hikes we’ve ever taken.
The Trek to Laya is one of the more popular routes in Bhutan, but that doesn’t mean it is busy. There is a $200 daily tourism fee to enter the country, keeping crowds to a minimum.
This trek runs along the Tibetan border, crossing rivers, high passes and through villages. It concludes at the village of Laya where we stayed in rustic mountain huts and summited the next day.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Highlights Include – Villages, scenes of highest mountains, Sherpa
- Best Time to Trek – April – June and Sept – Nov. We trekked in Sept, and though it was wet, the Highland festival was going on, which was amazing.
- Suggested Tour Company – Simrik Real Nepal or Gray Langur to coincide with the festival.
4. Inca Trail – Peru
While the Inca Trail is incredibly popular, it would be a crime to exclude it. It is one of the world’s most famous hikes, and many claim it is the best trek available. This multi-day hiking trail leads you to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, perched high in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains, and witnessing this lost city makes the trek worthwhile.
The Inca Trail follows the ancient trade routes of the Incas from Cusco to the lost city of Machu Picchu. There are several other treks around the Sacred Valley, so if you can’t obtain a spot on this highly sought-after trail, consider checking out some other hikes as well.
- Duration: 3 Days
- Highlights Include – Inca Ruins, Machu Picchu, views of the Andes.
- Best Time to Trek – April to October is high season; March is a favorable time to avoid crowds.
- Suggested Tour Company – Get Your Guide
5. Torres del Paine National Park – Chile
Patagonia in South America is one of the premier destinations for avid trekkers, and Torres del Paine is one of the top hiking routes in the area. This multi-day hike requires trekkers to carry tents, food, and camping equipment. This trek takes hikers through challenging terrain and incredible scenery in the southernmost region of Chile.
Here you’ll see monstrous glaciers, situated between snowy peaks and teal blue lagoons reflecting the mountains.
- Torres Del Paine Location: Southern Chile
- Duration: 5 Days
- Highlights Include – glaciers and icebergs, diverse wildlife
- Best Time to Trek – June – August
6. Jyrgalan Valley – Kyrgyzstan
This hike to the Boz Uchuch Lakes in Kyrgyzstan’s Jyrgalan Valley region is one of the premier treks in the country.
It takes trekkers over to Boz Uchuk Pass to the Glacier lakes. Though we completed this hike on horseback, it is a popular destination for hikers as well.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Highlights Include – wild horses roaming the valleys, high mountain passes, stunning views.
- Best Time to Trek – June – August
- Suggested Tour Company – Book at The Alakol Guesthouse in Jyrgalan
7. Great Ocean Walk – Australia
Many have heard of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, a beautiful drive that concludes at the picturesque Twelve Apostles. However, to truly experience the extraordinary coast, the Great Ocean Walk is the way to go.
This multi-day hike spans a 56 km trek along the rugged Victoria coast.
After each day of hiking along beaches, through forests, and on wooden walkways, we were picked up and taken back to our luxury lodge, where we indulged in gourmet meals and soaked our feet in soothing baths.
The next morning, we were dropped off back at the point where we ended the previous day’s hike to continue our walk to the Twelve Apostles.
- Great Ocean Walk Location – Victoria, Australia
- Duration: 4 Days
- Highlights Include – luxury accommodation, five-star meals, secluded beaches, kangaroos and wildlife, Twelve Apostles.
- Best Time to Trek – Any time of year; we hiked in January, and it was fantastic.
- Suggested Tour Company – Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
8. El Camino de Santiago – Spain
The Route of Saint James, also known as the El Camino de Santiago, is a rite of passage for serious trekkers and has been a pilgrimage since the 9th century.
There are eight different starting points taking you from France, Spain, or Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, where the trek concludes.
Although we have done many hikes throughout the Pyrenees, we have yet to put them together to trek the Camino de Santiago, but it is high on our list! Soon, very soon!
- Duration: 1 week to 35 days
- Highlights Include – Striking views of the Pyrenees through historic villages, monasteries, and vineyards
- Best Time to Trek – April – October; July and August are high season, while May and September are recommended.
9. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike is one of the most iconic and challenging treks in the United States. Traversing from the North to the South Rim (or vice versa), this hike connects three different trails: the Bright Angel Trail, North Kaibab, and South Kaibab.
As hikers descend into the Grand Canyon, they are treated to a dramatic tapestry of rock layers, each telling a story millions of years in the making. The journey takes adventurers past roaring waterfalls, ancient rock formations, and the emerald waters of the Colorado River. Covering a distance of about 24 miles, the trek is not just a test of endurance but also a deeply transformative experience, offering unparalleled perspectives of the canyon’s vastness and grandeur.
The trailhead is located at Yaki Point, which you can reach by shuttle bus. The Rim to Rim hike is typically done as an overnight backpacking trip, with hikers camping at either the Bright Angel Campground or the Cottonwood Campground. Hikers must obtain a backcountry permit from the park before starting the hike.
- Duration: 2-3 days for a comfortable pace, though some experienced hikers complete it in a single, long day.
- Highlights Include: Breathtaking panoramic views from both rims, the vibrant hues of rock strata, the majestic Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls, and the serene beauty of the Colorado River at Phantom Ranch.
- Best Time to Trek: Mid-May to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October, when temperatures are milder and water sources are more likely to be available.
10. Mount Kinabalu – Malaysian Borneo
It’s one of the premier climbs in Southeast Asia, and Mount Kinabalu is a great introduction to trekking. We have it on our list of the greatest treks on earth because it was the very first trek we ever did back in 2003!
Just visiting Borneo is an adventure in itself, let alone climbing Malaysia’s highest peak.
- Duration: 2 Days
- Highlights Include – amazing summit views.
- Best Time to Trek –
11. John Muir Trail – United States
The John Muir Trail is one of the most popular hikes in America, running 221 miles through California’s Sierra Nevada.
The trail takes you through lush valleys, creeks, and alpine meadows. There are six mountain passes, with one reaching 14,000 feet.
Most of the trail is steadily over 10,000 feet, making it quite the accomplishment.
- Duration: 22 Days
- Highlights Include – Yosemite National Park, Mount Whitney, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
- Best Time to Trek – June – August
12. Routeburn Track – New Zealand
The hardest part of the Routeburn on New Zealand’s South Island is securing a spot on the trail since it’s a very popular trek. Campsites and lodges on the hike must be booked in advance.
Luckily, we were traveling with the Flying Kiwi, and those wishing to do the Routeburn had everything set up ahead of time. The bus dropped everyone off on the Te Anau side and we met a couple of days later in Queenstown.
Located in Fiordland National Park, the Routeburn Track is New Zealand’s most renowned trek.
The highest point takes you up 1,255 meters above sea level for beautiful views.
- Routeburn Track Location: New Zealand South Island
- Duration: 2 Days
- Highlights Include – mountain peaks, waterfalls, and beautiful lakes.
- Best Time to Trek – Any time of year.
13. Angels Landing – Zion National Park
This is one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park in Utah, and it’s iconic for many reasons. If you’re looking for a hike that combines extraordinary scenery with a challenge, Angels Landing is one of the best hikes for you.
Initially, you visit what is known as Refrigerator Canyon, aptly named for its cool temperatures. After that, you’ll ascend numerous switchbacks called Walter’s Wiggles, a set of switchbacks that require serious effort.
You finish at Scout’s Lookout, where you can admire the stunning scenery of Angels Landing. **This is where you stop and turn around if you’re not a major thrill-seeker.**
If you’re adventurous, continue to the top of Angels Landing, where you’ll climb a narrow ridge assisted by chains. As of April 1, 2022, everyone needs a permit to hike the Angels Landing trail. Be sure to book it in advance here.
- Length of Hike: 5.5 Miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Shuttle Stop: Zion #6
14. Adam’s Peak – Sri Lanka
Adam’s Peak is a spiritual pilgrimage in Sri Lanka that lasts about 24 hours, believed to be where Adam first stepped foot on Earth after being cast down from heaven. This holy site attracts pilgrims each year to climb its 5200 steps, starting in the middle of the night to reach the summit by sunrise.
- Duration: 2 Days
- Highlights Include – an amazing cultural experience, glorious sunrise, temples along the route.
- Best Time to Trek – any time of year, but the pilgrimage is from December to May.
15. Sapa – Vietnam
Getting off the beaten path in Sapa, Vietnam, feels like walking through a National Geographic spread. Rice terraces filled with water cascade down steep mountains.
Choose a tour company that will take you deep into the mountains along the Chinese border and arrange a homestay with families residing in the mountains of Sapa.
- Duration: 4 Days
- Highlights Include – tea terraces, small villages, cultural experiences.
- Best Time to Trek – year-round.
16. Pukaskwa Coastal Trail – Canada
Not many have heard of the Pukaskwa Coastal Trail in Ontario, Canada. It’s often overshadowed by the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island or The East Coast Trail, but this trail along Lake Superior is quite treacherous.
The trek can be an out-and-back, or you can take a boat out to North Swallow to reach 60 km up the trail, trekking back along the scenic coast. Carry all food and drink in and out; inexperience may necessitate hiring a guide.
- Duration: 6 Days
- Highlights Include – Wild, remote trails, wildlife, Lake Superior shore.
- Best Time to Trek – Open from May to September, but for drier weather, we recommend June to August.
- Suggested Tour Company – Naturally Superior Adventures
17. West Coast Trail – Canada
The West Coast Trail in Canada offers an unforgettable wilderness adventure along the rugged and pristine coastline of Vancouver Island. This iconic trek typically spans about 75 kilometers, making it a challenging yet rewarding journey.
Hikers encounter diverse natural wonders, including lush rainforests, dramatic sea cliffs, and pristine beaches. The highlights of this trek are as varied as they are breathtaking, from witnessing wildlife like whales, sea lions, and bald eagles to exploring historic shipwrecks and indigenous cultural sites.
Hikers can also expect to traverse suspension bridges, wade through creeks, and conquer rugged terrain while experiencing the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The best time to trek the West Coast Trail is typically during the summer months.
- West Coast Trail Location: Vancouver Island
- Duration: 6-8 Days
- Highlights Include – lush rainforests, dramatic sea cliffs, and pristine beaches.
- Best Time to Trek – from May to September, when weather conditions are most favorable; it’s advisable to check trail conditions and park availability in advance.
18. Mount Fuji – Japan
Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji, is an exciting trek. Known as Fuji-san, this active volcano is regarded as one of Japan’s three sacred peaks and iconic sites.
Standing at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet) high, it presents a steep challenge, yet even beginners can tackle it. Each year, about 300,000 people (including some inexperienced hikers) climb Mount Fuji, so don’t worry if you’re not a frequent hiker.
Sadly, the volume of climbers risks jeopardizing Mount Fuji’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
- Duration: 2 Days
- Highlights Include – beautiful sunrise above the clouds in Japan, warm mountain huts.
- Best Time to Trek – Open to hikers from July 1 to early September; the best time to climb is from the end of July to late August.
19. Gunung Batur – Bali
Another fantastic day hike is up the active volcano on the paradise island of Bali. This trek was our very first volcano hike and it was absolutely spectacular. Trekking around the crater’s edge is an adventure of a lifetime, especially witnessing steam rise from an active volcano.
Ensure to stay updated on warnings and hire a reputable tour company; following recent events in New Zealand, we advise caution when hiking active volcanoes.
- Duration: 1 Day
- Highlights Include – witness an active volcano
- Best Time to Trek – Any time of year
20. Cinque Terre – Italy
The Five Villages Hike (Cinque Terre) along the Italian Riviera is a beautiful trek.
If you’ve never hiked before and want to start slowly, this is a short 1-day hike through stunning scenery. You can even indulge in delicious food and wine along the way.
- Duration: 1 Day
- Highlights Include – picturesque villages, beaches, wine, olives, lemons, and Italian hospitality.
- Best Time to Trek – You can hike anytime of year. Summer is the hottest, but we recommend the shoulder season, Spring/Fall, to avoid the high tourist season.
21. Annapurna Circuit
After trekking to Everest Base Camp, we made our way to Pokhara to take on the Annapurna Circuit trek, having not had enough of the magnificent snow-capped peaks.
Little did we know we’d be trekked out by this point; we never managed to venture into the Himalayas again. We always regret that laziness, but we did explore some trekking routes in the surrounding mountains.
More widely trekked than the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna has been the top trekking route in Nepal for decades.
- Duration: 16 – 20 Days
- Highlights Include – Villages, views of the highest mountains, Sherpa Memorials, tea houses, base camp
- Best Time to Trek – Nov – Dec, and Feb to April
- Suggested Tour Company – Simrik Real Nepal
22. Sunshine Coast Trail – Canada
This hut-to-hut trail spans 180 km along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. The huts are free to stay in and it’s Canada’s longest hut-to-hut trail.
Sarah Point, where you can take a water taxi with Terracentric Adventures in Lund, is located at the northern tip of Desolation Sound and continues to Saltery Bay.
While you don’t have to do the entire route, choosing shorter day hikes, like we did, is an option, but if you complete the whole trail, you’ll witness some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery for a solid two weeks.
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Highlights Include – Tin Hat Mountain, inland lakes, Powell River.
- Best Time to Trek –
- Suggested Tour Company – Terracentric Adventures and multi-day hikes.
23. Headhunter’s Trail and Pinnacles – Borneo
Hiking along the headhunter’s trail of Borneo feels like an adventure from a movie.
We took a small twin-engine airplane to Gunung Mulu National Park. After securing our hiking permits for the Pinnacles, we set off by boat and crossed rivers before reaching base camp.
The next day, we undertook a steep climb to witness the most interesting view we have ever seen — the Pinnacles, a stone forest rising 45 meters from the earth, sharp as a razor.
- Duration: 3 Days
- Highlights Include – Pinnacles, Gunung Mulu National Park, Bat Cave
- Best Time to Trek – the dry season is suggested for trekking, but we visited in January (during the rainy season) and found it spectacular.
- Suggested Tour Company – Park Headquarters
24. Trolltunga Hike – Norway
Tucked away in the heart of Norway’s rugged landscape is the iconic Trolltunga, or “Troll’s Tongue,” a spectacular cliff jutting about 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. This hike is not for the faint-hearted, but it promises awe-inspiring views that encapsulate the raw beauty of Norway’s landscape.
The trek covers approximately 28 kilometers (round trip), demanding good fitness as you navigate steep ascents, rocky terrain, and the whims of mountain weather. Along the way, you’re treated to panoramic views of glaciers, fjords, and alpine lakes. However, the crowning glory is standing at the edge of Trolltunga, where the majesty of the Norwegian highlands can be fully appreciated — an experience that remains etched in memory long after the journey.
- Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours round trip.
- Highlights Include: Panoramic views of Lake Ringedalsvatnet, the dramatic cliff, surrounding glaciers, fjords, and alpine scenery.
- Best Time to Trek: Mid-June to early September when the trail is typically free of snow and conditions are safer for hikers.
25. Snowman Trek – Bhutan
During our Laya trek, we passed the entrance to the Snowman Trek in Bhutan. Although we haven’t done this trek ourselves, our friend Beth at Wanderlust and Lipstick has completed it multiple times! The Snowman Trek is known to be the hardest trek in the world as it spends 25 continuous days at sustained high altitudes.
While we didn’t have the time or budget for a 25-day trek in Bhutan, this adventure remains on many people’s bucket lists. Our guide Sangay shares stories about it, as he leads the Snowman Trek every year.
- Snowman Trek Location: Bhutan
- Duration: 25 Days
- Highlights Include – World’s highest mountain passes, views of the Himalayas.
- Best Time to Trek – June – October.
26. Laugavegur Trek in Iceland
The Laugavegur Trek in Iceland is among the most celebrated hiking routes in the world, offering a magnificent array of geological wonders and breathtaking landscapes. Spanning approximately 55 kilometers, this trek weaves through an incredible tapestry of rhyolite mountains, hot springs, glaciers, geothermal valleys, and expansive lava fields.
Hikers will encounter vivid hues of red, yellow, and blue in the mountains, the steaming vents of Landmannalaugar, the pristine waters of Lake Álftavatn, and the expansive views from Emstrur. The ever-changing terrain and vast array of colors presented by the Laugavegur Trek make for a unique adventure that appeals to trekkers globally.
- Duration: Approximately 4-6 days
- Highlights Include: Rhyolite mountains, hot springs, geothermal areas, Lake Álftavatn, lava fields, and vast landscapes.
- Best Time to Trek: Mid-June to September.
27. Kungsleden Trek
The Kungsleden Trek, often dubbed the “King’s Trail,” is one of Sweden’s most iconic long-distance hiking paths. Nestled in Swedish Lapland, this trail spans roughly 440 kilometers, winding through pristine wilderness, dense birch forests, glacial valleys, and alpine tundras. As trekkers journey along the trail, they’re treated to stunning sights, such as the dramatic peaks of Sarek National Park and the serene vistas of Lake Alesjaure. Traditional wooden huts scattered throughout the route offer hikers shelter and moments of camaraderie within nature.
- Duration: Approximately 3-5 weeks for the entire trail, although many opt for shorter sections.
- Highlights Include: Swedish Lapland wilderness, birch forests, Sarek National Park, alpine tundras, and Lake Alesjaure.
- Best Time to Trek: Late June to September.
28. Haute Route
The Haute Route, a revered trek spanning from Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland, presents one of the most exquisite high-altitude trails in the Alps. Covering approximately 180 kilometers, this iconic route offers an immersive experience through Europe, showcasing captivating panoramas of glaciers, verdant valleys, and some of the highest peaks, including the majestic Matterhorn.
As hikers navigate this alpine wonderland, they will cross multiple mountain passes, traverse charming Swiss villages, and rest in scenic mountain huts that provide shelter and breathtaking views.
- Duration: Approximately 10-14 days.
- Highlights Include: Panoramic views of iconic peaks like the Matterhorn, passage through high mountain passes, charming Alpine villages, and stunning landscapes of the European Alps.
- Best Time to Trek: Mid-July to Mid-September.
29. Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail, often abbreviated as the AT, is a legendary long-distance hiking trail that stretches over 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, crossing 14 U.S. states. Renowned as one of the longest continuously marked footpaths globally, the AT offers a diverse range of experiences, from the dense forests of the Smoky Mountains to the panoramic views atop New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Trekkers will encounter a rich tapestry of biodiversity, numerous historical landmarks, and a multitude of terrains while navigating this iconic path. The camaraderie among hikers and the sense of achievement upon completing sections, or the entire trail, are hallmarks of the AT experience.
- Appalachian Trail Location: East Coast of the United States, spanning from Georgia to Maine
- Duration: Typically 5-7 months for a thru-hike.
- Highlights Include: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Shenandoah National Park, the White Mountains, and the breathtaking vistas from peaks like Clingmans Dome and McAfee Knob.
- Best Time to Trek: For northbound hikers, starting in late April to early May is ideal; for southbound hikers, starting in June to mid-July is recommended.
30. Pacific Crest Trail
If you seek another epic hike in America, you might consider the Pacific Crest Trail. Stretching over 2,650 miles, the PCT is a remarkable long-distance hiking trail that spans the entire length of the West Coast of the United States, from the Mexican border in the south to the Canadian border in the north.
The trail traverses a mesmerizing array of landscapes, including arid deserts, dense forests, and alpine mountain ranges. Along the way, hikers experience the breathtaking beauty of iconic locations like the Sierra Nevada, Mount Rainier, and the Mojave Desert. The PCT is not merely a physical journey but also a transformative experience, offering moments of solitude, introspection, and profound connection with nature. It is a trail that challenges and rewards equally, with each mile presenting a new vista or unique experience. Explore the 24 best hikes in the USA to add to your bucket list.
- Pacific Crest Trail Location:
- Duration: Typically 4 to 6 months for a complete thru-hike.
- Highlights Include: The otherworldly landscapes of the Mojave Desert, the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada (including Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous U.S.), volcanic wonders of the Cascade Range, and lush forests of the Pacific Northwest.
- Best Time to Trek: For northbound thru-hikers, the late April to early May window is typical, aiming for completion by late September to avoid snow in the Northern Cascades. However, trail conditions can vary annually, necessitating preparedness for diverse weather scenarios.
31. Half Dome – Yosemite National Park
The Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park represents a quintessential trek, epitomizing the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Beginning in Yosemite Valley, the trail winds through lush forests, past mist-kissed waterfalls, and up granite sub-domes before reaching the trail’s pinnacle: the descent into Half Dome via cable routes.
Those who conquer this challenging ascent are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the sprawling Yosemite wilderness, including the valley, High Sierra peaks, and the serpentine Merced River. The sheer granite face of Half Dome, juxtaposed against deep blue skies or swirling clouds, offers an unforgettable sight, making the strenuous journey fully worthwhile.
- Duration: 10 to 14 hours round trip, covering approximately 14-16 miles depending on the chosen route.
- Highlights Include: Vernal and Nevada Falls, panoramic views from Sub Dome, exhilarating cable ascent, and unmatched 360-degree views from atop Half Dome.
- Best Time to Trek: Late May to early October when the cables are in place and the trail is free of snow. Note that a permit is required; checking conditions and restrictions before planning the hike is advisable.
The best hikes in the world are not just mere walks through nature; they are profound journeys that transform us, resonate in our hearts, and reconnect us to the earth’s ancient rhythms. They challenge our physical limits and, more importantly, expand our horizons.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and rapid urbanization, these treks are sanctuaries of authenticity, unspoiled by time’s relentless march. They are testaments to nature’s unparalleled beauty and power, waiting to be explored, revered, and, above all, respected. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside and start hiking these incredible trails today!