Best Hikes in the World: Taking On and Enjoying the Great Outdoors
There are some incredible hikes worldwide, and we’ve gathered a few of our favorites here. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike or something more leisurely, this list of the best hikes in the world has something for everyone. So get ready to explore some of the best hikes in one of the most beautiful landscapes.
This list of the best hikes in the world will feature the top hiking destinations from around the globe. From iconic hikes to ones that you may not be as familiar with, this list of the top hikes in the world will have it all.
And whether you are currently planning a trip or just daydreaming about it, this list is still fun to check out and appreciate all that nature has to offer. Because as much as you may want to visit some of these top hikes in the world and do them yourself, they are also still pretty impressive to look at and enjoy through pictures and videos.
After you finish with this list and find your next hike, visit our lists of the best outdoor clothing brands, the best travel sites, and the best travel accessories. These lists will provide some valuable resources when it comes to planning and being fully prepared for your hike.
Top 25 Hikes in the World:
1. Inca Trail Hike
Country: Peru
Highlights: The full hike involves four days’ worth of stairs, passes through ancient stone ruins, and one major tunnel.
About Hike: The Inca Trail is a must-do adventure for those looking to take on an intense trekking tour of Peru. Hiking up over two passes and completing four days’ worth of stairs, you’ll pass through ancient stone ruins and a major tunnel created by hand centuries ago.
2. Tour du Mont Blanc Hike
Country: Multiple Countries
Highlights: 170 kilometers, meanders through France, Switzerland, and Italy, and around Mont Blanc massif.
About Hike: The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most iconic hikes in the world. The 170-kilometer (106-mile) trail meanders through France, Switzerland, and Italy, showcasing some of the most stunning scenery on earth. Ascending and descending around the picturesque Mont Blanc massif, you’ll pass through wide valleys, expansive meadows, and pristine forests.
3. W Circuit, Torres Del Paine National Park Hike
Country: Chile
Highlights: Rugged and remote terrain, views of mountains and glaciers, and more accessible than ever before.
About Hike: If you’re looking for an epic hiking adventure, look no further than the W Circuit in Torres Del Paine National Park. This world-famous hike takes you through some of the most rugged and remote terrains on the planet, with stunning views of glaciers and mountains to reward your efforts.
Improved trail access and facilities over the past few years have made this hike more accessible than ever before – so don’t let lack of gear hold you back.
4. Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike
Country: Italy
Highlights: Wide, well-marked trails, the Dolomite range, and refuge and restaurants along the way.
About Hike: The Puez-Odle Altopiano hike in Italy is one of the best in the world, and it’s easy to see why. These wide, well-marked trails take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Dolomite range. You’ll see soaring mountain peaks and sparkling lakes, all while enjoying a civilized experience with refuge and restaurants dotting the route.
5. King’s Canyon Rim Walk Hike
Country: Australia
Highlights: Towering canyon walls, breathtaking views, and Australia’s beautiful nature.
About Hike: One of the best hikes in the world, King’s Canyon Rim Walk in Australia will not disappoint. This incredible trail takes you on a journey through some of the best scenery in the country, with towering canyon walls and breathtaking views. If you’re looking to experience some of the most beautiful nature that Australia has to offer, be sure to put Kings Canyon Rim Walk on your itinerary.
6. Torres del Paine National Park Hike
Country: Chile
Highlights: A 12-mile hike to the base, iconic mountains that can be seen from afar, and can be paired with the W Circuit hike.
About Hike: Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes in the world. Those iconic towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the park and make for an awe-inspiring view.
The hike to their base is 12 miles long and takes around 2,500 steps, but it’s well worth it for the fantastic views you’ll get along the way. And if you are really feeling adventurous, consider pairing this hike with the W Circuit hike mentioned above.
7. Samaria Gorge Hike
Country: Greece
Highlights: Descends through a narrow valley, ends at the Libyan Sea, and is over 16 kilometers in length.
About Hike: Samaria Gorge is located on the beautiful Greek island of Crete and offers some of the best hiking trails in the world. This one-way hike descends through a narrow valley, eventually ending at the Libyan Sea. The hike is just over 16 kilometers in length, and you’ll drop over 1,500 meters.
The first part of the hike is the steepest, where you’ll descend a long series of switchbacks for about an hour before reaching the stream responsible for this incredible gorge. At this point, the trail levels out, and the remaining 13 or so kilometers are a relatively easy stretch that takes you along rushing waterfalls and through pristine pine forests.
8. Landmannaugar Hike
Country: Iceland
Highlights: Features colorful mountains, steaming lava fields, and a natural geothermal pool.
About Hike: If you’re one of those who like to feel the burn in their legs and the freshness in their lungs, you’ll want to head to Landmannalaugar. It’s possibly the most beloved spot in Iceland by hikers, photographers, and geologists for its colorful mountains, steaming lava fields, and natural geothermal pool.
This isn’t some overcrowded tourist trap – it’s off the beaten track in the Icelandic Highlands. So lace up your boots and get ready to explore.
9. Bright Angel Trail Hike
Country: United States
Highlights: World-famous trail, snakes down the Grand Canyon cliffside, and offers several different distances to hike.
About Hike: If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, the Bright Angel Trail is worth checking out. This world-famous trail snakes its way down the Grand Canyon cliffside, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area along the way. Whether you’re looking to do a day hike or tackle the entire 15-mile journey, this trail will leave you awestruck.
10. Milford Track Hike
Country: New Zealand
Highlights: 33-mile trek, variable weather conditions, and basic alpine huts and private lodges along the way.
About Hike: If you’re looking for an epic hike to test your mettle, the Milford Track is where you’ll find it. This 53-kilometer (33-mile) trek through some of the most beautiful scenery on New Zealand’s South Island takes in waterfalls, alpine lakes, glaciers, and towering mountain peaks.
You’ll need to book well in advance to snag a spot in one of the basic alpine huts or more comfortable private lodges along the way. With changeable weather conditions, this is one adventure that’s always exciting.
11. Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First Hike
Country: Switzerland
Highlights: Stunning views, rocky terrain, and 2681 meters a the highest point.
About Hike: If you’re looking for one of the best hiking trails in the world, look no further than Switzerland’s Schynige Platte to Faulhorn to First trail. This incredible journey starts with a hike up Schynige Platte, offering stunning views of the Brienzersee and the Jungfrau Peaks.
From there, you’ll wander through rocky terrain before reaching the Berghaus Männdlennen, where you can take a break and refuel. Next, it’s on to the Faulhorn (2681 meters), your highest point on this hike. After enjoying magnificent panoramic views, it’s time for a long descent down one of the most scenic trails along the Bachsee shoreline.
12. Cinque Terre Hike
Country: Italy
Highlights: Five unique villages on the route, rugged seashore mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea below.
About Hike: The Cinque Terre Hike has been voted one of the best hikes in the world. This ancient route in Italy is a day hike between villages perched on the rugged seashore mountains. With the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea below, this hike will make you forget about the effort expended.
Start your hike at Monterosso and end at Riomaggiore, taking your time to stop for a mid-morning cappuccino and biscotti. Make sure to enjoy lunch with an incredible view before continuing on your journey.
13. Chogoria Route to Point Lenana Peak Hike
Country: Kenya
Highlights: 17,057 feet, varied terrain, and a dormant volcano.
About Hike: Mount Kenya offers some of the best hiking trails in the world, and for good reason. At 17,057 feet, this dormant volcano offers some of the most beautiful and varied terrain imaginable. Trekkers can journey through misty rainforests and bamboo valleys to 16,354-foot Point Lenana, taking in amazing views of elephants and Cape buffalo along the way.
14. Robberg Peninsula, Garden Route Hike
Country: South Africa
Highlights: Circular trail along the Robberg peninsula, two shorter variations available, and perfect for hikers of all levels.
About Hike: The Robberg Peninsula Hiking Trail is one of the most popular and scenic trails in South Africa and the world. The route is a circular trail along the Robberg peninsula with two shorter variations available, ranging from easy to moderate, making it perfect for hikers of all levels.
With its awe-inspiring scenery and geological features, the Robberg Peninsula Hiking Trail is not to be missed if you’re looking for an amazing hiking experience.
15. Tiger’s Nest Hike
Country: Bhutan
Highlights: Features a 17th-century monastery, stunning views, and interesting history around every corner.
About Hike: If you’re looking for one of the most amazing hiking experiences in the world, look no further than Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Perched precariously atop a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley, this 17th-century monastery is well worth the climb. With beautiful scenery and interesting history around every corner, a hike up to Tiger’s Nest is an experience you’ll never forget.
16. Petra Hike
Country: Jordan
Highlights: Offers an up-close view of the ancient city of Petra, spans 46 miles over 5 to 6 days, and you’ll see ancient tombs and temples along the way.
About Hike: The Trek to Petra is one of the best hikes in the world and offers hikers an up-close view of Jordan’s most famous site: the ancient city of Petra. This hike is a moderate challenge, spanning 46 miles (74 km) over five to six days, and you can choose much smaller portions of the hike if you would like. The best time to go is from October to April, when temperatures are mild, and crowds are smaller.
This trek takes you off the beaten path, through canyons, gorges, and ridges, with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing along the way. You’ll see ancient tombs and temples as you make your way to Petra – one of the seven wonders of the world.
17. Everest Base Camp Trek
Country: Nepal and Tibet
Highlights: Towering mountains, takes you through the heart of nepal, and passes by ancient monasteries.
About Hike: The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous and rewarding hikes in the world. With towering mountains and beautiful landscapes, this trek takes you through the heart of Nepal. You’ll get to know the local Sherpa people and visit ancient monasteries along the way. With plenty of challenging climbs and rewarding views, this trek is a must-do for any adventure seeker.
18. Bay of Fires
Country: Australia
Highlights: 16-mile trek, an unparalleled ecological experience, wildlife abounds along the route, and takes 4-5 days to complete.
About Hike: If you’re looking for the best hike in the world, look no further than Tasmania’s Bay of Fires. This 16-mile trek will take you through pristine white beaches, blue waters, and orange-toned granite cliffs.
And if that’s not enough to convince you, the air is absolutely pristine here – so you can enjoy an unparalleled ecological experience. Wildlife abounds along this route, which takes between four and five days to complete. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable global hiking experience, the Bay of Fires is definitely the place to find it.
19. Queen Charlotte Track
Country: New Zealand
Highlights: Stunning coastal views, gorgeous native bush, and a challenging trek.
About Hike: Queen Charlotte Track is one of the best places to go hiking in the world. With stunning coastal views and gorgeous native bush, this hike will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. If you’re looking for a challenging trek and adventure, Queen Charlotte Track is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
20. Croagh Patrick
Country: Ireland
Highlights: For hikers of all levels, an 8-mile hike, and has Clew Bay as the backdrop.
About Hike: Croagh Patrick is one of the best hikes in the world and an unforgettable experience for hikers of all levels. Located in Ireland, this 8-mile hike can be completed in just one day. With Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside near Westport as your backdrop, Croagh Patrick is not to be missed.
21. West Coast Trail
Country: Canada
Highlights: 75 km trail, stunning forests, beaches, bogs, and waterfalls.
About Hike: If you’re looking for an epic hiking experience, look no further than the West Coast Trail. This 75 km trail winds through the stunning forests and beaches of British Columbia, Canada.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s something for everyone on this memorable journey. Hike at your own pace and take in all the natural beauty this trail has to offer – from bogs and waterfalls to tranquil beach walks.
22. Mount Kilimanjaro
Country: Tanzania
Highlights: Dormant volcano, unique flora and fauna, and the ideal time to go are from June to October.
About Hike: Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world, and for good reason. This dormant volcano offers hikers a challenging but rewarding experience, with beautiful landscapes and unique flora and fauna to enjoy along the way. Make sure to go during the right season, though – June to October offers the best conditions.
23. The Narrows
Country: Utah, United States
Highlights: Just outside of Zion National Park, it follows the Virgin River for 16 miles, and features stunning canyons.
About Hike: If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, look no further than The Narrows. Just outside of Zion National Park in Utah, this hike follows the Virgin River 16 miles through some of the most stunning slot canyons in the world.
With a variety of different terrains to explore, it’s perfect for hikers of all skill levels. Soak up the incredible views while enjoying a peaceful and challenging hike through The Narrows.
24. Pays Dogon
Country: Mali
Highlights: Short day treks to week-long adventures, stunning landscapes, and fascinating culture.
About Hike: Discover one of the best hikes in the world, right here in Mali. Whether you’re looking for a short day trek or a week-long adventure, Dogon Country has something to offer everyone. With stunning landscapes and fascinating culture, it’s no wonder Dogon Country is known as one of the top hiking destinations out there.
25. Laugavegurinn
Country: Iceland
Highlights: Glaciers, volcanoes, hills, waterfalls, eerie ice caves, and more.
About Hike: Explore the best of Iceland on this incredible hike. Travel through epic landscapes of glaciers, volcanoes, and hills, and take in all the stunning scenery along the way. This is a must-do hike for anyone visiting Iceland – you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty on show. Soaring waterfalls, eerie ice caves, and more await – don’t miss out.
Best Hikes in the World Conclusion
There are some incredible hikes all over the world that offer breathtaking views. This list highlights some of our favorites and, hopefully, some of your new favorites. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike or something that will allow you to stroll and enjoy the views, you have everything you need with the above hiking options.
The other great thing about most of these hiking trails is that you can select from multiple routes at each destination. This will allow you to enjoy the hike at your level, and if you go with a group of hikers that are all at different levels, you can partner up and take on different parts of the trail based on your level of experience.
If you want to get in better shape before taking on any of these hikes, visit our lists of the best bodyweight exercises, best cardio workouts, and best fitness websites. All of these lists will provide expert content for you to get in better shape and ready to dominate any of these hikes.
Have you already done one of these hikes before? Please feel free to share your experience below if you have.
