Best Hikes Around The World
- By
- February 13 2025
- 8 min read
- Originally published in National Geographic
Hiking is one of the best ways to not only get some serious exercise, but it’s also one of the best ways to see the world and all its many natural wonders. But there are soooo many hikes and so many gorgeous sceneries.
At-a-glance:
- Great hiking destinations to try out around the world!
- Ideas for beginners, but also for those who are more experienced!
- Safety first - let's deep dive into what you should pack.
How do you even decide where you start? Well, locally is a good option, but if you’re wanting to add a little outdoor exploration into your next adventure, keep reading this article!
Hawaii
1. Hawaii is brimming with incredible hikes, so you truly can’t go wrong! While the above photo was taken from a helicopter above Kauai — just look at all those summits to ascend!
2. If you’re looking for a specific hike, Waimea Canyon on Kauai is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The rich, earthy walls are of the canyon are dotted with waterfalls and most of the time you’ll even catch a few rainbows.
Yosemite, California
Yosemite will always hold a special place in my heart as it’s one of the MOST gorgeous national parks in California (we definitely got lucky with all the gorgeous scenery—hence why we need to protect it). There’s a reason why it was one of the first declared national parks in the U.S.—from ancient sequoia trees as far as the eye can see to colossal granite cliffs, it should definitely be added to your list.
The Narrows, Utah
Carved by the Virgin River, the Narrows in Zion National Park in Utah offers 16 miles of unparalleled beauty. More than half of the hike takes place in the water, including areas where you’ll have to swim (pretty epic, right?). Despite this, you can finish in one day and find a home in one of the 12 camping grounds throughout the park!
Banff, Canada
Banff has it all: breathtaking scenery, turquoise waters, panoramic peaks, and wildflowers that dance in the breeze. In these peaks, there are endless trails, just waiting to be hiked. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike to an incredible vista or a strenuous trek in the trees, there are plenty of options. Make sure not to miss Lake Louise!
Torres Del Paine Circuit, Chile
Considered to be some of the world’s best trekking routes, the Torres Del Paine Circuit in Chile will have you falling head over heels for Patagonia.
There are a few different routes you can follow and while you can take a guided tour, you can save yourself a whole lot of money and hike by yourself.
The two most popular routes are the W route and the O route. The W trek is 35 miles and the O trek is 80 miles. Regardless of which one you choose, they’re both considered moderately difficult and have incredible views.
Ensure you are well prepared and trained and will not end up in the ICU! Read a story below on this topic 😉
Considered to be some of the world’s best trekking routes, the Torres Del Paine Circuit in Chile will have you falling head over heels for Patagonia.
There are a few different routes you can follow and while you can take a guided tour, you can save yourself a whole lot of money and hike by yourself.
The two most popular routes are the W route and the O route. The W trek is 35 miles and the O trek is 80 miles. Regardless of which one you choose, they’re both considered moderately difficult and have incredible views.
Ensure you are well prepared and trained and will not end up in the ICU! Read a story below on this topic 😉
Ms. ?
Blogger
hkj
Copy this URLto share this story with your professional network
Footnotes
- This is based on a true story The article is a collection of personal experiences, hence treat it as such
Disclaimer
Results are specific to the institution where they were obtained and may not reflect the results achievable at other institutions. Results in other cases may vary.