10 Best Hiking Trails in the World
By: Julie Blakley
BootsnAll Travel Network

If everyone placing personal ads who claimed the hobby of “hiking” really
did it with any regularity, the earth would have been trampled flat decades
ago. But those who really do enjoy this peaceful outdoor activity have plenty
of incredible choices in every corner of the world.

Here are the ten best hikes on the planet, each with a combination of scenery
and special extras that make them well worth going out of your way to enjoy.

Tongariro Northern Circuit, North Island, New Zealand

It is certainly no secret that New Zealand boasts some of the world’s most
beautiful and dramatic scenery, which is why it’s not surprising that one of
the world’s most spectacular hikes is located on these mountainous islands.
While many people who hike in the Tongariro Reserve (a World Heritage site)
on the Northern island stick to the one-day Tongariro Alpine crossing, the
multi-day (2 nights and 3 days) Tongariro northern circuit provides hikers
with a much richer and scenic experience.

Hikers on the Tongariro Northern Circuit hike for about 35 kilometers through
non-stop compelling volcanic and desert environs that will make you feel like
you are trekking on the surface of another planet—all while giving you high
mountain peaks as a backdrop, diversely striking vistas wide variety of
different scenery. Hikers who set out on this out-of-this-world hike (quite
literally) will circumambulate the active volcano Mt. Ngaurube (Mt. Doom for
those Lord of the Rings fans out there) while hiking past boiling mud pools,
craters, interesting lava features, the amazing water filled volcanic vents,
glacial valleys and water-filled explosion craters called the Emerald Lakes.
Things stay nice after dark, as you get to stay in comfortable alpine huts
along the way that have decent beds, gas heating and stoves, running water
and toilets. Hikers on this trek can also easily do two short side trips to
the tops of both Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe—allowing hikers to gaze
out at the captivating volcanic scenery below.

Zion Narrows, Utah, United States

While hiking through the volcanic landscape of the Tongariro northern circuit
may provide enthusiasts with an extraterrestrial experience, hikers are sure
to be amazed at the unique and stunning scenery of trekking through the Zion
narrows in the American southwest. Recently ranked as #5 on National
Geographic’s list of America’s Best 100 Adventures, this trail will have
you hiking up streams through dramatic, narrow slot canyons.

Hikers will wind their way through colorful, sculpted sandstone walls that
rise up to 3,500 feet (that’s just about 1 km). The trek will also lead
hikers through the famous “Wall Street,” a 2-mile section of the journey
that crosses through a narrow canyon where the walls close to just 22 feet
wide at the top. Hiking through water for about 60% of the hike up the
streams that wind their way through these breathtaking slot canyons, you will
see hanging gardens bursting from the red canyon walls, trickling water
threading through cracks in the canyon walls and sprouting patches of moss,
waterfalls sliding over the sandstone, and sandy banks with towering
ponderosas. However, while this wondrous journey is sure to enchant hikers,
it should be noted that hiking through the Zion Narrows is extremely
dangerous, as flash floods can come quickly and the entire area is a huge
drainage. Rainstorms up to 50 miles away can storm down the canyon and every
year hikers die on this trail. Make sure to check the weather report in
advance to make sure there is NO RAIN whatsoever in the forecast. However,
with proper precautions, this hike, which is rated as one of the best hikes
in the entire U.S. National Park system, is truly unparalleled.

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Any serious hiker or trekker dreams of going to Nepal to journey through the
world’s most dramatic mountain landscape. While most hikers think of
Kathmandu and Everest when they hear the word Nepal, the Annapurna circuit
(which circumnavigates the Annapurna massif) not only has staggering
snow-capped and rugged peaks providing for a spectacular backdrop, but the
hike also offers trekkers great opportunities to see a wide range of natural
and cultural diversity.

This 3-week trek allows you to stay in comfortable lodges as you hike from
lush sub-tropical landscapes into the highest mountains in the world (beware
of altitude sickness as the trek goes to a elevation of 17,749 feet). As you
hike the Annapurna Circuit, you will get to interact with the Tibetan
mountain peoples, see Buddhist temples, visit teahouses, soak in hot springs
and take in some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the entire world.

Inca Trail, Peru

Most people who know something about travel, know about the famous and
world-renowned Inca Trail. While some of the more hard-core types out there
may think of this amazing trek as cliche', the truth is that this trail is
popular for a reason. Peru offers some of the most beautiful South American
mountainous scenery and, while some criticize the trail for being
over-regulated and too popular, Machu Picchu is a destination worth seeing
and the hike along the way is sure not to disappoint, with plenty of scenic
vistas and amazing views.

Along with offering spectacular scenery, the Inca Trail is not only safe and
easy to organize, it also allows trekkers to hike through jungle to high
alpine terrain, visit 3 sets of Inca ruins along the way, and take in the
beauty of the Peruvian mountains over the 3-night, 4-day hike. Plus, at the
end of the journey, hikers will arrive at one of the most celebrated man-made
destinations on Earth.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, China

This 15-km gorge located along the Yangtzee River between approximately
6,000-meter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the 5,300-meter Haba Xueshan
mountain, in China where rapids pass under a series of dramatic 2,000-meter
cliffs. The gorge got its name from a legend that says a tiger once jumped
the narrowest point of the gorge to escape a hunter (which is still 25
meters). As one of the world’s deepest river canyons, Tiger Leaping Gorge is
a beautiful and scenic hike for those adventurous trekkers.

The high-road trail is well-maintained and marked and takes hikers on a
14-mile journey with varied mountain views that features a surprising variety
of micro-ecosystems, waterfalls and even guesthouses where hikers can stay
along the route.

While this gorgeous gorge is a essential and protected part of the World
Heritage site of the Three parallel Rivers of Yunnan, the Chinese government
has proposed building another hydroelectric dam that would flood this place—
meaning hikers interested in seeing this beautiful, lush canyon should
probably head there sooner rather than later.

Mount Kiliminjaro, Tanzania

If summiting the tallest point on any continent has always had major appeal,
but you are not sure you’re up for a technical, dangerous and rigorous
climb, then hiking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is a great option.
Kilimanjaro is often called the world’s tallest walkable mountain, because
while it stands at nearly 20,000 feet, no technical climbing skills or
equipment are needed (mind you, this does not mean it is an easy hike—the
journey is still physically demanding and people die every year from altitude
sickness on this mountain).

There are several routes to the top of the tallest free-standing mountain in
the world and the highest point in Africa is not only of the seven summits
(the tallest points on each of the seven continents), but it’s also one of
the most diverse and varied hikes in the world. Hikers start near the equator
and hike through every climatic zone on the 6-day, 5-night trek that leads
you from hot grasslands through temperate forests to glacial valleys and a
frigid summit.

Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai’s Na Pali coastline, which translates as “the cliffs” and which
distinguishes the most impressive feature of this stretch of coastline boasts
some of the most dramatically beautiful scenery in the world. Sheer cliffs
dropping into the blue Pacific waters below, lush tropical valleys with
picture-perfect waterfalls, green, velvet coated mountains and waves crashing
dramatically into the rocky cliffs mark this hike into the remote and
protected areas of coastline, where you can also spot pods of dolphins,
humpback whales and sea turtles off the coast.

The 11-mile trail etches into the cliffs that raise as much as 4,000 feet
above the ocean below and crosses 5 major valleys and countless smaller ones.
The sometimes-treacherous trail takes most experienced and fit hikers one day
and many hikers two, who camp in a permitted spot along the way. The trail
was first built in the late 1800s, with portions rebuilt in the 1930s. It is
almost never level, and in some spots the trail is quite narrow along cliffs
dropping hundreds or thousands of feet to the ocean below.

Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile

Those looking for dramatic alpine landscapes, glacial fields, astonishing,
jagged mountainscapes and a chance to get a look at the stunning spires of
pink granite that make the famous towers of Paine should hike the Torres del
Paine Circuit in Chile’s Patagonia mountains. Named one of the 50 places to
visit in your lifetime by National Geographic, as well as being named a
UNESCO biosphere reserve, this 100-km circuit offers surreal mountain vistas,
glacial lakes, unique wildlife. You might even see a glacier calving. The
wondrous track takes you through Magellenic forest, muddy bog, rocky gullies
and over makeshift bridges.

Hikers should be weary that while this region is totally gorgeous, it is also
notorious for inclement and often quite horrendous weather—meaning that not
only will your pack be heavy laden with all of the appropriate gear to keep
you warm and dry in the event of a storm, but it is also possible to get
stuck in a bad storm or run into closed portions of the trail. But, the bad
weather keeps this trek from getting overly crowded and you’ll feel all the
more rough’n’tumble and accomplished for having braved harsh conditions
(and those towering spires of the Paine will probably look all the more
beautiful).

Tour de Mont Blanc, France

Regularly making lists as one of the best hikes in the world, this route
circumambulates Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak standing at just over
15,000 feet. The 170-km hike offers stunning views of Mount Blanc and other
Alp peaks, beautiful green valleys, blue alpine lakes and huge glaciers. The
well-marked and maintained trails also lead hikers past wild chamois and
ibexes, allow them to climb iron ladders bolted to the mountains and enjoy
the alpine charm of the French Alps.

The other great part of this hike? While you may not feel quite as tough
staying in the comfortable and warm refuges (hiking huts) along the way, not
having to carry food or a tent makes for much lighter loads. Also, while
opting to take the cable cars and chair lifts along the way could be
considered cheating, it’s a great way to shorten your hike on certain days
and be able to take in all the beautiful scenery without having to be too
hardcore. Plus, the refuges offer comfort along the route—serving up hearty
and delicious French food and wine and allowing hikers the chance to stalk up
on food and supplies.

West Coast Trail, British Columbia, Canada

If you are looking for a surreal experience hiking through pristine Canadian
wilderness, catching beautiful vistas of both temperate rain forests, rugged
coastlines and dramatic mountain peaks, then the West Coast Trail is an
absolute must. Hikers will awake to misty dawns, enjoy unbelievable sunsets,
cross boulders and logs over rivers, scramble up creeks, hike past
waterfalls, be dwarfed by enormous trees in an old growth forest, spot
whales, sea lions, minks and maybe even bears or wolves, and check out
shipwrecks and other historical sites.

This unique, stunning hike with immensely varied terrain can be difficult to
get one of the limited permits available every summer and costing about C$200
per person it is also the most expensive hike in Canada. Also, inclement
weather even in the summer months can make for heavy packs for climbing over
mossy rocks and all of those ladders. That being said, this hike is well
worth both the money and the heavy pack, as no other hike in North America
offers such varied scenery from forest to mountains to sea.

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