20 Best Hikes in the World: Epic Hikes for Every Explorer

The best hiking experiences in the world are not just about reaching a summit or covering miles. They are about creating memories that stay with you long after you have returned home. Whether you want to cross glaciers in Europe to feel the mist of crashing waves on a distant Canadian coast, there are plenty of “best hikes in the world” options, each offering a unique adventure.

However, with so many amazing trails competing for your attention, selecting the perfect one can be as daunting as cracking an ancient map. But fear not, we have compiled a list of 20 of the absolute best hikes in the world.

So, this carefully selected collection includes trails that will showcase stunning scenery and provide diverse experiences and unforgettable challenges. Hence, lace up your boots, grab your sense of adventure, and prepare to discover the “best hikes in the world” you cannot afford to miss!

20 Best Hikes in the World to Put on Your Bucket List

Walking trips, especially with an expert guide, are a great way to explore a new place. So, you can learn about local wildlife, pass through less touristy areas, and immerse yourself in the local culture, all while covering a lot of ground quickly, making it an efficient way to see and experience many things in a short amount of time. Thus, the 20 best hiking trails on our list were evaluated according to their:

• Location
• Length (Distance)
• Elevation
• Duration
• Weather
• Instagrammability

1. Tour du Mont Blanc

• Location: France, Switzerland, and Italy
• Length: 170 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 3,300 meters
• Duration: 7-11 days
• Weather: Depending on the season; expect cold temperatures at high altitudes, potential for snow and rain.
• Instagrammability: Epic – Panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, wildflower meadows, and charming villages

This challenging trek circles the Mont Blanc massif, the highest mountain in Western Europe making it one of the best hikes in the world. The route takes in some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the world, including glaciers, snow-capped peaks, as well as wildflower meadows. Hikers need to be in excellent physical condition and experienced in mountain walking.

2. The West Coast Trail

• Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
• Length: 75 kilometers
• Elevation: Moderate climbs
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Weather: Cool and rainy most of the year.
• Instagrammability: High – Dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, and opportunities to spot marine life

This remote coastal trail on Vancouver Island is known for its dramatic scenery. So, this includes wild beaches, temperate rainforests, and rocky cliffs also making it one of the best hikes in the world. Additionally, the trail is well-maintained but can also be challenging in some sections, with ladders, boardwalks, and tidal crossings.

3. GR20

• Location: Corsica, France
• Length: 180 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 2,700 meters
• Duration: 12-15 days
• Weather: Hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional snow at high altitudes.
• Instagrammability: Rugged – Breathtaking mountain vistas, unique rock formations, and crystal-clear lakes.

The GR20 is a long-distance trail that traverses the mountainous spine of Corsica. So, it is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, the route is known for its challenging terrain, as well as its steep climbs, exposed ridges, and scree slopes. Hence, hikers need to be experienced and also well-equipped for all weather conditions.

4. Laugavegurinn

• Location: Iceland
• Length: 55 kilometers
• Elevation: Moderate climbs
• Duration: 2-4 days
• Weather: Variable – Expect cool temperatures, rain, and wind.
• Instagrammability: Otherworldly – Volcanic landscapes, lava fields, hot springs, and glaciers.

This scenic trail in Iceland’s highlands takes in some of the country’s most otherworldly landscapes. So, this includes volcanic craters, lava fields, hot springs, and glaciers. Additionally, the trail is well-marked and further relatively easy to follow. Hence, making it a good option for moderately fit hikers.

5. Banff Sunshine Village Gondola Ride

• Location: Banff National Park, Canada
• Length: Varies depending on chosen trails
• Elevation: Up to 2,739 meters
• Duration: Varies (day trip)
• Weather: Varies depending on season; expect cold temperatures at high altitudes.
• Instagrammability: Stunning – Panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.

This gondola ride takes you to the top of Sunshine Mountain in Banff National Park. So, there you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains as well as the glaciers. However, some hiking trails start from the top of the gondola, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging.

6. Torres del Paine Circuit

• Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
• Length: 80 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 1,300 meters
• Duration: 7-10 days
• Weather: Cold and windy, with potential for snow year-round.
• Instagrammability: Dramatic – Towering granite peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and Patagonian wilderness.

The Torres del Paine Circuit is a classic Patagonian hike that takes in some of the park’s most spectacular scenery. So, this includes the Paine Towers, glaciers, lakes, and also forests. Additionally, the trail can be challenging in some sections, with steep climbs and uneven terrain.

7. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• Location: Peru
• Length: 43 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 4,200 meters
• Duration: 4 days
• Weather: Variable – Warm days, cool nights, potential for rain.
• Instagrammability: Iconic – Hike through cloud forests and ancient Inca ruins, culminating in the breathtaking Machu Picchu.

This iconic hike takes you along the ancient Inca trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu making it one of the best hikes in the world. So, the trail is well-preserved and offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains. However, hikers have to be in good physical condition and obtain a permit in advance.

8. The Santa Cruz Trek

• Location: Huayhuash Region, Peru
• Length: 50 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 5,200 meters
• Duration: 4-5 days
• Weather: Cold and windy at high altitudes, potential for snow and rain.
• Instagrammability: Spectacular – Turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca, and traditional Andean villages.

The Santa Cruz Trek is a popular alternative to the Inca Trail. So, the trail takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Cordillera Blanca, including turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and glaciers. Additionally, the hike is moderately challenging, with some steep climbs and high-altitude sections.

9. La Ciudad Perdida – The Lost City Trek

• Location: Colombia
• Length: 44 kilometers
• Elevation: Moderate climbs
• Duration: 4-6 days
• Weather: Warm and humid, with frequent rain showers.
• Instagrammability: Enchanting – Lush rainforest scenery, hidden waterfalls, and the awe-inspiring ruins of the Lost City.

This trek takes you to the ruins of the ancient city of Ciudad Perdida, also known as the Lost City of the Tayrona. Furthermore, the trail winds through lush rainforest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hike is moderately challenging, with some steep climbs as well as uneven terrain.

10. Mount Kilimanjaro: The Machame Route

• Location: Tanzania
• Length: 66 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 5,762 meters (summit)
• Duration: 7-9 days
• Weather: Varies with altitude; hot and humid at lower levels, cold and windy at higher elevations.
• Instagrammability: Epic – Breathtaking panoramas of Africa’s highest mountain, diverse landscapes, and potential wildlife sightings.

The Machame Route is a popular route up Kilimanjaro. So, it is known for its scenic beauty and challenging hikes. It’s considered moderately difficult, with a mix of terrains and elevation changes. Additionally, trekkers can expect stunning views of rainforests, Shira Plateau, and the Southern Ice Fields.

11. The Blyde River Canyon

• Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
• Length: Varies depending on chosen trails
• Elevation: Varies
• Duration: Varies (day hikes or multi-day options)
• Weather: Warm and sunny most of the year, with occasional rain showers.
• Instagrammability: Diverse – Dramatic canyon views, waterfalls, unique rock formations, and abundant plant life.

The Blyde River Canyon is a spectacular natural wonder located in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. So, numerous hiking trails in the area range in difficulty from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Also, the trails offer captivating views of the canyon, waterfalls, and surrounding mountains.

12. The Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Location: Annapurna Region, Nepal
• Length: 230 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 5,416 meters (Thorong La Pass)
• Duration: 14-21 days
• Weather: Varies with altitude; warm and humid in valleys, cold and windy at high elevations.
• Instagrammability: Panoramic – Majestic Himalayan peaks, diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and yak encounters.

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas. So, the trail circles the Annapurna massif, the tenth-highest mountain range in the world. Additionally, hikers need to be in excellent physical condition and experienced in high-altitude trekking.

13. Everest Base Camp Trek

• Location: Khumbu Region, Nepal
• Length: 60 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 5,364 meters (Everest Base Camp)
• Duration: 12-14 days
• Weather: Cold and windy, with potential for snow year-round.
• Instagrammability: Iconic – Get up close to the world’s tallest mountain, and witness glaciers and dramatic Khumbu Valley scenery.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular hike that takes you to the foot of Mount Everest. So, it is the highest mountain in the world. Moreover, the trail offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. However, hikers must be in good physical condition and adjust to the high altitude.

14. The Ganden to Samye Trek in Tibet

• Location: Tibet
• Length: 85 kilometers
• Elevation: Up to 5,200 meters
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Weather: Cold and dry, with high altitude conditions.
• Instagrammability: Unique – Hike through ancient pilgrimage routes, experience Tibetan culture, and witness stunning Himalayan landscapes.

This historic trek follows an ancient pilgrimage route between the monasteries of Ganden and Samye. So, the trail takes in some of Tibet’s most spectacular scenery. Thus, it includes the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains. Additionally, hikers need to be prepared for the high altitude and obtain a special permit to enter Tibet.

15. The Great Ocean Walk

• Location: Victoria, Australia
• Length: 104 kilometers
• Elevation: Moderate climbs
• Duration: 8 days
• Weather: Temperate with cool summers and mild winters.
• Instagrammability: Breathtaking – Rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, dramatic rock formations, and potential wildlife encounters

The Great Ocean Walk is a spectacular coastal hike along Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast in Australia. Thus, the trail offers stunning views of the ocean, beaches, cliffs, and also rock formations. Additionally, the hike is well-maintained and suitable for moderately fit hikers.

16. The Milford Track

• Location: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
• Length: 53 kilometers
• Elevation: Moderate climbs
• Duration: 4 days
• Weather: Wet and cool most of the year.
• Instagrammability: Dramatic – Fiordland’s stunning scenery with waterfalls, glaciers, rainforests, and towering mountains.

The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s most popular hikes. Thus, the trail takes in some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, including waterfalls, glaciers, rainforests, and fiords. Additionally, the hike is well-maintained and suitable for moderately fit hikers, but it can be wet and muddy at times.

17. The Overland Track

• Location: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia
• Length: 65 kilometers
• Elevation: Moderate climbs
• Duration: 6 days
• Weather: Variable – Cool and temperate with frequent rain showers.
• Instagrammability: Diverse – Cradle Mountain’s jagged peaks, glacial valleys, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

The Overland Track is a classic Tasmanian hike that takes in some of the island’s most beautiful scenery, including mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and glacial valleys. So, the trail is well-maintained and suitable for moderately fit hikers.

18. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

• Location: Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
• Length: Varies depending on chosen routes
• Elevation: Varies
• Duration: Varies (day hikes or multi-day options)
• Weather: Warm and humid summers, mild winters with occasional rain.
• Instagrammability: Spiritual – Hike through ancient pilgrimage routes, explore sacred Shinto shrines, and experience serene Japanese forests.

The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes in Japan that lead to the Kumano Sanctuaries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, the trails wind through forests, mountains, and along the coast. Furthermore, hikers can choose from a variety of routes that range in difficulty from easy strolls to challenging climbs.

19.  The Routeburn Track

• Location: Fiordland National Park & Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
• Length: 32 kilometers
• Elevation: Moderate climbs
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Weather: Variable – Cool and temperate with potential for rain and snow.
• Instagrammability: Scenic – Traverse through two national parks, and witness towering mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers.

The Routeburn Track is a world-renowned hike that crosses between two national parks in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. So, the trail offers beautiful scenery, including towering mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, as well as crystal-clear rivers. Thus, this hike is well-kept and again suitable for moderately fit hikers, with options for shorter day hikes or a multi-day backpacking adventure.

20. The West Highland Way

• Location: Scotland
• Length: 154 kilometers
• Elevation: Moderate climbs
• Duration: 7-9 days
• Weather: Temperate with cool summers and mild winters, frequent rain showers.
• Instagrammability: Classic – Hike through quintessential Scottish landscapes, and explore lochs (lakes), rolling hills, charming villages, and historic sites.

The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most popular long-distance walk. So, the trail takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, including mountains, lakes, forests, and hills. Thus, it is well-maintained and also suitable for reasonably fit hikers.  Additionally, there are plenty of places to stay along the way.

Conclusion

The exploration of the 20 best hikes in the world unveils a tapestry of natural wonders and unparalleled experiences awaiting avid adventurers. So, these trails, spanning continents and climates, offer a glimpse into the diverse beauty of our planet. From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the rugged coastlines of the Pacific, each hike presents an opportunity to connect with nature on a profound level. Thus, as we bid farewell to this journey, let us carry with us the memories of these best hikes in the world, and may they inspire us to seek out new trails and embark on further adventures in the pursuit of discovery and wonder.

FAQs – Best Hikes In The World