The 20 best hikes in the world

Where is it? St. Jean Pied-du-Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

Length of hike: 790 km

How long does it take? 30 - 35 days 

The trek: Topping the list, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain is more like an immersive, international cultural experience that just happens to include a 15-mile walk every day. Of its seven best-known routes, the nearly 500-mile French Way remains the most popular, in part due to its significance even before the days of the Catholic church. This month-long journey features ever-changing landscapes, hearty Spanish fare, warm hospitality, and plenty of soul-stirring serendipity.

The sights: Beginning in Basque Country, the French Way passes wine country, cultural hotspots like Pamplona and León, eucalypt forests, and three mountain ascents over 4,000 feet.

When to go: Conditions are best from late spring to early autumn. May/June can be rainy. With July/August come high tourist season and the hottest days. September/October require heavier gear for lower temperatures.

Trip tips: Thanks to its wide-reaching support network and affordable, pilgrim-only hostels, the Camino is by-and-large safe and accessible to hikers of all ages and fitness levels, even those traveling solo.

Read more: Why the Camino de Santiago is the world’s best hike

Where is it? From Fethiye to Antalya 

Length of hike: 540 km

How long does it take? 35 days

The trek: Known as the most scenic long-distance hike in Türkiye, this 320-mile hike traces ancient Lycian viaducts, footpaths, and mule tracks for a magnificent journey into the country’s past. In its entirety, the walk takes around 30 days to complete, but many hikers choose to opt in for the six-day stretch at the start of the route.

The sights: The route was granted its name because of the ancient Lycian towns, temples and crumbling fortresses it passes by, but there’s so much more than Iron Age landmarks to see. Tracing the Mediterranean coast through dusty olive groves, fragrant juniper forests, rugged mountain ranges and historic harbour towns, the walk takes in a lot of the key sites of Türkiye.

When to go: The weather in October is perfectly warm, and by this time of year, the summer holiday crowds have cleared from the larger towns. Plus, it's pomegranate season, meaning fresh pom juice at every stop. 

Trip tips: It's possible to walk the Lycian Way unguided, following markers along the route. But for the most immersive experience – complete with guidance on the best pancake purveyors, and the historical significance of each crumbling sarcophagi – it’s worth booking a tour with a local guide.

Read more: This 35-day trek in Türkiye is one of the world’s best hikes – here’s why

Where is it? The route starts in Milngavie, a town on the outskirts of Glasgow, before snaking up through the west of Scotland to finish in Fort William.

Length of hike: 154 km

How long does it take? 5-7 days, depending on fitness

The trek: Although the initial stages of the route are fairly flat, they have their own challenges (for example, there’s a particularly tricky section between Rowardennan and Inverarnan, where the lochside forest track gets very rocky). More challenging inclines pop up as you get further north, including the infamous and aptly named Devil’s Staircase, a 550m climb roughly halfway between Kingshouse and Kinlochleven. There’s a great selection of accommodation along the route, but thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you can also wild camp (there are some restrictions to this – find out more here). 

The sights: Suburban Glasgow might not be the most auspicious start, but the scenery soon becomes spectacular. Early on, the route hugs the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before taking you past some of Scotland’s most beautiful mountains, including Buachaille Etive Mòr, which Bond fans will recognise from Skyfall. If you do it in autumn, like I did, you may be treated to the magnificent sight of stags rutting and bellowing in the morning light as you cross Rannoch Moor, one of my favourite wild places in Scotland.

When to go: In Scotland, summer is midge season. These small biting flies can be a real nuisance, so to avoid them, plan your trip for spring or autumn. 

Trip tips: Walking 154 km is no mean feat, especially if you’re carrying everything you need for the journey on your back. If you want to lighten the load, there are a number of companies that can transport your bags from one night’s accommodation to the next, meaning you can hike with a lighter day pack. 

Where is it? Japan’s Kii Peninsula

Length of hike: 258km

How long does it take? 3-5 days

The trek: South of Osaka, the Camino de Santiago’s sister route could not be more apples-to-oranges. Traversing the alpine Kii peninsula, this pilgrimage’s many routes pass sites dedicated to Shinto and Buddhist deities on their way to the three Kumano Taisha (grand shrines). With five main paths to choose from, the Nakahechi, or Emperor's Route, is the most-frequented. Anticipate a three- to five-day journey in which every day includes climbing a new mountain.

The sights: Mossy forests, mineral hot springs and centuries-old wooden shrines dedicated to ‘kami’ (nature spirits) make this trek feel lost in time. The central Kumano Hongu Taisha complex also features the tallest Torii gate in Japan, standing 111 feet.

When to go: Opt for mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in March and April, or slightly warmer days among autumn foliage in October and November.

Trip tips: Accommodations are extremely limited and can book out months in advance. Be sure to reserve early using the Official Reservation System.

Where is it? Apollo Bay to The Twelve Apostles

Length of hike: 110 km

How long does it take? 7-8 days

The trek: Located 124 miles southwest of Melbourne, where the Australian coast meets the wild Southern Ocean, The Great Ocean Walk obliges hikers with plenty of only-in-Australia sights and ranks as the continent’s most superlative coastal foot path. Beginning at Apollo Bay, the 68-mile walk shadows the iconic Great Ocean Road, passes through Great Otway and Port Campbell national parks and concludes with an encore at the world-famous limestone stacks known as The Twelve Apostles.

The sights: Along the route, hikers will undoubtedly encounter koalas resting in eucalyptus treetops, wallabies scampering along the headlands, creek and river crossings, tall forests and deserted beaches with panoramic views from windswept headlands.

When to go: The Austral spring, autumn and summer are the preferred times to explore the trail. But the June-through-September winter season also has its incentives in the form of cool temperatures, wet, lush rain forests and being the best time to spot migrating humpback and southern right whales passing just offshore.

Trip tips: The Great Ocean Walk can be done independently over eight days, and walkers can stay at various dedicated campsites or find off-walk accommodations nearby. Great Ocean Walk tour operators will handle the logistics and lodging for those who lean toward a more organized experience.

Where is it? The most common start or end points are Abisko, Vakkotavare, Saltoluokta, Kvikkjokk, Ammarnäs, or Hemavan.

Length of hike: 460 km

How long does it take? 4 weeks

The trek: Spanning 270 miles in Sweden’s far north Lapland province, The King's Trail is superlative for its remote edge-of-the-world vibe, its 24/7 midsummer daylight that reboots your Circadian rhythm, and the August/September aurora borealis that lights up the sky. Hiking the entire trail takes about a month, but because it is broken into sections, you can choose the length of your hike; the most popular section (between Abisko and Nikkaluokta) covers 65 miles and takes between 10 to 12 days.

The sights: The trail is considered one of the world’s most famous hikes, coursing through a vast Arctic landscape home to birch forests filled with flowers, dramatic mountain passes with lunar-like terrain, lush grass meadows and broad glacial valleys.

When to go: Although the walking is relatively easy during the optimum June-September hiking season, the water here is profuse. The well-marked trail has plank walkways and bridges that cross swampy bogs and non-fordable summer streams, though some areas offer rowboat crossings or local charter boats that operate in lakes. 

Trip tips: Anyone who would rather leave the logistics to the experts can hire local guides who shepherd hikers along and prepare meals at a series of huts operated by the Swedish Tourism Association. The huts are separated by a distance a walker can cover in a day, about six to 14 miles, and self-supported backpackers can make advanced hut reservations as well. For a small fee, independent tent campers can pitch tents outside the same huts and use the cooking and latrine facilities.

Where is it? Umm Qais (in the north) to Aqaba (in the south)

Length of hike: 675 km

How long does it take? 40 days

The trek: Formally established in 2015, The Jordan Trail is the Middle Eastern country’s first and only long-distance hiking trail, traversing the length of Jordan from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. The alluring desert landscape, Biblical history, ancient ruins and Bedouin camps extol a sense of timeless antiquity that captivated T.E. Lawrence (of Lawrence of Arabia fame) in his 1926 book Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The entire route is an ambitious undertaking, requiring 40-days and covering 420 miles of trails that pass through 75 hamlets, villages and towns.

The sights: Despite first-glance appearances, hikers are pleasantly surprised that the trail is not an endless desert. Throughout the trek, expect a diverse landscape that includes the rolling wooded hills of the north, the jagged cliffs rising above the Jordan Rift Valley, the mystic experience of the 'Lost City of Petra,' the dramatic desert sands and soaring mountains in Wadi Rum, and finally, the cool azure waters of the Red Sea at trip’s end.

When to go: The best times to embark on the hike are March, April, October and November. 

Trip tips: Joining a guided group is the most practical way to hike The Jordan Trail, or you can walk it in a DIY fashion and hire a private licensed guide. Those who want to do shorter sections on their own can book lodging in advance through a network of certified accommodation providers. 

Where is it? Starting points include car parks at Llanberis, Pen-y-Pass, Nant Peris and Pont Bethania to Mount Snowdon’s summit. 

Length of hike: 11 - 14.5km round trip

How long does it take? 5 - 7 hours

The trek: Snowdonia, the sprawling, 823-square-mile national park in North Wales, is one of the UK’s most gorgeous regions. There are lots of hiking routes on offer across the peaks, many of which stretch to over 3,000 feet, but Snowdon is the standout. It’s the highest mountain in Wales, with six official routes for climbers. According to Snowdon’s website, all of them are considered challenging, but they vary in ascent and distance. The Llanberis path is the most beginner-friendly, and the Watkin Path is the most challenging. When I climbed Snowdon, we opted for the Pyg track, which begins from Pen-y-Pass car park and is one of the shortest and steepest routes, with plenty of patches that involve a bit of scrambling. 

The sights: Opt for the Pyg or Miners track and you’ll be treated to arguably the most outstanding views of any of the routes. From Pyg, the Snowdon Horseshoe (the ring of peak ridges leading to the summit) will be your backdrop, as well as the distinctive U-shaped glacial valleys that formed these mountains. You’ll also be able to see the Menai Strait and Anglesey. 

When to go: April to October is the best time to climb Snowdon, but plenty of people begin in early March. 

Trip tips: If you’re starting before the climbing season officially begins, the amenities at the summit (the café and loos) won’t be open, so make use of whatever facilities are available at your start point. Oh, and depending on the temperature, the summit can remain icy well into spring – be wary of that as you’re ascending.

Where is it? Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach in Kalalau, Hawaii

Length of hike: 36 km round trip

How long does it take? 1 - 2 days

The trek: Even those who’ve never heard of the Napali Coast will likely recognize it. The stunning photogenic grandeur of steep, verdant cliffs and deep, narrow valleys spilling into the sea is known far and wide on so many screen savers, posters and travel site bucket lists, making Napali one of the most recognizable coastlines anywhere. Crowd appeal notwithstanding, the 22-mile round-trip Kalalau Trail is one of hiking’s ultimate Nirvanas – a tropical island experience nearly unmatched.

The sights: The 11-mile trail is maintained but steep as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys festooned with exotic birds and waterfall rivulets. The first two miles of the trail are a popular day hike and provide a sublime snippet of what’s to come, but to proceed beyond Hanakapiai Valley, hikers must have an overnight camping permit.

When to go: Any time of year is open season for the hike, as temperatures seldom drop below 60 F, though October to May can bring unpredictable rain showers.

Trip tips: The trail to the spectacular 300-foot Hanakapiai Falls and beyond is recommended for experienced hikers only. Confident backpackers mounting an early start can continue on the rigorous full-day 11-mile hike to the shore, where the crashing Pacific and two idyllic sand beaches await. Experiencing Hanakapiai and the completely isolated Kalalau makes this out-and-back trek worth every arduous step; this is an ultimate bucket list endeavour. 

Where is it? Puerto Williams loop through Dientes de Navarino

Length of hike: 37 km

How long does it take? 5 - 6 days

The trek: Mention Patagonia, and images of the toothy Three Towers of Paine in Torres del Paine National Park come to mind, with the Torres del Paine Circuit being one of the world’s most sought hiking circuits. But roughly 560 miles southeast lays a lesser-known circuit every bit as worthy of a hiker’s obsession as its northern flagship sibling. The Dientes Circuit Trek (or 'Teeth of Navarino') is the southernmost trek in the world, a 23-mile circuit in the Chilean Patagonia just 60 miles from the tip of South America and, by all counts, one of the world’s most remote treks. It was established in the early 1990s and receives fewer than a hundred trekkers a year, partly due to its isolation. The staging point is Puerto Williams, a remote home to about 2,000 residents connected to the outside world by six prop flights a week.

The sights: Naturally, there is no shortage of Patagonian splendour. Like the famed Torres del Paine, the spiky Dientes rise from the sea and reach almost 4,000 feet at the Dientes de Navarino massif. But unlike trekking in popular Torres del Paine, the Dientes offer an unadulterated man-on-the-moon experience that is almost unheard of these days, and any group of trekkers will likely be the only ones on the circuit. 

When to go: December through early April is the window for hiking the Dientes.

Trip tips: Independent hikers can take a crack at the six-day circuit, but the logistics of getting to the remote staging area means most hikers will want the logistics and experience provided by a guiding outfitter. 

Where is it? Gotemba 5th Station to Mount Fuji summit

Length of hike: 19.4 km round trip

How long does it take? 8-10 hours

The trek: Japan’s Mt. Fuji is one of the most popular mountain icons in the world, with its distinctive, graceful conical symmetry (technically a stratovolcano) forged over millions of years by violent eruptions that have left a scorching sea of volcanic ash and rock along its slopes. The mountain (the highest in Japan at 12,380 feet) is synonymous with the country’s physical, cultural and spiritual identity. Understandably, climbing Mt. Fuji is on gazillions of travellers’ bucket lists. There are four main routes of differing difficulty ranging from 4,600 to 7,900 feet of elevation gain to the summit and most plan for two days on the mountain. Typically, hikers start mid-morning on the first day and climb for six to eight hours to reach pre-booked huts by dusk, then rise after midnight on day two to complete the trek to the summit just before sunrise. Yes, it can get crowded.

The sights: Despite being loved by the masses, Fuji still ranks as one of the world’s most desired hikes – an admirable goal for hikers wanting to experience the summit’s see-forever views and the resulting sense of achievement alongside scores of others who chant at daybreak. 

When to go: Nearly all climbs are attempted from early July to mid-September when the weather is mild and the mountain is free of snow.

Trip tips: The hike isn’t technically difficult and most people won’t need a guide, which undoubtedly eases apprehensions for the approximately 300,000 people who climb to its summit each year. 

Where is it? Scotts Head, a village in the south, to Cabrits National Park

Length of hike: 188 km

How long does it take? 12-15 days

The trek: Crossing the self-christened 'Nature Island' of Dominica by foot amounts to a rugged two-week nature hike defined by challenging climbs, steamy rainforests, countless waterfalls, butterflies, orchids, tropical birds, windswept cliffs, ocean vistas, elfin forests – you get the picture. The aptly nicknamed Caribbean island stood up to its claim when in 2013, it created the Waitukubuli National Trail, a 114-mile route divided into 14 segments that pass through coastal villages, up woodland hills, into lush rainforest, past waterfalls, down to rivers, up and over the mountains, and then down again to the sea. History is intermingled as well, as the WNT passes through traditional Kalinago, or Carib villages, ruins of 18th-century French settlements and the 'secret' Maroon passages once used by escaped slaves running for their lives.

The sights: Throughout portions of the trek, the smothering rainforests of the mountainous interior give way to small communities and farmlands that yield a cornucopia of exotic island produce. Other sections are rugged and volcanic, with deep chasms, natural hot springs, and Dominica’s piece de resistance, Boiling Lake – a volcanic fumarole in Morne Trois Pitons National Park flooded with bubbling blue-grey water and surrounded by a vapour cloud.

When to go: Spring is the best time to visit for hikers since the weather is usually dry and temperatures are still comfortable.

Trip tips: You’re cleared to do any or all of the segments with the purchase of a 15-day pass, but camping isn’t allowed, and hikers instead use small lodges and B&Bs. There is also the option of hiring guide-led outfitters who handle all the logistics for cross-island treks. 

Where is it? Potberg Hut (in De Hoop Nature Reserve) to Koppie Alleen

Length of hike: 55 km

How long does it take? 5 - 6 days

The trek: Each year, between June and November, one of nature’s most stunning spectacles occurs off the southern tip of the African continent. Hundreds of endangered southern right whales breech, breed and calf close to shore in an event considered among the best land-based whale-watching experiences in the world. Their chosen waters are just offshore of South Africa’s De Hoop Reserve, one of the largest Marine Protected Areas (MPSs) in Africa, and home to the fittingly named 33-mile Whale Trail. The six-day hut-to-hut guided trek takes every opportunity to witness the coastline’s transformation into a critical whale nursery for these magnificent mammals.

The sights: There are plenty of natural wonders shoreside as well. De Hoop Reserve is a World Heritage Site and part of the Cape Floral Region, recognized as one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots where 20 percent of the continent’s flora naturally occurs. Hikers on this idyllic coastal trek traverse through varied terrain, from some of the most pristine fynbos (fine-leaf flowering plants endemic to the region) shrubland to Day-Glo orange cliffs overlooking long stretches of blinding-white beaches.

When to go: The best time for spotting whales is from June through November, with peak sightings occurring from mid-August to mid-October.

Trip tips: At Stilgat bay, hikers can trade their boots for fins and masks and snorkel around tidal pools swimming with sea life. 

Where is it? Queensferry to Chepstow

Length of hike: 1,400 km

How long does it take? 7-12 weeks

The trek: The Wales Coast Path is one of the globe’s premier walking routes, an 870-mile footpath distinguished as the first and only path to follow a country’s entire coastline. While the Herculean effort of walking its entirety has seen a few rugged takers, most walk parts of the best sections: the chiselled headlands of the 19-mile Gower Coast and the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast paths in South Wales.

The sights: There are castles – tons of castles. Wales claims the densest concentration (600!) of medieval fortresses in the United Kingdom. Their legacy is a bone of contention in Wales (many of them represent the beginning of the occupation), but their aesthetic qualities are undeniable.

When to go: During the main season from May through September, the sublime landscape is a visual feast of quilted pasturelands grazed by wild Welsh ponies, rocky Neolithic burial sites protruding from wind-scoured hillsides, and the seals, whales, dolphins, puffins and seabirds that can be seen at almost any given time.

Trip tips: The distance between trailheads is usually not more than a mile or two, so there’s always the option to exit and hitch a ride aboard a charismatic Puffin Shuttle, a public bus fleet that transports walkers to local villages and other trailheads. At day’s end, some independent walkers use bushwalking tent camps, but most hire tour operators who help plan daily itineraries and book overnight lodging.

Where is it? Momella Gate to Mount Meru Summit

Length of hike: 43 km round trip

How long does it take? 4 - 6 days

The trek: While 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro gets the most glory in climbing circles as Africa’s highest summit, its little brother, 14,980-foot Mount Meru, reins as the more approachable mountain for those less-obsessed with altitude and more attuned to the African experience. Often considered a warm-up for Kili, Africa’s fourth-highest mountain offers a stunning trekking experience in its own right. The dormant stratovolcano is just 43 miles west of Kili and the centrepiece of Tanzania’s Arusha National Park, a famed safari location known for a menagerie of giraffe, Cape buffalo, zebra, warthog, monkeys, flamingo, elephant, leopard and other African wildlife. Typically, a Mount Meru climb takes four days, though some take six days and enjoy a slower acclimatizing pace. Unlike Kili, there is only one official route to the summit of Meru, the Momella, which posts an elevation gain of 12,060 feet.

The sights: Summit views are beyond spectacular. Meru lies on a nearly 200-mile axis of Africa's most famous national parks, extending from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the west to Kilimanjaro National Park in the east.

When to go: Climbing between June and February is considered optimum, with December to February being the best months for clear views of Kilimanjaro.

Trip tips: Meru hopefuls can try organizing their own summit attempt but must have a licensed guide, plus a cook and porters. And a kicker: the abundance of wildlife on and around Meru’s base means an armed ranger will accompany trekking groups on the first day to ensure they make it safely to the first campsite. The better option is to hand the keys to a tour operator who handles every aspect of the climb. 

Where is it? Lünersee loop through Rätikon Alps

Length of hike: 45 km

How long does it take? 5 days

The trek: Straddling the borders between Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein, the limestone precipices of the rugged Ratikon form the geological border between the Eastern and Western Alps and stretch from Austria’s Montafon Valley as far west as the Rhine River. The majestic mountain range is favoured by day and cross-country hikers alike for its jaw-dropping alpine scenery and accessible trails that mere mortals can do with the proper preparation.

The sights: With its vaulting peaks topping at 9,724 feet and sloping green pasturelands populated by goats and cows (with bells, of course), Ratikon could be a stand-in for the famous Sound of Music scenes where the Von Trapp family revelled in wildflower-studded alpine meadows.

Trip tips: Hikers can experience a slice of this alpine fantasy – with non-technical Class I climbing – on a number of five-day hut-to-hut hikes offered by several mountain tour operators. The guide-led Ratikon High Trail Circuit is a hands-down classic that begins above Lunersee, one Austria’s most spectacular lakes, continues into Switzerland and eventually circles back to Lunersee. Daily hikes range from 6 to 10 miles, with a total trip length of 28 miles and 12,000 feet climbed. While days can be pleasantly exhausting, nights are often filled with communal revelries with other hikers eager to swap stories and toast the day’s accomplishments.

Where is it? St. Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire

Length of hike: 306 km

How long does it take? 12-14 days

The trek: There are other scenic and historical paths in England, but to see the best of the countryside, the Coast to Coast Path gets the Full Monty award. Devised by Alfred Wainwright, the late guidebook author and raconteur created the ultimate English puzzle by piecing together a maddening mosaic of time-worn bridleways, country roads, mountain trails and obscure public right-of-ways across private lands that link hamlets and villages roughly a day’s walk apart. Traversing England’s narrowest midsection from St. Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay along the North Sea, the official distance is 182 miles.

The sights: The C2C gets extra high marks for undulating through three contrasting national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dells and the North York Moors. Unlike American parks, British parks are a different breed; there is no vast wilderness. Instead, they adapt to the realities of the English countryside and weave together a landscape that includes small villages, farms, B&Bs, crumbling castles, cow pastures and wandering sheep.

Trip tips: Some hardy souls walk the route independently, carrying their needed provisions. The majority, however, sign on with tour organizers who provide logistical support and book nightly accommodations while transporting luggage throughout the journey. For most, the standard 18-day itinerary used by tour operators provides enough time to comfortably cover 8 to 16 miles per day.

Where is it? Darlington to Robey’s Farm and return

Length of hike: 25-43 km

How long does it take? 4 days

The trek: Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state, a sizable island 150 miles south of the mainland and the last stop before Antarctica. The same isolation that attracted British penal colony settlements here has been a blessing for protected lands that for decades were off-limits. As penal colonies were decommissioned, many reverted to protected parks such as Maria Island National Park, considered the crown jewel of the country's parks system. Today, the designated World Heritage site off the east coast is a hiker’s hit for its 36-mile cross-island trek that brims with oddities found only in the Land of Oz.

The sights: Like a Noah’s Ark for endangered Australian wildlife, the island is teeming with rare Forester kangaroos and Bennett’s wallabies, as well as other austral oddities like pademelons (think miniature kangaroos), wombats and fairy penguins.

When to go: The maritime hiking season is best November through March, when Austral temperatures hover between 55° and 75° F

Trip tips: With the required Parks Pass needed to visit or camp on Maria Island, explorers on this isolated outpost can also find Robinson Crusoe-style solitude along the island’s expansive and pristine paper-white sand beaches. Primitive camping is wide-open, or you can opt for a four-day guided walking tour where accompanying guides do the heavy lifting and provide nightly gourmet meals at permanent tent camps. 

Where is it? White House Trailhead to Lees Ferry (Arizona)

Length of hike: 61 km

How long does it take? 4 - 5 days

The trek: Hiking the slot canyons of the American Southwest is beyond surreal. Following red rock canyons carved into riverine labyrinths that include sand beaches, quiet pools, frothy spillways and echoing alcoves hemmed in by 200-foot vertical walls can make you think you’ve entered a Matrix-like alter reality. Indeed, one of the premier examples of this bucket list experience is the famed backpacking trek in the Paria River Canyon.

The sights: There are several entry routes of varying difficulty, but the classic is the 38-miler from White House Trailhead to Lees Ferry. Footing can be tricky as hikers repeatedly wade across the river at shallower sections while avoiding quicksand and deeper swirling pools. And it goes without saying that hikers attempting the Paria must be weather-wise and understand that distant rainstorms can turn the sun-lit canyon into a deadly flash flood within minutes. But the aforementioned highlights make this hike a lifetime experience that you’ll be talking about months (and years) later.

When to go: Like most backpacking trips in the desert, the best time to hike Paria Canyon is in spring and early fall.

Trip tips: Hikers average between eight to 10 miles daily, completing the route in four or five days. This is full-fledged strenuous backpacking and canyoneering rolled into one, and unsuitable for children. Permits are required and know that the application process is competitive and best submitted months in advance.

Where is it? Chamonix loop around Mont Blanc

Length of hike: 180 km

How long does it take? 7 - 10 days

The trek: In Europe, it would be difficult to find a more international contingent of climbers and trekkers than those you’ll encounter on the slopes of Mont Blanc. French, Italian, Swiss, German, Spanish, etc. are some of the nationalities who regularly complete the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit around the 15,781-foot massif, the highest in Western Europe. With international appeal like this, it follows that the Mont Blanc circuit is extraordinary. It is. The seven-day loop isn’t as much a hike as it is an immersion in mountaineering, following 112 miles of remote trails that traverse anti-clockwise around Mont Blanc. There are multiple starting points and plenty of route options, but it’s hard to beat the Mont Blanc circuit that begins and ends in Chamonix, an adrenaline-infused mountain town that’s become a thriving hub of adventure sports in the French Alps.

The sights: Trekkers can expect upwards of 32,000 feet of accumulated elevation as the circuit negotiates the rocky slopes, boulder fields and forests intermingling with perfectly preserved mountain hamlets.

When to go: Mid-June through early September is the standard season. 

Trip tips: Once on the trail, hikers have the luxury of exiting the circuit at many points and using public transportation to shorten the trip if something goes awry – or if a trip to town for a quick shower and relaxing at bars and restaurants seems in order. There’s also a variety of accommodation options, from mountain huts to five-star hotels, and plenty of qualified mountain guide operators who do the planning and handle all the details.