World’s Best Hikes
Updated: Sep 16, 2022
Are you a hiking enthusiast in search of new trails? In this article, we highlight the world’s 30 best hikes, including 15 day-hikes and 15 multi-day hikes. The earth is full of incredible mountain landscapes and nature waiting to be discovered. Hiking is a great way to explore this breathtaking scenery sustainably.
This article covers hikes all around the world with varying levels of difficulty. We have completed most of these ourselves, while others were suggested and highly praised by fellow hikers. Before you set off on your journey, don't forget to check out our hiking gear and essentials recommendations.
Check out our video of Angels Landing to get a taste of one of the best hikes in the world!
If you're looking for more hiking destinations and travel inspiration, download our FREE 100 bucket list destinations and check off the destinations as you go!
World’s best day hikes
1. Laguna de los Tres, Argentina
Location: El Chaltén, Patagonia
Distance: 20km (13mi)
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Best time to go: October to March
Located near the remote town of El Chaltén, Mount Fitz Roy is one of the most iconic peaks in the world. The “Laguna de Los Tres” hike is the one that brings you closest to the foot of this awe-inspiring mountain. The trail starts from the town itself and is clearly marked and well-maintained. It passes through lush forests and open fields, with beautiful views of the Fitz Roy massif. While most of the elevation gain is gradual, the final 1.5 km (0.93mi) are pretty steep and occasionally icy. At the top, you’ll be welcomed by more than just the turquoise glacial Laguna de Los Tres. You’ll also find the dark blue Laguna Sucia to your left and a few more lakes when looking back over the valley.
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2. Trolltunga, Norway
Location: 3 hours from Bergen, Western Norway
Distance: 28 km (17.4 miles) out and back
Time: 8-12 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: June-September
One of Norway’s most popular and scenic hikes is Trolltunga. The troll’s tongue, a thin silver rock formation, is the end destination and the main reason why hikers come here. Not only is it incredibly photogenic, but it’s also a thrilling experience to stand on a rock 700 meters (2296.59 foot) above Ringedalsvatnet lake! Along the trail, you’ll also be rewarded with phenomenal views of snow-capped mountains and lakes. The hike is long and demanding, but the elevation is what makes it doable in a day.
3. Puez-Odle Altopiano, Italy
Location: Dolomites, Italy
Distance: 14.5km (9mi)
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: June-September
With their jagged peaks and magnificent views, the Dolomites in Italy are the perfect playground for hiking enthusiasts. The Puez-Odle Altopiano is a jaw-dropping hike from start to finish. In summer, you can take the cable car from the town of Selva di Val Gardena up into the mountains, which shaves off about 700meters (2,296ft) of elevation. From there, you’re walking through fields of wildflowers, with views over the town, the alpine meadows, and spectacular rock formations. The descent is heavy on the knees as you’ll go down for 1,100meters (3,608ft). But on the bright side, you end at a different location than you started from.
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4. Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, Canada
Location: Yoho National Park, Canada
Distance: 12.5 km (7.76 mi)
Time: 6.5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: Mid-July to the end of September
Lake O’Hara is one of the best well-kept secrets of the Canadian Rockies. Home to turquoise lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and wildflower-filled meadows, this area boasts a number of amazing day hikes. Nonetheless, the Alpine Circuit is undoubtedly the most popular and scenic one, offering gorgeous viewpoints of the breathtaking Lake O’Hara and Lake Oesa. The Lake O’Hara region is largely protected by Parks Canada, which also limits the number of daily visitors, making it a true pristine hiking destination!
5. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island of New Zealand
Distance: 19.4 km (12mi)
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best time to go: November-end of April
This thru-hike is truly one of a kind as it passes through volcanic terrain, with old lava fields, an active volcano, and giant calderas. The last eruption was as recent as 2012 when the Te Maari crater erupted on the northern side of the volcano. But besides its volcanic activity, Tongariro is also famous for its appearance in the ‘Lord of the Rings’. This being said, it is a strenuous day-hike with rewarding views once you reach the summit. You’ll be able to see the renowned Mt. Doom, several bright green thermal pools, and the Red Crater. You can also get up close to the thermal pools, but be aware of the strong sulfur smell!
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6. Sentinel peak, South Africa
Location: Drakensberg, South Africa
Distance: 11.7km (7.2mi)
Time: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best time to go: November to March
Also called the “amphitheater” or “chain ladder” hike, Sentinel Peak offers some of the most dramatic views you’ll ever see in your life. Not only does the hiking trail offer breathtaking views of immense green valleys, but also of the world’s second-highest waterfall, the Tugella Falls. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be encountering wild baboons and shepherds from nearby Lesotho on the trail. However, this hike comes at a price… certain sections of the trail are in a rough shape with steep drop-offs. And there is one part in particular that isn’t for the faint of heart: climbing two 15 meters (50-foot) tall chain ladders that scale up a cliff-face. Luckily the views from the plateau make it worth the sweat!
7. Angel's Landing, United States
Location: Zion National Park, Utah
Distance: 7.7km (4.8 mi)
Time: 3-6 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous (with steep cliffs and exposure)
Best time to go: May-October, summer can be very hot!
Angel’s Landing is one of the world's best and most renowned day hikes and therefore worthy of all bucket lists. The trail follows the main canyon in Zion National Park to the top of a unique fin-like mountain formation 457.2m (1,500ft) above the canyon floor. From there, hikers are rewarded with a view of 270 million-year-old rock layers. Anyone with an average physical condition is able to make this trek, but it can be mentally challenging. Especially since the end of the trail is made up of steep switchbacks and sheer drop-offs, with chains bolted into the cliff to offer support and stability. It's one of the most thrilling hikes we've completed to date!
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8. Hengifoss Track, Iceland
Location: East Iceland, 30-minute drive from the town of Egilsstaðir
Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to go: June-September
This hike is a truly special one, as it brings you to two unique waterfalls. The first part leads to the Lítanesfoss, a small plunge waterfall surrounded by columnar basalts (similar to the gorgeous Svartifoss). From there, the path ascends over grassy and flowery slopes to the Hengifoss, a 128 m (420 ft) waterfall with layered rock and oxidized iron layers that are red-colored. But besides these distinctive waterfalls, you’ll be embracing views of the whole valley and Lagarfljot as well as grassy fields, making it truly one of a kind!
9. Pico Austria, Bolivia
Location: 3 hours from La Paz, Bolivia
Distance: 10km (6.2mi)
Time: 5-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate-hard (because of the altitude)
Best time to go: November-March
Bolivia has more to offer than the world-famous salt flats 'Salar de Uyuni'. And what most people don’t know is that Bolivia is an incredible high-altitude hiking and climbing destination. Sitting at 5,350 meters (17,552.49ft) above sea level, Pico Austria is one of the world’s best hikes. The trail brings you along the stunning blue lake, Chiar Khota, up to the mountain peak. From the summit, you’re rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of several lakes and the Condoriri mountain range. And best of all, you will most likely be one of the only people hiking there! Talk about a true hidden gem…
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10. Hardergrat hike, Switzerland
Location: Interlaken
Distance: 24 km (14.9mi)
Time: 10-12 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous (and dangerous at some points!)
Best time to go: July-September
The Hardergrat trail is one of the most scenic and thrilling day hikes in the world. Hiking approximately 19km (11.8mi) on a narrow ridge, you are constantly rewarded with endless views. Enjoy the best views of Lake Brienz and marvel at the Jungfrau Region’s highest peaks like the Eigher, Mönch, and Jungfrau itself. However, being exposed to huge drop-offs on both sides of the ridge, this hike cannot be underestimated. The trail gains 3,000m (9842.52ft) of elevation and takes at least 10 hours to complete! Fortunately, it is possible to do a short, but just as breathtaking, section of the trail between Suggiture and Augstmatthorn.
11. The Enchantments, Washington
Location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington State
Distance: 31km (19.3 mi)
Time: 9-15 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best time to go: mid-July to the end of September
The Enchantments hike is exactly what its name implies… truly enchanting! The trail takes you through an alpine paradise, scattered with turquoise and crystal blue lakes, golden larch trees, trickling creeks, and jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks. Herds of mountain goats and other wildlife wander the area, like deer, picas, and hoary marmots. And because it is a thru-hike, you’ll be astonished from start to finish. Although extremely long and tiring, it is possible to hike the renowned Enchantments in one day. This is usually the only option as you need a permit to camp overnight, which is awarded by a lottery and thus only a lucky few are able to obtain that.
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12. Cinque Terre, Italy
Location: Riviera Coast, Italy
Distance: 11km (6.8mi)
Time: 5 hours (without exploring the towns)
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Best time to go: All-year-round possible, but best in September-October with milder weather
Located along the beautiful Riviera Coast, Cinque Terre is made up of five authentic fishing villages and considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A network of stunning coastal and mountain trails connect these romantic towns, making for a perfect day hike. The blue trail goes from Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare, offering spectacular views of the rugged coastline, tiny harbors, and five towns perched on the cliffs. And the most fun part of it all is to linger around the towns with their narrow streets, stacked houses, and perfectly preserved architecture.
13. Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka
Location: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Distance: 8.8km (5.5mi)
Time: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate because of the stairs!
Best time to go: January to May
Adam’s Peak made it to the list of the world’s best hikes because of its spirituality. Also known as the Sri Pada (sacred footstep), this peak is known for its sacred footprint. While Buddhist believe that this is Buddha’s footprint, Hindus say it belongs to Shiva, and Christians and Muslims think that it is Adam’s first step after being expelled from the Garden of Eden. Hence, many locals and tourists come to unveil this mystery as well as see its extraordinary beauty from the summit. The hike itself isn’t easy as the trail is entirely made of crumbling stairs, counting between 5,000 to 6,000! Most hikers tend to do the hike at night so they can observe the sunrise and ceremony in the early morning!
14. Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit, Australia
Location: Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Distance: 11.5 kilometers (7.15 miles)
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to go: October-March, but accessible all-year-round!
This day hike isn’t hard or long but made it to the list because of its breathtaking beach views. The trail takes you to the Wineglass Bay Lookout where you can admire the bay’s curves that resemble a wine glass. But besides that, it’s the white sand beach, the azure ocean waters, orange boulders, and dense green forest that make this a stellar hike. The loop will allow you to enjoy the bay both up close on the sand and from far away on the cliffs. And if it’s warm enough the waters may invite you for a swim!
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15. Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan
Location: Paro, Bhutan
Distance: 6 km (3.7mi)
Time: 5-7 hours including the visit to the monastery
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Best time to go: October to December
Sitting on a steep cliff about 900 meters above the ground, Tiger’s Nest Monastery is one of the most iconic places in Bhutan. The only way to visit this sacred Buddhist site is by hiking up the side of the cliff. And even though this sounds precarious, the hike itself is not particularly difficult. You’ll mainly follow a gradual incline on a wide, dirt trail lined with prayer flags. And once you are halfway, you’ll be rewarded with a tea house and extensive views of the Paro valley! But the absolute highlight, of course, is the monastery itself. Once you’ve pushed through the final stairs, your guide will take you on a tour of the temples.
World’s best multi-day hikes
1. Mount Assiniboine
Location: Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia/Alberta
Distance: 55.5km (34.5mi), excluding day hikes from Lake Magog
Time: 3-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: July-September
This multi-day hike is a true hidden gem in the wild Canadian Rockies. Filled with sparkling glacial lakes, rugged mountain peaks, awe-inspiring alpine meadows, and tons of wildlife (including grizzly bears!), Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a hiker’s paradise. Its most famous peak is Mount Assiniboine itself, often referred to as the “Matterhorn of Canada”. At an elevation of 3,618m (11,870ft), this peak can be seen consistently throughout the entire hike! And even though the thru-hike can be completed in 3 days, we recommend spending at least 5 days within the park boundaries. There are tons of breathtaking day hikes from Lake Magog at the base of the majestic Mount Assiniboine.
2. Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, Peru
Location: Cordillera Huayhuash near Huaraz
Distance: 120km (74.5mi)
Time: 12 days
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best time to go: May to the end of September
Often considered the best alpine hike in the world, the Cordillera Huayhuash trek is truly spectacular because of its sheer mountain peaks, pristine glacial lakes, wide-open landscapes, and traditional Andean culture and wildlife. The trail is entirely above the treeline, giving hikers the best views possible from start to finish. However, this hike is not for the faint-of-heart. The weather can be extreme and you will have to traverse various passes with altitudes between 4,600 and 5,000m. This can give even the strongest hiker altitude sickness.
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3. W-Trek, Chile
Location: Torres del Paine, Patagonia
Distance: 74km (46mi)
Time: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: November-March
Torres del Paine National Park was declared an “eighth” wonder of the world in 2013 by UNESCO for a good reason… a mix of majestic massifs, turquoise and crystal blue lakes, vast glaciers, fresh rivers, lush forests, and open pampas can be found here. And the W-Trek captures all this exceptional beauty by taking you along the most scenic landscapes of the park, including the granite towers of “Base de Las Torres” and the immense “Grey Glacier”. But be prepared, this park is known for its extreme winds, which will (literally!) blow you away.
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4. Tour du Mont Blanc, France
Location: The Alps in France, Italy, Switzerland
Distance: 170km (110mi)
Time: 8-12 days
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best time to go: July to September
This multi-day trek is one of the world’s best hikes as it takes you through 3 different countries while circling Europe’s tallest mountain, the Mont Blanc. It is also considered one of the oldest and most scenic treks in the world! Expect captivating alpine views, delicious food, snow-capped peaks, immense glaciers, wild rivers, and green valleys. But also be on the lookout for wild alpine goats and marmots. If an 8 to 12-day hike seems too long or daunting, it is also possible to do shorter sections of it!
5. Mt. Rinjani, Indonesia
Location: Lombok Island
Distance: 35.5km (22.1mi)
Time: 3 days
Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous
Best time to go: April-December
Of the 130 volcanoes in Indonesia, Rinjani is the second-highest one sitting at 3,726 m (12,224 ft) above sea level. And even though the hike to the summit is tough, it is extremely worthwhile because of its sweeping views of the deep turquoise Lake Sagara Anak, the gaping crater, and the ocean in the distance. In addition to the views, you’ll be rewarded with hot springs, caves, and lush valleys filled with purples and greens. This multi-day hike promises to be an adventure of a lifetime!
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6. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Location: Northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border
Distance: +70km (+43.5mi) depending on the route you take
Time: 5-9 days
Difficulty: Easy to strenuous, depending on the route you take
Best time to go: June to October
Being Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro should be on every hiker’s bucket list! This dormant volcano is visible from miles away in both Kenya and Tanzania as it is the highest single free-standing mountain in the world. And although you may not see much wildlife like in the plains below, you’ll experience many gorgeous landscapes with unique flowers and plants along the way. It is possible to hike Kilimanjaro from different sides and therefore the trails also vary in length and difficulty. However, five days is the absolute minimum duration for any route you choose!
7. Berg Lake trail, Canada
Location: Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia
Distance: 46km (28.6mi)
Time: 2-3 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: July-September
The Berg Lake Trail is another crown jewel hike in Canada and the world. The trail follows a glacial-fed river to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, named Mount Robson. Mount Robson towers above you as you enter the park and you will have viewpoints of various angles of the mountain throughout the trail. But aside from that, you also encounter about 16 different glaciers, see the impressive Emperor Falls, and will be inspired by two of the most stunning turquoise lakes on this planet. No wonder this park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site!
8. Inca Trail, Peru
Location: Machu Picchu area, Peru
Distance: 43km (26mi)
Time: 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate because of the altitude
Best time to go: May-October, but possible all-year-round
The Inca Trail is one-of-a-kind because it combines stunning nature with Incan ruins, paving stones, and tunnels. This route is known to be the traditional way that the Incas followed to get to Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. The trail goes high up into the Andean mountains passing numerous Inca ruins that each tell their own unique story. The site of Machu Picchu marks the end of the trail, where you will arrive on the last day at sunrise through the mysterious "Sun Gate". This is also considered the “main entrance” as you’ll get the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from here.
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9. Yosemite Grand Traverse, United States
Location: California
Distance: 96km (60mi)
Time: 6-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: May to September
With its huge sequoia trees, cascading waterfalls, massive granite faces, and beautiful valleys, Yosemite National Park is known for its world-class hiking and climbing. And the Yosemite Grand Traverse covers all the beauty this area has to offer. Enjoy the breathtaking views on this trans-Sierra Nevada trek through both Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The trek is extremely varied with easy and more difficult days. And to top it off, you’ll hike sections of the renowned John Muir Trail and do a summit hike to the epic Cloud’s Rest.
10. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Location: Himalayas, Nepal
Distance: 130km (580mi)
Time: 12+ days
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best time to go: March to May, October to November
The Everest Base Camp trek is truly special as it brings you to the Khumbu Glacier which is at the foot of the highest mountain on earth, Mount Everest! Even though the altitude of the base camp (5600m/18372.7ft) isn’t quite comparable to that of the summit (8,848m/29028ft), this hike promises to be an adventure of a lifetime! Be prepared to see some of the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes that the Himalayas have to offer. The scenery is extremely varied and spectacular, consisting of deep valleys, jagged snow-capped peaks, and pine forests. Aside from seeing the landscapes, meeting the Sherpa people in local villages will make this hike truly memorable.
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11. Kepler Track, New Zealand
Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island
Distance: 60km (37.2mi)
Time: 3-4 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: late October to April
Filled with incredible fjords and mountain landscapes, New Zealand is a hikers’ paradise. And some of the most beautiful hikes are within the country’s largest national park, the Fiordland National Park. The Kepler Track is one of the three Great Walks, weaving through lush native forest and traversing mountain ridgelines. But what’s so great about this trail is that it offers a bit of everything, from the grand Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri, to glacier-carved valleys, cascading waterfalls, and limestone formations.
12. Zhangjiajie, China
Location: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
Distance: Variable depending on the route
Time: 2-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: April to mid-November
Have you ever dreamt of hiking the “Avatar” mountains? The Zhangijajie National Forest Park will make your dream come true. Its gigantic pillar-like rocks inspired the floating ‘Hallelujah Mountains’ in this famous movie. There are many short day-hikes and multi-day hikes you can choose from. However, due to its grandeur and uniqueness, one or two days is not nearly enough time to hike this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opt for a hike that covers at least Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, two highlights of the area. But for the best experience, consider a hike that also passes through the Tianmen Mountains, as it is right near the forest! If you don't have a lot of time to discover this breathtaking place, we recommend taking a day tour to save time.
13. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
Location: Napali Coast, Kauai
Distance: 35.4km (22mi)
Time: 3-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to go: April to October
Hiking the Kalalau Trail is the only way to explore the rugged coastline from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. Crossing 5 lush valleys, soaring sea cliffs, and roaring waterfalls, this hike is both thrilling and tiring. But don’t underestimate the difficulty of this hike! Even though you trek along the shoreline, it is never really flat. Add to that a combination of Hawaiian humidity, loose dirt, and steep cliffs, and you have yourself a demanding multi-day hike.
14. Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
Location: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
Distance: 75km (46mi)
Time: 4-5 days
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous because of the extreme humidity and heat
Best time to go: December to March
The Ciudad Perdida trail is rated as one of the world’s best not because of its scenery, but because of its history and mystery. La Ciudad Perdida or “The Lost City” refers to an ancient, abandoned indigenous city that was only discovered in 1972. The only way to see its remaining ruins is to hike through the dense Colombian jungle. But besides the archeological site, you’ll be enjoying jungle scenery, passing and learning about the indigenous communities who still live in the area, and traversing and swimming in the Buritaca river. While this all sounds like a dream, you should not underestimate the humidity and wildness of this tropical jungle! Make sure to stay hydrated.
15. West Highland Way, Scotland
Location: Scotland, United Kingdom
Distance: 154km (96mi)
Time: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Best time to go: May-September
Being Scotland’s first long-distance trail, the West Highland Trail has been popular with many hikers. It takes in a wide variety of scenery, from the charming countryside to steep mountains, loch-shores, and wide-open moorlands. See the gorgeous Loch Lomond, the wild Rannoch Moor, and the dramatic mountains of the Nevis Range. This hike offers some of the most remote and epic views you can get in the Scottish Highlands!
These were the 30 best world's hike according to us! We suggest to be prepared, stay safe, and have fun! Check out our hiking gear recommendations and find out what to bring on your hike. If you are going camping, also don't forget to scan through our camping guide.
If you are looking for more incredible hiking destinations, make sure to download our free 100 bucket list destinations and start checking them off!
