Some travelers visit cities, museums, and restaurants. Others explore the vast beauty of nature.
If you’re a globetrotter who enjoys the outdoors, it can be hard to decide where to venture next. The number of beautiful hikes you could go on is virtually limitless.
We’ve narrowed it down to ten. From serene landscapes to breathtaking mountain views, these are some of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia offers one of the world’s most stunning hikes, featuring iconic granite towers, glacial lakes, and expansive pampas. The O Circuit spans about 80 miles of dramatic scenery and takes eight to ten days to traverse. The wildlife of the park includes guanacos and the elusive Andean condor.
The Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail takes you on a challenging four-day journey to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Covering about 26 miles, it wends its way through diverse landscapes that include cloud forests, alpine tundra, and subtropical jungle. You can spot orchids, bromeliads, and even rare Andean wildlife. The trek is crowned by a sunrise view over Machu Picchu which makes you feel as if you are going back in time.
Pacific Crest Trail, United States
Stretching over 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail shows you deserts, volcanic peaks, and lush forests. Few complete the entire trail in one go. If you’re a beginner hiker, you can still enjoy a great deal of the trail’s beauty by hiking through sections of it, like the John Muir Trail in California. For a day trip, you might pack a picnic with snacks and a couple of beers or cannabis beverages that you can enjoy as you take a break and enjoy the view.
Milford Track, New Zealand
Often called the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track traverses lush rainforests, crystal-clear rivers, and the iconic Fiordland National Park. Your four-day hike along this 33-mile trail will be rewarded by such highlights as the Sutherland Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Bring your binoculars because midst the park’s lush, green scenery, you can also catch glimpses of native bird species like the kea and kiwi.
Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe
Circling the Mont Blanc massif, the Tour du Mont Blanc takes you through France, Italy, and Switzerland, covering some 105 miles in about ten days. Hikers view a remarkable blend of alpine scenery, glacial rivers, and quaint mountain villages. They experience Europe’s natural diversity while encountering snow-capped peaks and marmots, chamois, and ibex.
The Great Wall of China, China
The section of the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai offers a scenic hike through natural landscapes that have reclaimed parts of the ancient man-made structure. The six-mile trail covers steep inclines and towers with expansive views of the lush surrounding countryside. Here you will find history, architecture, and untouched natural beauty—a must if you’re a nature lover who is also drawn to cultural landscapes.
The Dolomites, Italy
Known for their dramatic jagged peaks, the Italian Dolomites are the setting of numerous hikes through a landscape of rolling meadows, craggy cliffs, and formations of limestone. The Alta Via trails and especially Alta Via 1 add up to a 75-mile journey through some of the most scenic parts of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Nature lovers will appreciate the unique geology and wildflowers of the region and the chance to see chamois or eagles among the crags.
West Highland Way, Scotland
Spanning 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, the West Highland Way showcases the rugged and remote beauty of Scotland, including Loch Lomond, moorlands, and the iconic Ben Nevis. Usually managed in seven to nine days, the hike gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the misty, mystical landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Here you will find heather-covered hills, ancient forests, and maybe some Scottish red deer.
The Himalayas, Nepal
Offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous treks in the Himalayas. The trek typically spans some 100 miles of diverse ecosystems — including rice terraces, subtropical forests, and high-altitude deserts — and takes 12 to 15 days. On this route you will also encounter traditional Tibetan villages and some of the rarest Himalayan wildlife, such as snow leopards and blue sheep.
Tips for Hikers
- Prepare. Research the best times to hike each trail; some regions are subject to harsh weather conditions.
- Leave no trace. To preserve these beautiful places for later visitors, be sure to pick up after yourself, and be careful not to damage anything.
- Take pics. Bring a camera to capture unique flora, fauna, and landscapes. But also take the time to savor the experience that you are recording.
Each of these hikes enables you to immerse yourself in the incredible wonders of nature. What are you waiting for? Take a hike!
