There’s something magical about lacing up your hiking boots and hitting a trail – and as someone who’s spent the last five years working from different corners of the world, I’ve had the chance to trek through some pretty special places. While famous spots like the Appalachian Trail or Machu Picchu draw huge crowds (and they’re great, don’t get me wrong), I’ve learned that some of the best hiking experiences happen when you venture off the well-worn path.
Whether you’re looking for day hikes near major cities or remote trails where you might not see another soul for days, our planet offers endless opportunities for every type of hiker. From misty mountain paths in Japan to desert canyons in the American Southwest, each trail tells its own story. Here are 18 hiking destinations that I’ve either personally explored or thoroughly researched – places where the journey matters just as much as the destination.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Located at the southern tip of Chile’s Patagonia region, Torres del Paine National Park feels like nature decided to show off all its best work in one place. The park’s namesake granite peaks rise from the landscape like ancient towers, while glacier-fed lakes scatter across the terrain in shades of blue you didn’t know existed in nature. Unlike other popular hiking destinations, Torres del Paine offers something unique – the chance to spot wild guanacos (relatives of llamas) grazing freely, and if you’re lucky, even catch a glimpse of an Andean condor soaring overhead. Thanks to well-marked trails like the famous W Trek and the full Circuit, hikers can explore everything from peaceful valleys to windswept passes, all while watching the mountains change color as the sun moves across the sky.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Of all the hiking destinations I’ve experienced in Europe, the Swiss Alps remain unmatched in their ability to leave me speechless. This massive mountain range cuts through Switzerland with over 40,000 miles of marked trails, where hikers can wander through green valleys and past crystal-clear lakes while snow-capped peaks tower overhead. It’s not just about the hiking here – each trail connects charming mountain villages where you can rest in cozy chalets and fill up on warm cheese fondue. Even if you’re not an experienced mountaineer, plenty of well-maintained paths offer easy day hikes with views that’ll make you want to yodel from the mountaintops. The Swiss efficiency extends to their trail systems too, with clear markers and mountain railways that can whisk you up to starting points if you’re not feeling like tackling the full climb.
Yosemite National Park, USA
Ever seen a black bear amble past your campsite while Half Dome looms in the distance? It’s just another day at Yosemite National Park, where granite cliffs rise 3,000 feet from valley floors and waterfalls cascade down ancient rock faces. A four-hour drive from San Francisco, this natural playground draws hikers to its 750 miles of trails, from the challenging cables of Half Dome to the gentle paths around Mirror Lake. The park is home to some of America’s most iconic views, like El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, while Tuolumne Meadows offers peaceful high-country hiking through alpine meadows where mule deer graze at dusk.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
If scaling a mountain in Africa is on your bucket list, Mount Kilimanjaro should be your top pick. Standing tall at 19,341 feet, this dormant volcano in Tanzania offers hikers a chance to reach the highest point in Africa through several established routes. The journey takes you through five distinct climate zones – from lush rainforest at the base to the snow-capped summit known as “Uhuru Peak.”
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Nepal’s legendary Annapurna Circuit first caught my attention back in 2018 during a backpacking trip through Asia. This 150-mile trek winds through the heart of the Himalayas, taking hikers past remote mountain villages and some of the world’s highest peaks. The path meanders through rhododendron forests and Buddhist monasteries, crossing the challenging Thorung La Pass at 17,769 feet. Most trekkers spend 15-20 days completing the circuit, staying in local teahouses where they share stories with fellow adventurers over steaming cups of masala chai. The sight of Mount Annapurna rising above the clouds at dawn remains one of those pure moments that remind you why you fell in love with hiking in the first place.
Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites have earned their spot among Italy’s most beloved hiking destinations, and for good reason. These jagged limestone peaks in northern Italy create a dramatic backdrop for over 5,000 miles of trails that wind through alpine meadows and past crystal-clear mountain lakes. What makes this place special isn’t just the views – it’s the unique mix of Italian and Austrian culture you’ll find in the mountain huts, where hikers can rest their legs over plates of spätzle or fresh pasta. The trails here range from easy day walks to challenging multi-day treks, but my favorite route is the Alta Via 1, a 90-mile journey that takes you through the heart of these mountains and shows off some of the region’s most impressive rock formations.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Many hikers journey to Mount Fuji for its iconic cone shape and cultural significance, but Japan’s tallest peak offers much more than just good photos. Rising 12,388 feet above sea level, this active volcano features four distinct trails that wind through varied terrain and provide different challenges for climbers of all skill levels. During the official climbing season from July to early September, mountain huts offer basic accommodation and hot meals to those making the popular sunrise trek. While most visitors tackle the mountain in summer, you can explore the lower slopes and surrounding Fuji Five Lakes region year-round for different perspectives of this sacred mountain.
Milford Track, New Zealand
Ever wanted to walk through Middle-earth? The Milford Track in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park lets you do just that. This 33-mile trail takes you through valleys carved by glaciers, past crystal-clear lakes, and beneath towering peaks that look straight out of “The Lord of the Rings.” Known as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the track leads hikers through native beech forests and alpine meadows before reaching the famous Milford Sound. Along the way, you’ll cross suspension bridges over rushing rivers, spot rare birds like the Kea (the world’s only alpine parrot), and likely get a bit wet – this is one of the rainiest places on Earth, after all. But those clouds create hundreds of temporary waterfalls that make the trek even more magical.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
The ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu first called to me in 2018, when I set out to tackle this legendary 26-mile trek through the Peruvian Andes. Following in the footsteps of the Inca civilization, the trail winds through cloud forests and alpine tundra, passing by centuries-old ruins along the way. Stone pathways and steep stairs guide hikers through mountain passes reaching heights of 13,828 feet at Dead Woman’s Pass, while local porters carrying supplies remind you of the trail’s living heritage. After four days of hiking, the Sun Gate reveals your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, nestled between green peaks and morning mist. The sight of this ancient wonder, earned through days of challenging hiking, creates a moment that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Did you know?
The ancient Inca Trail was originally built to connect Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, to the sacred site of Machu Picchu through a network of over 40,000 kilometers of pathways. What many hikers don’t know is that the classic four-day trek only covers about 26 miles of this massive trail system, but manages to pass through three mountain passes and numerous archaeological sites before reaching the famous “Lost City of the Incas.”
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
I first ventured into the Scottish Highlands on a misty morning in autumn of 2019. This wild corner of northern Scotland stretches from Fort William to Inverness, dotted with ancient castles and hidden glens. Narrow trails and old drovers’ roads weave through the rugged landscape, where sheep graze freely on purple-tinged heather moorlands. Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, draws hikers to its rocky slopes, while the Great Glen Way offers 79 miles of paths connecting dark lakes and pine forests. The remote West Highland Way, starting just outside Glasgow, leads trekkers through some of Scotland’s most untamed terrain, where golden eagles soar overhead and red deer roam the valleys below.
Blue Mountains, Australia
Journey into the ancient wilderness of Australia’s Blue Mountains, where sandstone cliffs and dense eucalyptus forests create a natural wonderland just two hours from Sydney. The Three Sisters rock formation stands tall against the sky, while hiking trails like the Grand Canyon Walk wind through valleys filled with native birds and waterfalls. Pack a picnic and head to Echo Point lookout, where you can see the misty blue haze that gives these mountains their name. For a different perspective, take the Scenic World railway down into the rainforest valley – it’s the steepest passenger railway in the world, and the views are worth every second of the ride.
Canadian Rockies, Canada
Have you ever watched a grizzly bear catch salmon in a crystal-clear stream? It’s a regular occurrence in the Canadian Rockies, where snow-capped peaks meet pristine wilderness. This massive mountain range, stretching across British Columbia and Alberta, offers some of North America’s most rewarding hiking trails. You can trek through Banff National Park’s Valley of the Ten Peaks, spot mountain goats in Jasper’s backcountry, or explore the hidden lakes of Yoho National Park. The area is also home to cozy mountain lodges where you can rest your feet after a day on the trails, including the iconic Lake Louise, where glaciers seem close enough to touch.
Mount Rinjani, Indonesia
Rising from the Indonesian island of Lombok, Mount Rinjani is an adventure that draws me back time and time again. This active volcano stretches up 12,224 feet into the clouds, making it Indonesia’s second-highest peak and home to a sacred crater lake that local people have revered for centuries. The trek to the summit takes most hikers 3-4 days, winding through thick tropical forests before opening up to rocky volcanic terrain. It’s not an easy climb – you’ll need decent fitness and determination – but the views of the turquoise lake below and the neighboring islands scattered across the sea make every challenging step worth it. When the sun rises over Bali in the distance, casting golden light across the crater rim, you’ll understand why this mountain holds such a special place in Indonesian culture.
Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Switzerland/Italy
Stretching across France, Italy, and Switzerland, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe’s most loved long-distance hiking trails. The 170-kilometer path circles the Mont Blanc massif, taking hikers through three different countries in about 11 days. Unlike many hiking trails that keep you in one spot, this route lets you experience how the culture and cuisine change as you cross borders. You’ll walk past dairy farms where cowboys make cheese the old-fashioned way, through valleys filled with wildflowers, and alongside glaciers that have shaped these mountains for millennia. Thanks to the network of mountain huts along the way, you can trek from one cozy shelter to the next without carrying camping gear – just stop in for a hot meal and a bed when the day’s hiking is done.
Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
I first experienced Patagonia’s raw wilderness while trekking through Torres del Paine in 2018. Straddling the border between Argentina and Chile, this vast region encompasses some of South America’s most dramatic landscapes. Jagged peaks pierce the clouds at Los Glaciares National Park, while turquoise lakes reflect the snow-capped mountains of the Andes range. The famous W Trek draws hikers from across the globe, leading them past massive glaciers, through windswept grasslands, and alongside crystal-clear streams. What makes this place special isn’t just the scenery – it’s the feeling of being completely immersed in nature, where guanacos roam freely and condors soar overhead against a backdrop of endless sky.
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Many travelers head to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains for an escape from the bustling cities, but this destination offers much more than just peace and quiet. The range stretches for over 1,500 miles, featuring trails that wind through traditional Berber villages and past snow-capped peaks like Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest point. In spring and fall, the weather creates perfect conditions for multi-day treks, where you can stay in local guesthouses and experience authentic Moroccan hospitality. While hiking is the main draw, you’ll also find opportunities for mule trekking, mountain biking, and cultural visits to weekly markets where locals have traded goods for centuries.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
I first visited Snowdonia National Park in Wales during a rainy autumn weekend in 2019. Located in the rugged heart of North Wales, this ancient landscape is home to Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales. Small stone villages and sheep-dotted fields dot the valleys between craggy mountains, while hidden lakes reflect the ever-changing Welsh sky. The park’s crown jewel is the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which has been carrying hikers and sightseers to the summit since 1896. From the peak on clear days, you can spot Ireland across the sea, while the network of trails below offers everything from gentle valley walks to challenging scrambles across rocky ridges.
