Sprawling views and challenging feats. One by one, tick some of the world’s best hiking trails off your bucket list.
THE INCA TRAIL, PERU (pictured above)
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and popular hiking trails on the planet. The traditional Inca Trail is 82km long, but now the trek consists of three paths – Mollepata, Classic and One Day. However, these trails are simply a small section of the vast network built by the Incan Empire over 500 years ago. Followed by thousands of tourists every year, the trail leading to the magical and historic sanctuary is considered one of the greatest, yet challenging hiking trails in the world.
www.machupicchutrek.net
TROLLTUNGA, NORWAY
A round trip hike of 28km, with an ascent of almost 800 metres, the Trolltunga hike is a challenging but hugely rewarding trek. You will encounter some of the most beautiful views of winding valleys and snow-capped mountains in all of Norway on the journey, which eventually leads you to the famous Trolltunga (The Troll’s Tongue) rock formation. Trolltunga is one of the most impressive and majestic scenic cliffs in Norway, as it juts out into the open air, hovering over the stunning Lake Ringedalsvatnet, making for an incredible photo opportunity and awe-inspiring view.
www.visitnorway.com
TONGARIRO APLINE CROSSING, NEW ZEALAND
Trekking through the World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park is considered a world-renowned hiking journey. Although testing, with over 19km of steep climbs and unpredictable weather, the scenery encountered on this journey is well worth the challenge. Be prepared to travel over active volcano areas and climb edges of craters, believed to have been carved out during the ice age, to experience once-in-alifetime views of the stunning Emerald Lakes. Catch a glimpse of the perfectly formed volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki or take a detour trip to a waterfall.
www.nationalpark.co.nz
GRAND CANYON RIM TRAIL, USA
Soak up millions of years of geological history with a visit to the immense Grand Canyon. A number of day hikes are available if you’re hoping to explore the wondrous Canyon by hiking each of its trails. Whether you’re hoping to tackle the Rim Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail or Grandview Trail, there’s a challenge awaiting every explorer, but each promise sprawling and spectacular views of the sunsethued peaks of the Grand Canyon. A canyon hike should be well-prepared for as the conditions can be harsh, but encountering the sheer scale and history of the Grand Canyon is worth every struggle.
www.nps.gov/grca
KUNGSLEDEN TRAIL, SWEDEN
Wind your way through the spectacular mountains of Swedish Lapland on Sweden’s longest and most famous hiking trail, Kungsleden or ‘King’s Trail’. Depending on if you’re planning a summer or winter adventure, travellers can either hike or ski their way along the 400km trail, which is scattered with cabins and huts for an easier journey. The trail can also be broken up into smaller treks, many of which still capture the magical scenery of the area. The picturesque mountains that lace the trail are also used for reindeer herding, and at the right time of year hikers can be met by a flock.
www.swedishlapland.com
HALF DOME YOSEMITE VALLEY HIKE, USA
An American icon and one of the most popular hikes in the whole of the United States, the granite behemoth that is the Half Dome Yosemite Valley is one of the steepest hikes in any national park in the world. Those ready to brave the feat will need to secure one of 225 allotted day permits and prepare for the testing and possibly dangerous trek ahead. Adventurers will pass stunning waterfalls, and at the top, taking in the breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley is an experience you will never forget.
www.yosemitehikes.com
LAGUNA DE LOS TRES TRAIL, ARGENTINA
The Laguna de Los Tres Trail leads the way to the spectacular mountains of Fitz Roy, located in the Andes Mountain Range, between Argentina and Chile, and close to the tiny town of El Chalten. Considered to be a hikers paradise, the hike to Fitz Roy Mountain is a challenging but breathtaking trek through snow-capped, jagged peaks, crystal blue lakes and icy glaciers, where hikers can choose between slower-paced excursions or multi-day adventures based on their skill level. If day hiking close to the mountain town of El Chalten, you can even hop on and off the trails and return each evening to comfortable hotels and exciting streets filled with restaurants and cafes.
www.walkpatagonia.com
This article was originally published under the title Take a Hike in Issue 14 – Say It With Love. You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
