20 Amazing Hikes from Around the Globe

What defines a great hike? For some, it’s the excitement of conquering a towering 13,000-foot peak or embarking on a pilgrimage. There are certainly iconic trails worldwide that make for a bucket list. At Dinogo, our focus is on genuinely experiencing each location—its culture, its communities, and its natural beauty—while challenging ourselves (though we’ll definitely enjoy a hearty meal and cozy bed afterward). We also prioritize sustainable practices, leaving minimal impact and exploring quieter paths with the help of local guides. These 20 hikes, all tested and endorsed by Dinogo, will take you on a global adventure, one step at a time. —Laura Dannen Redman

Latin America

The Salkantay Trek

• Location: Cusco, Peru
• Distance: 50 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

We traversed cloud forests where butterflies danced around my feet. Stayed in lodges with llamas grazing beside the outdoor hot tub. Enjoyed a traditional Pachamanca feast after an eight-mile descent from a 15,000-foot pass: This, dear readers, is the less-frequented Salkantay Trek, the ultimate peaceful alternative to the crowded Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu, all set in the stunning valleys of Cusco, Peru. After five days of hiking with Mountain Lodges of Peru, covering over 50 miles—occasionally joined by a flute-playing shaman named Herman in sandals—our arrival at “the Sanctuary,” aka Machu Picchu, felt almost like a footnote. Almost. The journey was truly as unforgettable as the destination. —Sara Lieberman

North America

South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch

• Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• Distance: 7 miles one way
• Difficulty: Challenging

The quickest route to the Colorado River descends into the continent's largest canyon with a surprisingly steep 5,000-foot drop over just seven miles. Take your time: Savor the breathtaking vistas from Ooh Aah Point to the Tip Off on a guided REI Adventures backpacking journey. You’ll discover local flora and ancient pueblo ruins, learn how to craft the best cold lemonade ever, and master the basics of tent setup—culminating at Phantom Ranch, a legendary creekside retreat and the only accommodation below the rim. —Nina K. Hahn

Calf Creek Falls Lower Trail

• Location: Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, Utah
• Distance: 5.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate

This easygoing, meandering trail leads you into a stunning red rock canyon, revealing breathtaking cliffs, wetlands brimming with cattails, and sandy paths that shift from rust to coral to beige. Follow the creek and the soothing sounds of waterfalls to discover a refreshing swimming spot: the impressive 126-foot Lower Calf Creek Falls. On your return, treat yourself to gourmet pizza at Escalante Outfitters and explore two unique glamping experiences: the well-equipped Escalante Yurts and the luxurious Under Canvas Lake Powell–Grand Staircase. —N.K.H.

Superior Hiking Trail

• Location: Along Lake Superior, Minnesota
• Distance: 310 miles
• Difficulty: Varies

Less famous than the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails, but equally remarkable, this through-hike links eight state parks over its 310-mile stretch from Duluth, Minnesota, to the Canadian border. The trail is divided into 50 sections (many suitable for a day or weekend hike), meandering through lush gorges, ancient maple forests, past roaring waterfalls, and along rugged cliffs with views of Lake Superior. No reservations are required for the trail’s campsites, but for a more luxurious stay, consider booking a charming lakeside log cabin at Blue Fin Bay’s Temperance Landing in Schroeder. (Your tired muscles will appreciate a soak in a double-wide Jacuzzi.) —Ashlea Halpern

Lower Crystal Lake Trail

• Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
• Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate

At an elevation of 9,600 feet, Breckenridge ranks among the highest towns in Colorado, and this moderately challenging hike offers an exhilarating high-altitude trek. Beginning at 10,174 feet, you’ll wander through a spruce forest, cross creeks, and stroll through alpine meadows reminiscent of The Sound of Music to reach a vantage point at 11,900 feet that showcases the shimmering beauty of Lower Crystal Lake. This is just the beginning, as you can continue to ascend this seemingly endless trail to Upper Crystal Lake at 12,600 feet and then make your way to the summit of a “13er,” the 13,640-foot Peak 10. Relax at Gravity Haus, conveniently located at the end of Breck’s historic Main Street, where you can also book a guided hike to the skies with Colorado Adventure Guides, right inside the hotel. —N.K.H.

Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe‘o Gulch)

• Location: Maui, Hawaii
• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

Among the many hikes I’ve embarked on globally with my family, our journey through Haleakalā National Park to the Pools of ‘Ohe‘o, or “Seven Sacred Pools,” in eastern Maui stands out as the most unforgettable. This trail is only reachable via the Hana Highway—renowned for its hairpin bends, 59 bridges, and waterfall-laden scenery. Deep within a rainforest, the hike takes you through vibrant, ecologically diverse woods, where you’ll navigate freshwater streams (no bridges, just rocks for balance) and enter a bamboo forest alive with the calls of ‘apapane birds, culminating in a breathtaking 400-foot waterfall. As we arrived at Waimoku Falls, the rain began to fall. Within moments, we found ourselves knee-deep in mud. Our muddy adventure—a slippery descent—called for a rinse in the Pacific. It was pure bliss. —Amy Tara Koch

Australia and New Zealand

wukalina walk

• Location: Tasmania, Australia
• Distance: 20.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Exclusively owned and operated by Tasmania’s Indigenous palawa community (who traditionally capitalize only the names of people), the four-day, three-night wukalina walk offers a distinctive opportunity to discover the island’s rugged northeast coast while gaining a deeper understanding of Australia’s Aboriginal heritage. I organized my entire two-week trip to Tasmania in November around this remarkable experience.

My adventure commenced with a trek to the summit of Wukalina, also known as Mount William. Alongside six fellow adventurers, we savored a picnic lunch while taking in the breathtaking views that stretched from the Furneaux Islands in the north to the stunning Bay of Fires in the south. Our knowledgeable guides, Hank with his decades of experience and 19-year-old Carleeta from Cape Barren Island, led the way.

A few hours later, we arrived at Krakani Lumi, a hidden campsite just a few hundred feet from the shore. The eco-chalets, inspired by traditional palawa huts, featured dark walls and rounded interiors. As the stars began to twinkle, we enjoyed a feast of muttonbird and freshly roasted scallops cooked over an open flame.

The following morning, we strolled along the pristine white-sand beach to explore ancient shell middens where clans once gathered to feast. I joined Carleeta in diving for sea snails in the chilly waters of the Bass Strait, which we boiled and munched on while learning to throw spears and craft shell jewelry.

On the next day, we embarked on a 10-mile hike along windy beaches dotted with lichen-covered rocks, during which we delved into Tasmania's poignant colonial history. That night, I enjoyed a cozy stay under a plush duvet in the refurbished lighthouse keeper’s cottage at Eddystone Point, where wombats and wallabies grazed on the lawn outside.

Before parting ways in Launceston, I had a conversation with Clyde Mansell, the community elder who dedicated over 15 years to establishing the Wukalina Walk. He shared, "The beauty of the experience and scenery is just a lovely facade. The true aim of the walk is to engage our youth with our culture and create job opportunities in hospitality." My engagement with the local culture enriched my time in Tasmania immensely. —Eric Rosen

Note: The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre has revitalized an Indigenous language known as palawa kani, which is exclusively written in lowercase.

Routeburn Track

• Location: Located within Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, South Island, New Zealand
• Distance: 25 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

After finishing a three-day, 25-mile trek along the Routeburn Track in the stunning Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks of New Zealand, I felt a rush of achievement, my mind replaying vivid memories from our guided journey with Ultimate Hikes New Zealand. The Valley of the Trolls, where glacier-carved fiords shifted from aquamarine to steely gray with the changing light. A comforting cup of Milo enjoyed on a hill blanketed in edelweiss and daisies. An alpine lake tempting for a polar plunge, situated beneath a glass-walled lodge where a warm fire and hearty meal awaited. Our vibrant orange packs dotted the landscape as we walked beneath towering boulders reminiscent of giants. It's no surprise the South Island served as a backdrop for Middle-earth; it’s easy to see why these are called “Great Walks.” —L.D.R.

Valley of the Winds trek

• Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
• Distance: 4.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  

Few places in Australia are as iconic as Uluru, the immense sandstone formation in the Central Australian desert. For many years, it was referred to as Ayers Rock, a popular tourist site where visitors sought to climb its heights, despite the Anangu, its original custodians, urging against such actions. It wasn't until October 2019 that park regulations aligned with the Anangu's call to honor Uluru as a sacred site, banning climbing—though visitors are still welcome to walk around it and explore the park in a more culturally informed manner.

There are several trails that follow in the footsteps of the area's Aboriginal ancestors—one of the easiest being the base walk around Uluru—but we highly recommend the Valley of the Winds hike, a more challenging and less crowded route through the dramatic 36 domes of Kata Tjuta.

The trailhead is just a 30-mile drive from Uluru—simply enter "Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds" into your navigation system. From the parking area, the 4.6-mile loop is composed of red dirt and loose rocks, with some steep sections and harsh heat. However, you’ll be rewarded with two stunning lookout points—Karu, about an hour in, and Karingana after 2.5 hours—offering views of this Mars-like landscape in the Northern Territory. The Valley of the Winds is also a culturally significant area; the Anangu request that no photos be shared on social media. As stated on the park’s website, "these rock formations hold knowledge that should only be learned in person and on site by those with the cultural authority to do so. By respecting Anangu’s wishes, you are helping preserve their cultural beliefs and protect their spirituality." —L.D.R.

Europe

Hiking in the Faroe Islands

• Location: Faroe Islands
• Distance: Varies
• Difficulty: Varies

With 18 islands to discover, the hiking in this rugged North Atlantic archipelago is truly breathtaking. To access the most remote and windswept locations, it’s wise to seek guidance from locals—like Jóhannus Hansen from Reika Adventures, a native Faroese and international climbing instructor, or Tummas Rubeksen, a farmer near Tórshavn who operates Heimdal Tours. Once you’ve soaked in the Tolkien-esque landscapes, enjoy a cozy family meal with the locals. This experience, known as heimablídni, or home hospitality, invites islanders to share their dining spaces with newcomers. The meals are as unforgettable as the sea cliffs, featuring delights ranging from dry-salted whale blubber to hearty Faroese schnapps. —A.H.

The Hebridean Way

• Location: Outer Hebrides, Scotland
• Distance: 165 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The 165-mile Hebridean Way meanders through this rugged, 10-island archipelago off Scotland’s west coast. The most scenic section lies in the center, stretching from Benbecula to North Uist, a pleasant 50-mile route perfect for a weeklong retreat. Stroll through rocky, peaty landscapes as well as the lush machair, flat grassy plains adorned with wildflowers in spring and summer. Brush up on your language skills while you’re here: although the locals may speak English, they often prefer Scots Gaelic—madhainn mhath (má-tin va) means good morning. Consider staying in your own personal tree house along the way. —Mark Ellwood

Reinebringen

• Location: Lofoten, Norway
• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

In the breathtaking Lofoten Islands of northern Norway, where towering mountains rise dramatically from the fjords, embracing the spirit of friluftsliv, or free air life, is second nature—celebrating a Nordic lifestyle that prioritizes the great outdoors. One of the most straightforward hikes is a trek up more than 1,500 stone steps leading to the summit of Reinebringen (1,469 feet). Though it’s less than a mile to the top, the view from the cliff’s edge is almost beyond words. Let’s attempt to describe it: jagged peaks jut sharply from a brilliant sapphire sea, while fishing villages scatter below like colorful Lego blocks nestled in coastal coves. Once back at sea level, treat yourself with a drive four miles south to Holmen Lofoten in Sørvågen, where you might find seasonal skrei cod on the menu at the Kitchen on the Edge of the World. Spend the night in a rorbu—a beautifully renovated fisherman’s cabin that will make you feel like it was the Norwegians, not the Danes, who truly defined hygge. —Terry Ward

Andros Routes

• Location: Greece
• Distance: 60 miles
• Difficulty: Varying levels

The rocky islands of the Cyclades are perfect for hikers of all abilities, but the well-kept trails on Andros stand out. Spanning 60 miles across the 93,900-acre island, these paths weave through ancient villages, making them excellent for day hikes. Consider the four-mile, one-way trek from chora or the old town of Andros down to the waterfront and up into the interior—it’s mainly cobblestoned and winds through charming mountaintop villages, with a convenient detour to the stunning Pythara waterfalls. —M.E.

Mount Prana, the Apuan Alps

• Location: Versilia, Italy
• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Apuan Alps represent a hidden gem in Tuscany, a rocky range just a short drive from the stunning beaches of the Versilia coast. There are numerous day or half-day hikes available, primarily around the town of Camaiore: Climb Gabberi mountain for a -mile trek offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean on your way back, or tackle Mount Prana—the southernmost peak of the range—where you’ll ascend through terraced fields and chestnut forests to reach the 4,000-foot summit. The white patches you’ll see aren’t snow; they’re remnants of the marble quarries in the area, including the source of Michelangelo’s David. —M.E.

Parenzana

• Location: Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia
• Distance: 76.5 miles, one way
• Difficulty: Moderate

Between 1902 and 1935, Parenzana served as a railroad that connected the port towns of Trieste, Italy, to Poreč, Croatia, traversing Slovenia along the way. It transported both people and Istrian products, such as olive oil and wine, throughout the region. However, when the train ceased operations, the line faded into obscurity—until the early 2000s. That’s when some Croatian hiking guides, including Vida Ungar and Daniel Lacko (who now work with Country Walkers, a hiking company offering itineraries in over two dozen countries), discovered the old route and committed to transforming it into a recreational path. They collaborated with the government to restore the 75-plus miles into a multi-use trail.

Some sections of the trail hug the coastline, passing marinas filled with brightly colored sailboats bobbing in the waves. In other areas, the winding path weaves through valleys adorned with vineyards and dense forests, lined with vibrant wildflowers. Hikers and cyclists journey through stone railway tunnels and cross century-old viaducts that span steep canyons and rushing rivers, navigating medieval hilltop villages packed with art shops and café-bars where truffles are an essential part of many dishes. —Bailey Berg

Asia

Kumano Kodo: Nakahechi Route

• Location: Japan
• Distance: 42 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

“You’re going by yourself?” a friend inquired. I had been sharing my plans for a five-day journey along Japan’s Kumano Kodo, a 10th-century trail network located about 100 miles south of Kyoto, recognized as one of two UNESCO World Heritage spiritual pilgrimage sites in 2004. (The other is the Camino de Santiago in Spain.) My chosen 42-mile path, adorned with over 100 Shinto and Buddhist shrines, would lead me through the tranquil Kii peninsula, passing through quaint farm villages and forests of cedar, cypress, and bamboo, scaling mountain passes, crossing rivers, and wandering by waterfalls. And yes, I was indeed going solo. —Peggy Orenstein.

The Garhi Hike

• Location: Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
• Distance: 8.7 miles round-trip
• Difficulty: Moderate

It’s a crisp morning. Winter is giving way to spring, but the slopes of the Dhauladhar Mountains in the lower Himalayas remain cloaked in snow. Our shepherd-guide, Raj Mal from Exsul Travel, navigates us through fields of mustard and stands of pine. Beyond the tree line, the terrain transforms into a landscape of stones and thickets. Geckos bask on rocks as kites soar overhead, scanning for prey. Raj Mal has traversed this path since his childhood; each summer, his sheep-rearing community leads their flock to graze on the lush mountain grass. Our destination, the deserted village of Garhi, perched at 8,000 feet, serves merely as a stop on their annual trek. We pause along the way for a picnic breakfast and freshly brewed French press coffee. Raj Mal identifies wild herbs and flowers, highlighting those edible or medicinal. After six hours of hiking, we finally reach the summit, greeted by a stunning panorama: a twinkling expanse of lights stretching from Dharamshala to Palampur, where our journey began. As night falls, we enjoy an Indian dinner by the campfire, retiring for the night in mud huts used by the shepherds. It’s the essence of authenticity. —Prasad Ramamurthy

Annapurna Panorama

• Location: Nepal
• Distance: 25 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

While Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit often dominate discussions about hiking in Nepal, the Annapurna Panorama, also known as the Poon Hill Trek, has been steadily rising in popularity in recent years. This surge is largely due to its accessibility for novice climbers eager to experience the Himalayas.

The well-marked trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, meanders past rice paddies, crosses rivers, and passes through charming villages, where trekkers can find teahouse accommodations—simple mountain lodges offering private rooms and home-cooked meals.

The trek's highest point is Poon Hill, at approximately 10,000 feet, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks in the Annapurna Range, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Manaslu. —B.B.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

• Location: China
• Distance: 18 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

I never planned on hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge. However, after a spontaneous encounter on a train and the bravado of youth, I found myself trekking 18 demanding miles over mountains, through terraced rice paddies, and around cascading waterfalls with two newfound companions. This turned out to be my favorite memory from over a year spent in China.

Tiger Leaping Gorge gets its name from a legend about a tiger that escaped a hunter by leaping across the river. The rugged trail is not for the faint-hearted, climbing about 6,500 feet in elevation within the initial miles. Yet, the breathtaking views from the upper trail section are worth it, showcasing the snow-capped Jade Dragon and Haba Mountains, while far below, the tumultuous Jinsha River, a significant tributary of the Yangtze, roars through the gorge. Along the way, you’ll encounter small villages inhabited by the Naxi people, offering simple guesthouses and local dining options. —B.B.

Africa

The Whale Trail

• Location: De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
• Distance: 36 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

De Hoop in the Western Cape is a coastal nature reserve that makes for a perfect weekend escape. With new hotels sprouting up, it’s an ideal addition to any Cape Town itinerary. Within this 84-acre wilderness, visitors can choose between guided and self-guided hikes, relax on pristine beaches, and explore a segment of the Whale Trail—a scenic 36-mile route adorned with fynbos that meanders along the coastline. While the Whale Trail requires advance registration, those at De Hoop can still access its coastal paths. Nature guides at Morukuru Beach Lodge and Lekkerwater highlight local flora, such as the striking king proteas. For wildlife enthusiasts, a drive through the reserve may reveal antelope, or you can visit the beach at low tide to discover marine creatures. —Mary Holland

This article was first published online in 2021 and was most recently updated on October 19, 2023, to reflect the latest information.