To put on your bucket list

1. YOSEMITE GRAND TRAVERSE

Location: California, United States

Distance: 60 miles

Time: 6-7 days

Best Time to Go: Mid-July to
Mid-September.

This trek takes you through some of the best of Yosemite National Park (my favorite NP!), part of the John Muir Trail, and the Cathedral Range. You hike through waterfalls, granite basins, sprawling meadows, and you even ascend Half Dome via the Cable Route 

2. TREK TO PETRA

Location: Jordan

Distance: roughly 50 miles

Time: 5-9 Days

Best Time to Go: October to April

Considered one of the best hikes in the Middle East, this trek takes you through gorges, ridges, and rocky terrain. You end this epic hike exploring the temples and tombs of this fascinating city.

3. INCA TRAIL

Location: Peru

Distance: 26 miles

Time: 4 days

Best Time to Go: May to September

One of the most popular hikes in the world, the Inca Trail takes you through 26 miles of grueling inclines and declines. You get a chance to explore ruins, jungle, and beautiful mountain scenery, and of course, end the hike at Machu Picchu

4. TONQUIN VALLEY

Location: Alberta, Canada

Distance: 27 miles

Time: 3-5 days

Best Time to Go: July to September

Ansel Adams made his way to this valley to take photos of the amazing scenery and landscape. And a quick google search will convince you that it’s well worth the experience and effort to get into the valley.

5. THE TORRES DEL PAINE “W” CIRCUIT

Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile

Distance: 37-50 miles

Time: 4-6 days

Best Time to Go: Popular from October and April. We preferred July (their winter).

The popular route that follows the letter “W” takes you through the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. You get a chance to see volcanic peaks, glaciers, and beautiful lakes. Our friend just went on the longer “O” circuit that encompasses the “W” and the photos looked unbelievable. We can’t wait to do this hike or if we can add a few extra days, we might even challenge ourselves to do the “O”! If you really want to beat the crowds, it’s not as cushy, but you should do the hike in their winter! We saw one other person and guide vs 800-1000 people who are normally on the trail every day during their summer months. 

6. LAUGAVEGURINN/FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS PASS

Location: Iceland

Distance: 50 miles

Time: 4 days

Best Time to Go: June to September

Taking you through volcanic landscapes, lichen-covered rocks, and amazing views of rhyolite peaks, this hike packs in more variety in its 50 miles than most hikes do. You also have the option of a 15-mile add-on to start or end at the 200-foot-high Skogafoss waterfall.

7. SCOTTISH NATIONAL TRAIL

Location: United Kingdom

Distance: 470 miles

Time: 5-6 weeks

Best Time to Go: April and May

Opened in 2012, this trail is Scotland’s first end-to-end walking route. Giving you views of the most amazing landscapes in the country, this hike becomes more difficult as you go. If time is an issue, you can also break this journey into four sections.