spectacular hiking trails around the world

Spectacular Hiking Trails Around The World

Spectacular Hiking Trails Around The World
1. Colorado Trail
Spanning 486 miles, the Colorado Trail runs from the mouth of Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango, through historic mining towns and along ancient Indian trails. For the short version, stick to the most beautiful 68 miles between San Luis Pass and Molas Pass. Expect to see a lot of wildlife and plenty of gorgeous wildflowers.
2. Buckskin Gulch
Prepare yourself for some absolutely incredible rock formations. The Bucksin Gulch is one of the most popular destinations for slot canyon hikers, clocking in at 13 miles. In some places like the 2 foot wide Wire Pass you ll need to remove your backpack just to squeeze through. Plan about three to four days for this one.
3. Kungsleden
Also known as The King s Trail, Kungsleden, this 275 mile trek will give you a tour of some of Sweden s most beautiful landscapes it runs through four national parks and a nature reserve. Unless you want to spend a month hiking, stick to the northernmost 65 miles.
4. The Snowman Trek
A challenging but rewarding high altitude hike, the Snowman Trek passes beneath six mountains and crosses nine passes. Highlights include Buddhist monasteries, small villages like Laya and unique wildlife like Himalayan blue sheep.
5. Mount Kilimanjaro
Reaching 19,340 feet into the sky, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa s highest peak. And believe it or not, this trek is possible for even the inexperienced climbers and requires no special equipment which is one of the reasons why 35,000 people climb it every year. Backpacker magazine describes it as a volcanic hulk [that s] so massive that it supports five distinct eco zones, from the banana trees growing at its base to the glaciers draping its upper slopes.
6. Paine Circuit Trek
If you want the view of a lifetime, look no further than Chile s Torres del Paine Circuit. One of the most popular ways to experience Patagonia, the 75 mile hike offers surreal panoramas of icy lakes, blue glaciers, mountains and forests. Most people opt for the three to four day W route rather than the full five to eight day circuit.
7. Roan Highlands
Ranked No. 23 in National Geographic s 50 Best American Adventures, Roan Highlands consists of a 48 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail between the Nolichucky River and U.S. Highway 19E. This area is known for its breathtaking views and rhododendrons, and contains the largest expanse of balds openings in the forest along ridges and mountaintops in the Appalachian range.
8. Superior Hiking Trail
Named one of the five best hikes in America by Readers Digest in May 2005, the 275 mile Superior Hiking Trail overlooks Lake Superior and passes through forests of birch, aspen, pine, fir and cedar. Highlights include rushing waterfalls and a plethora of wildlife.
9. Everest Base Camp Trek
Face the world s highest mountain without actually climbing the whole thing. The Everest Base Camp Trek takes hikers to the easily reached high point of 18,513 foot Kala Pattar, through terraced villages, by rushing rivers, over suspension bridges and to the famous Khumba icefall.
10. Santa Cruz Trek
The most popular hike in the White Mountains of Peru, the Santa Cruz Trek is about a four day, 31 mile hike for people of all experience levels. Hot springs can be found near the start of the trek, and hikers enjoy beautiful views of snow capped peaks, meadows, turquoise lakes and red quenua trees.