Need help? Please call:
1-888-909-3192
What could be more exciting that combining hiking through amazing terrain with the opportunity to explore the ruins of ancient cultures? Hikes along the Inca Trail can last anywhere from two to ten days. Highlights include Dead Woman’s Pass (don’t ask why it’s named that, you really don’t want to know), more than 500 species of orchids, lush cloud forests, snow-capped peaks shrouded in misty fog, and ancient stone paths used to transport people and materials. The trail culminates at one of the most famous archeological sites in the world, Machu Piccho. This is high-altitude hiking, so be sure to take a little time to acclimate, otherwise you’ll be passing out on Dead Woman’s Pass.
Known as Trail 89 because it was established as part of the state’s 100th anniversary in 1989, this 111-mile trail takes anywhere from seven to nine days of moderately strenuous hiking to travel its entire length. Reasons to hike this trail: Panoramic views atop Bear Butte at the northern end, Mount Rushmore, spelunking in Wind Cave National Park at the southern end, and seeing herds of wild buffalo on the open prairie grasslands. Just remember that unless you want to find out what it feels like to be stepped on by an animal weighing more than two tons, you should always give a herd of buffalo the right of way on the trail with a nice wide berth.
The name of this trail is literally the “high route,” which is befitting for this 114-mile path that passes by ten of the twelve tallest peaks in the Alps. Although it would take between 12-14 days to hike from Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, you can jump (okay, climb) onto the trail anyplace there’s an accessible village. Plan to hike in the direction of Switzerland to experience the dramatic finish at the base of the impressive Matterhorn. Each pass you traverse reveals an even grander valley vista than the previous, complete with wildflower-laden meadows. Stick to the lower level options on this high-altitude hike because they’re less prone to avalanches, which tend to put a damper on your trekking adventure.
New England has a fair share of mountain peaks along the Appalachian Trail, one of the most famous trails in the world that everyone should experience. This New Hampshire hike is an 8-day excursion that covers a 40-mile section of the Appalachian Trail extending from Franconia Notch to Pinkham Notch. You can do this hike European-style, hut-to-hut, and avoid carrying tents. Along the way you’ll experience views from the highest peaks of the White Mountains, the Presidentials, including Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe, just to name a few. Memorize these peaks during the journey and you’ll always know the first five presidents of the United States, having trod upon each of them.
The Milford Trek from Glade Wharf to Milford Sound (one way only, and strictly regulated) is a four-day hike that ranks among the most popular in the world for its dense old growth forest, cascading waterfalls and exotic bird species. It is by far the least physically demanding hike on this list, unless it rains. In this part of New Zealand, when it rains, it pours, and monthly rainfall is measured in feet, not inches. In fact, four days without rain is essentially unheard of. Trails can be flooded up to waist level, so be prepared. If it gets really bad, the Department of Conservation will airlift you out by helicopter free of charge.
This is a 6-7 day route in what is considered by many trekkers to be the best hiking the United States has to offer. The array of wildlife you’re likely to see is amazing: Elk, mule deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears and grizzly bears. The latter is best viewed at a safe distance through the telescopes at the Swiftcurrent Mountain Lookout. You can make this an international hike by crossing over the border into Canada for more excellent hiking in Waterton. There is also plenty of great fishing; no license required. You do need a Wilderness Permit, however, for the campgrounds along the way, so plan on early reservations.
If you make it to the summit (most don’t), this will likely be the highest altitude you ever reach at a whopping 19,344 feet. The most important feature of the Marangu Route is that it does not require any technical experience or rope, and there are huts for overnighting. Because of the altitude, this trek must be considered extremely difficult. You’ll need at least 5-6 days to do the trek at a safe pace, and it’s best to make all the arrangements in advance of arriving in Tanzania. You’ll pass through an astonishing array of climatic zones on the way up before arriving to the melting glaciers at the top, which are melting rapidly will probably be gone within 100 years.
It is more than possible to hike from rim-to-rim of the Grand Canyon in one day, but what’s the point of that beyond bragging rights? Take four days to do it and you’ll be immersed in the many wonders of one of the world’s most famous geological formations. Begin at Roaring Springs Canyon on the north rim. Highlights include Ribbon Falls, Phantom Ranch, crossing the Colorado River on the Silver Bridge, and winding your way up the switchbacks of the Devil’s Corkscrew to the Tonto Plateau where a sunset is required viewing. Then it’s up and out on the south end where you can buy a rim-to-rim t-shirt. After four days of hiking, you’ve earned it.
By far the most famous trek in Australia, this 40-mile trail offers easy to moderate hiking as long as the weather cooperates. Most hikers can do the whole trail in 5 or 6 days, but often take longer in order to explore many of the beautiful sites along the way, such as climbing to the summit of Cradle Mountain, exploring the pristine environment around Lake St. Claire (Australia’s deepest) and winding through a group of tarns called The Labyrinth. Likely wildlife sightings might include wallabies, echidnas, quoll, wombats, devils, platypus, lizards and skinks. You’ll need to protect your food with pack covers, though, because the currawongs (raven-like birds) are incredibly smart and can easily open zippers, clips and even Velcro.
This is possibly the single best hike in the United States. Although it’s only 22 miles roundtrip, you’re climbing to the highest point in the continental US at 14,505 feet, so you’ll want to take a good three days to do the loop in order to acclimate. You do not need any climbing gear, but there are two must-have items. The first is a bear-proof food container. You can rent one for $2.50/day when you pick up your overnight permit. You will not be allowed on the trail without it. The second is a good supply of… poop bags. Yes, you have to poop in a bag. You will be given a supply of bags when you pick up your permit. Now there’s something to check off your bucket list!
