Hiking is an excellent way to exercise and explore the beauty of nature. If you’re looking for an opportunity to exercise and unwind while taking in some breathtaking scenery, then you should add these hiking trails to your bucket list. Here are the best hiking trails for a serene and scenic workout that you should consider.
1. Yosemite Grand Traverse, California
Yosemite National Park is a wonder of nature, and the Yosemite Grand Traverse Hiking Trail is perhaps one of its most majestic features. The trail covers a whopping 60 miles of high alpine wilderness, granite cliffs, and picturesque meadows. The Yosemite Grand Traverse provides a unique and epic hiking experience that exposes hikers to the grand views and iconic sites of Yosemite Park. The trail encompasses heart-pumping hikes, such as the Half Dome, and the Yosemite Valley’s pristine Merced River.
2. Milford Track, New Zealand
The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is considered to be one of the most beautiful hiking trails worldwide. The track is a 53.5-kilometer hiking trail that will lead you through spectacular mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, pristine forests, and idyllic waterfalls. The Milford track is a four-day guided hike, which makes it ideal for those who love to adventure in nature in a group while making new friends. This hike is an experience of a lifetime and is a perfect opportunity for nature lovers to explore the wonders of New Zealand in a fitness-heavy way.
3. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland is a 55-kilometer trail through diverse landscapes that include glaciers, hot springs, volcanic deserts and rhyolite formations. This trail is perfect for the more adventurous hikers who are seeking a challenge in an unspoiled wilderness. Hikers that dare to conquer this trail are rewarded with unforgettable views of landscapes. The trail takes four to five days to complete and during this time, hikers sleep in mountain huts and campsites in the heart of the Icelandic wilderness.
4. Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail is a legendary 22-kilometer trail located along Hawaii’s Napali Coast. The trail leads hikers through lush valleys, along towering sea cliffs, and on to a secluded beach at the foot of the sheer Kalalau Valley. This trail provides a good opportunity for hikers who love to hike and swim. The hiking trail can be challenging, so it is important that hikers are well-equipped and have the necessary skills to navigate this dynamic terrain.
5. The Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail in Peru is a 43-kilometer trail that takes hikers through mountain passes, sacred temples, and stunning scenery. Hiking the Inca Trail leads hikers to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Machu Picchu. The trail takes four to five days to complete, providing a perfect opportunity for hikers to take in all the rich history and mysterious glory of the Incan civilization.
6. The Haute Route, Switzerland
The Haute Route in Switzerland is a multi-day hike that takes hikers across the Swiss Alps to the French border. The hiking trail is a 180-kilometer trek that takes hikers through mountain passes, over stunning glaciers, and visits quaint alpine villages. The Haute Route offers hikers some of the most beautiful views of the Swiss and French Alps. This trail requires a high level of fitness and hiking experience, but the efforts are rewarded by the incredible sense of accomplishment provided when completing it.
7. The Narrows, Utah
The Narrows is a unique hiking trail that takes hikers through the narrowest canyon in Zion National Park. The trail involves trekking through shallow waters in the Virgin River and wading through a narrow gorge with towering sandstone walls up to 1000 feet in height. Hiking the Narrows is an unusual and exhilarating hike that’s perfect for those looking for unique hiking experiences.
Hiking is an excellent way to stay fit while enjoying some of nature’s most beautiful places. Travelers who enjoy and respect nature can achieve a long lasting feeling of accomplishment when experiencing some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world. Remember, it’s important to always follow the “leave no trace” principle and know how to safely and adequately prepare for your hiking trips. With the right preparation, each of these hiking trails can provide a serene and scenic workout that will leave you feeling inspired and transformed.