Let’s go hiking!
It’s the middle of the summer and Europe as well as the US has been facing extreme heat for quite a while now. When the temperature gets too high it could be nice to seek some higher grounds, experience Mother Nature and cool down a bit. Therefor we’ve listed the most amazing Hikes in the world that would fit perfectly this hot summer:
1. 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.
2. Torres del Pain 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 wondrous 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. If you really want to beat the crowds, try the hike in their winter. It’s probably not as cushy as the summer trek, but during our hike we only saw one other person with a guide vs 800-1000 people who are on the trail every day during their summer months. It’s unreal to have the park to yourself.
3. Appalachian Trail
Location: Georgia to Maine, United States
Distance: 2,180 miles
Time: 5-7 months
Best Time to Go: Year Round
This hike is one of the longest continuously marked footpath in the world and is not an easy feat. It takes you through 14 states and takes careful planning and execution if you want to do it one go.
4. Kilimanjaro
Location: Tanzania, Africa
Distance: roughly 35 miles
Time: 7+ days
Best Time to Go: January, February, or September
Although it is widely popular now, at 19,340 feet, this is Africa’s highest peak and is still on most people’s bucket list. With a wide range of climbing routes, most travel with a guided tour to reach the spectacular view above the clouds.
5. Kungsleden
Location: Sweden
Distance: 65 miles
Time: 3-5 days
Best Time to Go: August to Early September
Kungsleden, or “The King’s Trail,” is a 275-mile traverse, but get a glimpse of this amazing landscape with a shorter hike. See the amazing Arctic landscape, open tundra, big glaciers, and brush up against Sweden’s highest peak, Mount Kebnekaise.
6. Everest Base Camp
Location: Nepal
Distance: 70 miles
Time: 16 days
Best Time to Go: March to May, September to November
This trek is becoming popular as you get the opportunity to experience the people and culture that makes their home at these elevations. You also get to be face-to-face with the highest point on Earth.
7. Snowman Trek
Location: Bhutan
Distance: 200+ miles
Time: 25+ days
Best Time to Go: April or October
Some say that this is the hardest trail on the planet and many are unable to finish because unpredictable weather in the high Himalaya. Traversing 11 passes, most of which are more than 16,000 feet, you can only do this hike with a guided tour and is at the top of most hikers’ bucket lists.
8. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
Location: Arizona, United States
Distance: 44 miles
Time: 4-6 days
Best Time to Go: March to May, September to November
This hike gives you an in-depth look at on of Earth’s greatest features. Not only does it help you appreciate its vastness physically, the views and scenery that you get by being up close and personal with it will be more rewarding than any view point you’ll get by a quick stop.
9. Pacific Crest Trail
Location: California, Oregon, and Washington, United States
Distance: 2,650 miles
Time: 6-7 months
Best Time to Go: April to October
Trek through 7 national parks and numerous national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas on this hike. Along the way, you will experience the Mojave Desert and also reach heights of over 13,000 feet. After reading Wild, I kept thinking if she can do this, maybe we can too!
10. 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.