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    10 Epic Hiking Trails Around the World

    Here you have it: 10 epic trails that deserve a spot on your bucket list!
    Jeff PaulBy
    Woman standing on the edge of a cliff raising her hands in triumph for conquering one of the best hiking trails in the world.

    Hiking is more than just an outdoor activity—it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself, and experience the world’s raw beauty up close.

    It boosts physical fitness, clears the mind, and inspires awe with stunning vistas. Every trail offers a unique adventure, making hiking the perfect blend of discovery and serenity.

    And if you are part of a group, it’s even more special. You and your hiking compatriots will feed off each other’s energy and create an intense bond through each of the many challenges that hiking difficult trails can present.

    Today we’re diving into the ultimate bucket list for hikers. These aren’t just hikes, they’re life-changing experiences.

    From mystical forests to towering peaks and beyond, let’s explore the top 10 best hiking trails in the world you absolutely need to conquer.

    1. The Haute Route – France to Switzerland

    A photo of a group of hikers on the Haute Route hiking trail. They are standing on a rocky terrain with a clear view of the mountains in the background. The mountains are covered with snow and have a few rocky peaks. The sky is clear with a few clouds.

    Here we are, the crème de la crème of hiking adventures. The Haute Route takes you through the heart of the Alps connecting the iconic Mont Blanc in France to the Matterhorn in Switzerland.

    Over a period of two weeks you’ll traverse snowy passes, alpine meadows and charming mountain villages. It’s challenging, it’s breathtaking, and it’s everything a hiking trail should be.

    2. The Great Ocean Walk – Australia

    A photo of the 12 apostles rising from the water in Victoria, Australia on the Great Ocean Walk.

    This coastal trek along Australia’s rugged southern coast is a feast for the senses. You’ll hike along clifftops through eucalyptus forests and down to pristine beaches.

    And let’s not forget the 12 apostles — towering limestone stacks rising from the ocean. It’s a soul-stirring journey where the land meets the sea.

    3. The Narrows at Zion National Park – Utah

    A photo of The Narrows in Utah's Zion National Park. The photo is taken from a lower perspective, looking up at the narrow canyon walls. The walls are covered in greenery and have a few visible rock formations. The river running through the canyon is clear and turquoise. The sky is partly cloudy, with some visible clouds.

    Narrows is a hike like no other. Picture wading through a river surrounded by towering canyon walls that seem to glow in the sunlight.

    It’s not your typical trail; there’s no dirt path, just the virgin river beneath your feet. It’s an adventure that literally immerses you in nature.

    4. Camino de Santiago – Spain

    A photo of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The photo shows a long, winding road lined with stone buildings and greenery. The buildings have red roofs and are in various states of repair. The road is wide and well-traveled, with footprints leading into the distance. The ground is covered with small stones. The sky is clear, with a few clouds.

    This isn’t just a hike, it’s a journey of self-discovery popularized in the movie The Way.

    The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way you’ll pass charming villages, rolling vineyards and centuries-old churches.

    It’s less about the physical challenge and more about the culture that’s revealed through the people you meet and the stories you share.

    5. Torres del Paine W Trek – Chile

    Torres del Paine Park in Chile. W trek on a sunny day with the bridge, coastal road and massive snowy peaks in the distance.

    Patagonia is the stuff of legends, and the W trek in Torres del Paine National Park shows you why. Towering granite peaks, azure lakes and sprawling glaciers create a landscape that feels untouched by time.

    Each day on this trail brings a new jaw-dropping vista It’s raw, rugged and completely unforgettable.

    6. Mount Everest Base Camp – Nepal

    A photo of the Mount Everest Base Camp with a few tents and a building. The background reveals the massive mountain with a few climbers. The ground is covered with rocks. The atmosphere is chilly and clear.

    Ready to feel like a tiny speck in the shadow of the world’s tallest mountain? The Everest Base Camp trek is a journey into the heart of the Himalayas.

    You’ll pass through traditional sherpa villages, cross suspension bridges, and be greeted with jaw-dropping views of Everest and its neighboring giants.

    It’s a spiritual and physical challenge that will stay with you forever.

    7. Appalachian Trail – Eastern United States

    A photo of the Appalachian Trail in the Eastern United States. The trail is a narrow dirt path through a dense forest. There are trees on both sides of the trail, and the forest is lush with greenery. The ground is covered with leaves. The sky is overcast.

    Stretching more than 2,100 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the granddaddy of long-distance hikes. While most people tackle it in sections, thru-hikers take on the entire thing in one go — talk about commitment!

    Whether you’re wandering through the dense forest of Virginia, or enjoying panoramic views in Maine, this hike promises a deep connection with nature.

    8. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

    A photo of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, taken from the base. The mountain is covered with snow at its peak, and its terrain is rocky and barren. There are clouds in the sky, and the ground is covered with green vegetation. The background reveals a vast landscape with rolling hills.

    Talk about a challenge! Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Hiking to the summit is a badge of honor for any adventurer.

    Picture yourself climbing above the clouds through five distinct climate zones and finally reaching Uhuru Peak. The view from the top is pure magic.

    9. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – New Zealand

    A photo of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand. The image is taken from a distance, showing the trail winding through the mountains. There are hikers on the trail, and the mountains are covered with volcanic rock formations. The sky is clear, with a few clouds.

    This is just a one-day adventure, but trust me it’s packed with more drama than a blockbuster movie. You’ll pass volcanic craters, steaming vents and surreal emerald lakes; it’s like walking on another planet.

    Oh and for fans of The Lord of the Rings — you’ll feel like you’re in Middle Earth.

    10. The Inca Trail – Peru

    The Inca Trail in Peru leads to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu amid the ancient ruins, one of the best hiking trails in the world.

    Imagine stepping back in time and walking in the footsteps of the ancient Incas. The Inca Trail takes you on a 4-day journey through Lush Cloud forests, ancient ruins and mountain passes, all leading up to the breathtaking finale: Machu Picchu.

    It’s not just a hike, it’s a pilgrimage to one of the most awe-inspiring man-made wonders in the world. Every step is a story and every view feels like a reward.

    ***

    So there you have it! 10 epic trails that deserve a spot on your bucket list. Whether you’re chasing spiritual enlightenment, stunning views, or the thrill of conquering a massive peak, these hikes have something for everyone.

    Now it’s your turn — grab your gear, pick a trail and start creating your own adventure story!

    For even more stunning visuals, don’t miss our video!

    Have you hiked these trails? Please share your experiences with our community in the comment section, and we’ll see you on the next adventure.

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    Content manager for Camper Outpost. Backpacker and world traveler. Currently rewilding myself to survive the zombie apocalypse.

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