There’s often no better way to explore a destination than on your own two feet. Whether you’re a seasoned climber looking to test your physical limits or a relative novice, hiking offers a window into the natural world. Setting forth unencumbered by vehicles often forces you to take the road less traveled, invariably leading to all sorts of delightful surprises along the way.
The following hikes run the gamut from a kid-friendly scenic nature walk through ancient Hawaiian lava fields to a two-week trek into the thin air of Everest Base Camp. You’ll find treks ranging from a few hours to 40 days, all of which offer grand adventures in truly unforgettable settings.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Dazzling Day Hikes
Big Bear Lake, California
Located in the lush San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a popular spot for people living in Los Angeles. More than 100 miles of well-maintained trails are a breeze to navigate either on foot or by mountain bike. With so many routes to choose from, this is one of the more novice-friendly options on our list.
The views of the snowcapped San Bernardino Mountains rising majestically over a pine forest make for some truly striking photos. For the best view of all, hike up the Castle Rock Trail, a 1.2-mile hike that climbs 500 feet in elevation.
Where to Stay: Postcard Cabins Big Bear are stylishly rustic small cabins with wood furnishings and immense windows through which to admire the surrounding nature. Herds of deer and other animals have been known to amble through here, so keep your eyes peeled and binoculars handy.
Alaloa Trail, Hawaii
Make your way through long-cooled lava fields on the Alaloa, or the “long road,” on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Sometimes referred to as the King’s Trail or Piilani Trail, this route has a history stretching back more than 500 years. It was first built by Chief Piilani to connect different communities on the island.
There are unimpeded views of the Hana Coast, where sea turtles swim and humpback whales breach during the winter months. The out-and-back hike is about 3 miles long with an elevation gain of just a couple hundred feet, making it suitable for most levels and a great one to take on with teens.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua offers guided educational walks of the route in collaboration with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. From here, it’s also easy to access other trails in the area, including the 20-mile Mahana Ridge Trail and the six trails that make up the Village Walking Trails.
Aspen to Crested Butte, Colorado
Aspen may be best known as one of the premier skiing destinations in North America, but it’s also a fantastic place to go hiking. With the jagged snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains glittering in the sunlight, this is about as scenic as it gets.
Of the many possible routes to take, one of the most popular and challenging is the trek from Aspen out Crested Butte along the West Maroon Pass. The hike starts in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, which requires reservations and ascends around Maroon Lake — a stunning lake set around the much-photographed Maroon Bells. The whole route is about 11 miles in either direction, taking anywhere from 6 to 10 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through meadows full of wildflowers and aspen groves, with jaw-dropping panoramic views of 14,000-foot mountain peaks.
Where to Stay: Situated right at the base of Mount Aspen, The St. Regis Aspen Resort is pure Rocky Mountain luxury. After a long day of hiking, guests can learn all about that art of sabering Champagne (a St. Regis evening ritual) or lounge by the heated pool. Bounce back with a treatment at the resort’s 15,000-square-foot RAKxa Wellness Spa. Consider a private oxygen treatment in the Relaxation Lounge or a Chakra Hot Stone Massage for achy muscles.
A hike through Bavarian is a feast for the eyes. (Photos: Marriott International)
Spitzingsee to Tegernsee, Germany
The Bavarian countryside is dotted with absolutely stunning glacial lakes, each with their own history, culture, and picturesque villages, all in the shadow of the Alps. One of the best hikes in the region is along the Prinzenweg path from Spitzingsee, a small lake up in the mountains, to the larger Tegernsee, which is known for its cuisine and spa culture. The hike is about 9 miles one-way and takes about 5.5 hours.
Reward yourself for all that effort at the end with a heaping plate of käsespätzle (noodles smothered in melted locally made cheese with crispy fried onions).
Where to Stay: Wake up to stunning views of the lake when you stay at Arabella Alpenhotel am Spitzingsee, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. In keeping with the wellness traditions of the region, at the on-site spa there’s an array of thermal baths, saunas, and a pool with an Alpine panorama.
The Jordan Trail is dotted with natural wonders and ancient archeological sites. (Photos: Getty Images)
Multi-day Hiking Treks
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Serious mountaineers undaunted by high altitudes should try hiking to the summit of Cotopaxi, an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains. This one is truly not for the faint of heart, as the summit here is at a dizzying 19,347 feet above sea level. For contrast, the Nepalese side of Everest Base Camp is at 17,598 feet above sea level. You will want to take several short hikes to acclimate yourself for the trek, and make sure to secure a guide for the summit itself.
Most hikers opt to climb to the glacier rather than the summit itself, which is slightly less strenuous but still daunting. Although challenging, it’s worth it for the heart-stopping views from high up on one of the world’s tallest stratovolcanoes. The summit trek itself can be done in one day, although travelers need to spend a few days at high elevation first to acclimate and stave off altitude sickness.
Where to Stay: Acclimate yourself to the altitude of Ecuador about 50 miles away from Cotopaxi National Park in Quito — at 9,350 feet high it is one of the highest-altitude cities in the world. Stay in the heart of the city at Carlota, a Member of Design Hotels, a model of sustainability. Some of the boutique hotel’s power consumption comes from its own solar panels. It’s housed in a 19th-century French-style building that oozes charm, and its location in the Historic Center makes it ideal for exploring the city. After your hike, load up on Ecuadorian flavors at Bistro 626.
Umm Qais to the Red Sea, Jordan
If you’re looking for a long-distance trek of truly epic proportions, perhaps the Jordan Trail is for you. The route stretches roughly 400 miles through Jordan, making it longer than the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
The trail starts in the Northern town of Umm Qais (a site so ancient it was mentioned in the Bible) and goes through UNESCO World Heritage sites like Petra, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and the city of As-Salt. Travelers will pass through ancient olive groves and deserts before finally reaching the southern port city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. It’s a demanding route, with some sections calling for 3,000-plus feet in elevation change. Most travelers budget a full 40 days for this awe-inspiring journey.
Where to Stay: About halfway thought your trek, you’re going to want some relaxation and pampering, and there’s no better place to do so than Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa. The seaside resort’s spa draws on the ancient healing traditions of the region to leave travelers feeling revitalized. It boasts a Dead Sea water pool — or you can head down to the beach to experience floating in the Dead Sea waters at their source.
Issyk Kul Lake and the Jukku Valley Trek, Kyrgyzstan
Adventurous travelers looking to get off the beaten track should head to the windswept Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan. Start your adventure at Barskoon, a village on the southern shores of Issyk Kul, the second-largest saline lake in the world by volume. From the water’s edge, it’s so expansive you could almost imagine you were standing on a sea.
Over the course of eight days, you’ll make your way through the Jukku Pass and back to Barskoon, stopping by yurts and admiring swooping eagles along the way.
Where to Stay: Before spending the better part of a week in yurts, indulge in some creature comforts at the Sheraton Bishkek Hotel, located in the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s capital. The hotel offers stunning views of the city, but seeing the Tien Shan mountains in the distance will surely build anticipation for your trek.
Tour du Mont Blanc: France, Italy, and Switzerland
When it comes to hikes, it doesn’t get more beautiful than this grand journey around the tallest mountain in the Alps. The Tour du Mont Blanc passes through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, with views of glaciers glinting blue in the sunlight and Alpine meadows along the way.
At just more than 100 miles long, the route takes most hikers 7 to 10 days. You’ll want to be in tip-top shape, particularly given the altitude, but there’s no serious technical climbing involved. One of the best parts is fueling up on home-cooked meals at mountain huts at the end of each day.
Where to Stay: Le Geant, Courmayeur, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, at the base of Mont Blanc, is pure Alpine elegance, complete with stylish pinewood fixtures. Picture living in your dream Italian home, which also happens to have an on-site spa with a Turkish bath and bio sauna, among other features.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano in Tanzania, is high on the aspirational list for many hikers around the globe. While all routes to the top of the highest mountain in Africa require training, some are noticeably more treacherous.
The Marangu Route is about 45 miles long, has one of the more gradual inclines of trails in the area, and offers huts to sleep in along the way. Most hikers take six days to finish in order to allow extra time to adjust to the changing altitude.
Where to Stay: The chic Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel is a favorite jumping-off point for a Kili climb. It’s in the heart of the city of Arusha but doesn’t feel that way — the gardens and outdoor pool area make it a quiet respite that feels far removed from the bustle. The hotel itself is one of the oldest in all of East Africa, with a history dating back to 1894.
Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Nepal
When it comes to mountaineering lore, Everest truly stands alone. Since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first reached the summit in 1953, thousands of climbers have made the treacherous ascent. While climbing Mount Everest is a bucket-list item for many, to responsibly do so requires more than a year of intensive training.
Fortunately, there’s a less dangerous and demanding way to capture some of that thrill in Nepal. The trek to Everest Base Camp takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Alternatively, opt for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, which draws significantly fewer tourists and still features stunning views.
While both are less grueling than attempting to summit the Himalayan peak, they still require plenty of training to build up stamina for two full weeks of hiking at high altitudes. (If you’re looking for easier options, this list of Nepal hiking routes might come in handy.)
Where to Stay: Many hikers choose to stop in Kathmandu before and after the short flight to the town of Lukla, where the trail begins. Venturing up to Everest Base Camp involves roughing it, which is all the more reason to pamper yourself with a stint at the stylish The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection. The hotel sprawls over 12 acres with four eateries, an outdoor pool, and a spa, offering quiet serenity amid the capital city’s frenetic energy.
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