Are you a mountain lover? Do you like to go hiking and trekking? Let’s find the top and most beautiful trekking routes all over the world through a list of the top 25.
Mountains are the biggest wonders of nature, where you can find your true selves through the sheer beauty of nature and with an adventurous spirit. Most people in the world population love to go to mountains and hills as they offer a huge amount of solace, tranquility, and lastly, a lot of satisfaction through hardship and adventure. Starting from camping under the night sky full of stars to drinking from the natural mountain streams, there are many activities you can do during treks that you don’t usually do.
Trekking offers power and rejuvenation to your soul while bringing you close to nature, which is highly important for mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, you can find a lot of beautiful mountain ranges around the world where you can go for a trek and become one with nature. There are plenty of trek routes that you can explore for adventure or just to stay out of the matrix for a few days. Trekking will also allow you to come across different flora and fauna as well as landscapes that you might not witness in your daily life, and so, it helps to develop your perspective about the earth and yourself. If you are looking forward to embarking on such a magnificent tour, then here are some fine options for you to choose from.
- Cradle Mountain – Australia
Australia is filled with many unexplored parts of nature, whether it is the Great Barrier Reef or the mountains in Tasmania. If you are looking for some wild adventure, it is highly recommended to go to Cradle Mountain in the country, which is popular for its magnificent scenic beauty. The whole area has formed the Cradle Mountain National Park, which comes with rich biodiversity. Backpackers fly from all over the world to experience 80 km of the Overland Track, which is located in Tasmania, Australia. Whether it is the craggy peaks or the deep blue lake, this place has a lot to offer.
The massive lakes with a fair patch of green and the Rocky Mountains, this place almost feels like a dreamland in real life. It is also a fairly moderate trek, which does not require being a multi-day hiker. You can easily reach the mountain by following the Rocky Creek Track, and you can also find fellow hikers on the same trail. You will be accompanied by the wombats that live in the area.
- Tongariro Crossing – New Zealand
Just like Australia, New Zealand is also filled with plenty of mountains and lakes at higher altitudes, which makes it perfect for a trekking destination. This country in the southern hemisphere is equally famous for its beauty, and on the South Island, you will find the Tongariro Crossing, which offers a breathtaking view for all kinds of travelers. It is the oldest national park in the country, which is revered for its rugged beauty and the alpine elements. It is a popular day hike that can be completed quickly without straining yourself too much. UNESCO has already declared it a World Heritage Site, and this place carries a lot of cultural and spiritual significance. This place consists of active volcanoes and craters. Mineral-enriched lakes, hot springs, lava fields, and a smoky atmosphere, which can make you feel like you have arrived on an alien planet. The total trek is around 20 kilometers only, and you will surely have a good time here.
- Twin Falls Circuit, Springbrook National Park – Australia
Australia seems to be an accumulation of some of the best treks in the world, with its highly diverse landscapes and natural beauty. The Springbrook National Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which is visited by millions of foreigners every year for its stunning beauty and the short hike of the Twin Falls circuit. You will also find a natural swimming hole here where you can take a skinny dip. However, always be cautious of spiders and snakes when you are in Aussie lands. The boulders here are more than 10 million years old, and sitting with them can make you feel ancient as well. This gorgeous place can offer you a top view of the national park with some spectacular chances of witnessing the wildlife in nature, in their home. You should definitely visit this place if you are near the Gold Coast.
- Bouddi NP – Australia
Bouddi National Park in Australia is quite popular among global adventure seekers, which lies just across the water from the northernmost point in Sydney. It is a pristine place with coastal wilderness, which is situated on the central coast of New South Wales. The rocky formation in the cliffs with higher altitude and abstract textures makes it highly attractive and Instagram-worthy. If you are into adventure sports and have ample experience with cliff jumping, this could be the best place to check your limits under professional guidance. The best part is that you can easily find buses here and do not need to worry about the distances. The Bouddi Coastal Walk runs between Putty Beach near Killcare to Macmasters Beach, and buses connect them with regularity.
- Kokoda Trail – Papua New Guinea
If you have been digging for difficult treks which is not a cup of tea for the faint-hearted, then the Kokoda Trail is a visit for you. This trek trail is situated in Papua New Guinea, and it is executed by many trekkers in the months of April to October. It is one of the hardest multi-day treks that comes with a lot of twists and turns, along with sheer climbs and drops. It is a difficult trek, and it gets even harder due to the heat and humidity. There is also ample rainfall, and it gets colder at night. It is also a historical place as the trail dates back to the time of World War II, when the Japanese and Australian forces were fighting in 1942. Through this challenging trek, you will reach a height of 2,190 metres (7,185 ft), and it is an amazing experience.
- Abel Tasman Coastal Track – New Zealand
This is no doubt one of the easiest yet the most stunning treks of all time, where global travelers come to visit. It is often praised for its ethereal beauty, which comes with beautiful turquoise water, along with white sand beaches, and the natural sand pools are just perfect. This trail is easily one of the most beautiful treks, where you find it all. And the best part is that this all-in-one trek can be easily done by anyone, even if not too experienced. There are two ways to execute this trek, as you can reach by foot or by water through kayaking, and it is absolutely thrilling in both cases. Here, you can find huts and natural camp sites to settle down with fellow hikers, and you will have to carry everything alone. However, the end results are absolutely worth it.
- The Narrows, Zion National Park – USA
North America is filled with multiple treks, and you can find a ton of them in the USA. The Zion National Park is a highly popular attraction among travelers due to the red beauty of the canyons, where the texture of the rock feels like drapes of a wet cloth. It starts from the Virgin River and ends at the Narrows with a total distance of around 15 kilometers. In this case, you will have to hike up to a river, and it is literally a river. Therefore, it is highly recommended to stay dry and March on. Always carry a stick and be sure about the weather, as flash flood is a very common case here. It is a suitable hike for everyone, and it is best if you do it on a bright sunny day with no chance of rain. It is only a two-day hike, and you should carry all the essentials for the journey, as you will be in the middle of the canyon with no help.
- Havasu Falls, Arizona – USA
This is by far the most beautiful canyon trek in Arizona, which comes with a hidden gem at the end. The Havasu Falls is highly popular among people, especially young people and couples, as the place can offer you the taste of seclusion and serenity. Turquoise blue water falling from the red canyon rocks with some greenery around surely seems like an oasis in the desert. This trail is situated in Northern Arizona, where you can dip in the picture-perfect swimming holes created by the 100-foot-tall waterfall. You can also settle down in the peaceful campsites; however, the trek gets more difficult on the way back as it is uphill instead of downhill when you go there. You can also find Beaver Falls here. Be sure of the permit, as only a few people are allowed to camp here each day.
- First Peak, Stawamus Chief – Canada
It feels like a lot of Canada is still unexplored, as this massive country has a lot to offer. Stawamus Chief is a 700m high granite dome where you can find three distinctive summits. You hike one of them or each of them based on your stamina levels, as it is an easy-to-moderate difficulty hike. The most popular one would be the first peak, which most people go for. The overall trek offers a satisfying experience, and you will also find lakes and waterfalls along the way. Make sure to take good gear and good shoes, as it can get a little slippery sometimes. This trek can offer you a magnificent view that you can carry for the rest of your life.
- Lost Mine Trail – Texas, USA
Texas is a place full of wonders, and other than its brave people, you can also find some charming trek trails in the state. The Lost Mine Trail is highly famous among the trekkers and travelers due to its easy difficulty level, that comes full of adventure. It is around 7 km long, and you can reach it within 2 hours. The trail is situated in the Big Bend National Park, which is already a natural attraction for everyone. When you reach the top at the end of the trail, you will get a magnificent 360-degree view of the park. It is highly recommended to complete the hike before sunset so that you can witness the mesmerizing sunset with an orange hue in the afternoon. The golden red landscape will surely offer you a handful of memorable pictures to embrace your memories.
- Top of the Giant Trail – Canada
This is one of the best mountain treks around the world, which attracts thousands of trekkers to Canada every year. The place is situated in northern Ontario, Canada, and is one of the most attractive parts of the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. It is an epic trail where you can find the mountains, the lakes, the forests, as well as the spectacular rock formations. Lake Superior is the biggest water body here, which offers the perfect backdrop for this trail with a fair share of open space. The trail can reward you with many epic views of the surroundings, where you can take pictures as wallpapers on your desktop. At the end of the trail, you will be standing at the tallest point of Ontario and enjoying a magnificent view up there.
- Proxy Falls – Oregon, USA
Proxy Falls is by far one of the most scenic waterfalls in America that can blow your mind away. This magical hike is situated in Oregon, and a lot of people visit here as it is a very easy trek route that can be followed by anyone. You will be walking through the beautiful Oregon woods while woody wind hits you in the chest. Follow the black lava fields, and you will surely reach the Proxy Falls by the end of the trail. There is a steep downhill at the end if you are willing to go down to the bottom of the falls, and it is absolutely worth it. This is a kind of waterfall where it feels different from every angle, and photos will not do justice to what you get to see with your naked eyes. There is surreal beauty to this place, which cannot be just seen but should be felt. It is also a loop trek, so no need to worry about getting lost, as the whole thing gets done within 8 kilometers only.
- Iceberg Lake – USA
Glacier National Park in the US comprises many tantalizing treks; however, nothing can go against the beauty of the Iceberg Lake. The trek takes place at an altitude of 1200 feet, and you will have to go 10 miles. However, it is a very easy trek and almost any person can do it. On the way to the lake, you will notice a diverse range of flora and fauna, along with waterfalls and sheer formations of nature that might appear like an art installation. The name of the lake is Iceberg Lake for solid reasons, as you can literally see the floating iceberg on the river if you reach there at the right time. This is one of the most spectacular treks where you can see a lot of wildlife, so always be aware and take your binoculars.
- Parker Ridge – Canada
Parker Ridge is another beautiful trek in Canada that has successfully gained a lot of attention from adventure seekers around the world. The trail for this trek can be found in the northern region of the Banff National Park. It takes around a day to complete this trek in the Canadian Rockies, which offers a breathtaking view of the mountains as well as the glacier flowing in between. You will witness the mighty Saskatchewan Glacier at your feet, cutting down the mountain range like a hot knife in butter. The view is absolutely magical and unreal, with gigantic mountains, snow, and woods. This trek will offer you plenty of Instagram-worthy photos.
- Mount Roraima – Venezuela
There are not a lot of people who know about Mount Roraima in Venezuela, where you can go for an intense trek experience with a taste of expedition. It is situated across the Grand Savanna, and while doing this trek, you will find many unworldly places. Starting from unique creatures to carnivorous plants, this place feels like a lost world straight out of Hollywood movies. It is a long trek that can take you more than a week to complete. Sleep in the clouds under overhanging cliffs, or bathe in natural waterfalls as you explore the summit of Mount Roraima. The table-like top of the mountain is shared by three different countries from South America. The difficulty level is quite high for this trek, and it is not recommended for the faint-hearted.
- The Circuit, Torres Del Paine National Park – Chile
Did you know that Chile can also offer you vigorous, beautiful treks where you will gasp for breath and beauty at the same time. It is one of the most beautiful trek routes in the world, which is highly famous for its landscape views of sheer mountain ranges. Torres del Paine National Park can offer you the best trekking experience in South America, where you can do a complete Circuit. This place is very remote and it is only accessible by horses and donkeys if you are not walking on foot. It is a long trek where you will have to walk for more than 100 km, and so, the trek easily takes around 8-9 days. Starting from the snow-capped mountain tops to the green forests and lakes, you will find everything on the journey to remember.
- Huayhuash Trek – Peru
If you are looking forward to enjoying a more Peruvian beauty, make sure to go for the Huayhuash trek, which is located in the northern part of the country. The trek is around 180 kilometers long, and it takes more than 10 days to complete. This is a higher difficulty trek where you will have to hike up through the whole mountain range. You will be crossing over eight mountain passes, and while the breath-taking view of the place sweeps off your feet. This is considered a difficult trek because of the altitude, with most of the walking being done at over 4000m. Hiring a guide and donkeys is possible from Huaraz, the nearest town. This is a lifetime experience, and it should be on your bucket list as well.
- Valle de Cocora loop – Colombia
Let’s go for some Colombian flavors, as this country can also offer you ample trekking opportunities. The trek of Valle de Cocora is the main attraction for travelers who come to visit the country from around the world. The track is near Salento in Colombia, and you can easily set your base in the town. The trek is around 12 to 13 kilometers long, and you can easily do it within a day. This place deserves all the praise due to its ethereal beauty that can captivate anyone. It is the home of the tallest palm trees in the world, the wax palm trees, and it offers a beautiful green valley throughout the route. You will see the forest and the lonely river by the side, but what will tantalize your heart even more is the spectacular views of the lush green valley that you get to see from the top of the viewpoints.
- Colca Canyon – Peru
Colca Canyon feels like a painting of nature that is huge, beautiful, and greatly inspiring. It takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete this 13 km long trek, and the difficulty level is quite low for this one. If you want to enjoy the bright green foliage, it is recommended to visit he place right after the rainy season when the vegetation will be green and thick. It is the place to get lost in nature for a few days without the need for any internet connection. Observe the huge Andean Condors from the trail and go off the grid to enjoy the tranquility of hiking. Perhaps it is time to pack your bags.
- Fitz Roy, Los Glaciares National Park – Argentina
Argentina is not just famous for football, but the country is also popular for its natural biodiversity. Make sure to visit the Los Glaciares National Park if you are in the country, as this park is filled with plenty of spectacular places. Fitz Roy is the most iconic peak of the park, where you can hike from Senda El Pilar. This trek will allow you to witness a handful of mountains and glaciers, and it can become a truly memorable experience. You can easily settle down at the Poincenot Camp, where you might find the fellow hikers, too. The trek trail is highly praised among adventure seekers due to its incredible scenery.
- Isla del Sol – Bolivia
It is time for you to enjoy some Bolivian beauty by hiking across Isla del Sol, which is an island on Lake Titicaca. You would have to take a ferry ride from Copacabana to reach this place, and you can embark on your journey through the rural villages. This place is highly photogenic, and it feels straight out of a postcard due to its scenic landscape. You can also find some Incan ruins in the Rocky Mountains while you hike along the Willa Thaki route. This trek comes with moderate difficulty and is situated at an altitude of 4000m. You can also explore the northern village of Cha’allapampa.
- Metropolitan Park – Panama
If you are looking for a trek with no specific route and you can just follow any trail you like and still not get lost, then the Metropolitan Park in Panama is the best place for you. This is a great place to hike and spot wildlife, whether you are solo or with your buddies. You can also find the adorable sloths here resting on the top of the trees. It is a relaxing trek, and you will be satisfied at every point. There are a variety of trails here, ranging from easy to more strenuous. Make sure to carry some snacks to replenish yourself, and taking ample water is important too.
- Los Nevados National Park – Colombia
The Los Nevados National Park in Colombia is easily one of the best treks in the world, where you will cover more than 50 km in 5 days. It is highly famous for its fantastic Valle de Cocora, which comes with lush green valleys and different dimensions that are full of Fraijones, paramos, and astonishing landscapes. However, it is not a very easy walk as the trek comes with moderate difficulty.
- Puerte Vallarta – Mexico
Puerto Vallarta in Mexico might not be famous for its hikes, but you can still find some good routes right outside of the city. You can find a trail that starts at the tiny town of Boca de Tomatlan, which you can bus to, and finishes at lovely Las Animas beach. You can walk along the coastal paths and wooden trails while you enjoy your time on the beautiful, secluded beaches. At the end, you are rewarded with ice-cold cerveza, fresh coconuts, and seafood before taking a short boat ride back to Puerto Vallarta.
- Lençóis Maranhenses Desert – Brazil
This is one of the most special treks in the whole world, which is situated in Brazil. The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is situated in the Northern Coast of Brazil. It is a multi-day hike through the sand dunes where you can witness freshwater lagoons after rain. A lot of hikers like to take a bath in the lagoon to cool off. A guide is needed to avoid getting lost between the sand dunes, an ever-changing landscape, and you can sleep in a small oasis in the middle of the desert, where just a few families live.
- The Appalachian Trail – USA
This trek is more than 3500 km long, and it takes around seven months to complete this humongous trek. The Appalachian Trail is one of three ultra-long-distance hikes across the United States. However, you do not have to complete the whole thing, as you will get to see many elements on the routes from where you can decide to return. The White Mountains National Forest is the most beautiful attraction of the whole trek.
