30 Epic Hikes of the World. Ranked by Difficulty.

Every country offers a good number of hiking treks. Depending on the terrain, they can be easy walks or extreme challenges requiring much preparation and effort. The ultimate goal for taking a hike can also be different — spiritual search, challenging the body, or relaxing the brain. This list ranks 30 of the epic hikes of the world from the easiest to the hardest, taking into account both difficulty and duration.

Easy Hikes

1. Route K, Plitvice Lakes National Park

Route K in Plitvice Lakes National Park is a loop trail that takes you through one of Croatia’s most stunning natural landscapes. This hike offers breathtaking views of the park’s famous cascading lakes and waterfalls. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all levels.

Sights to See:

• Veliki Slap (the Big Waterfall)
• Jezero Kozjak (Kozjak Lake)
• Upper and Lower Lakes
• Wooden walkways and bridges
• Dense forest areas
• Diverse wildlife and plant species

2. El Caminito del Rey

El Caminito del Rey, often referred to as the “King’s Little Pathway,” is a thrilling walkway pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Málaga. Known for its stunning views and dramatic heights, the path has been renovated and is now safer for hikers, though it still offers an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Sights to See:

• Gaitanes Gorge
• The Guadalhorce River
• Hanging bridge
• Scenic viewpoints over the canyon
• Waterfalls and lush landscapes
• Historical structures along the path

3. Rakiura Track

The Rakiura Track on Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This loop trail takes you through lush rainforest, along beautiful coastlines, and across rugged terrain. It’s a relatively gentle hike, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

Sights to See:

• Lee Bay
• Maori Beach
• Port William Hut
• North Arm Hut
• Paterson Inlet
• Abundant birdlife, including kiwis
• Native bush and ferns

4. The Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk stretches along the southern coast of Victoria, offering hikers spectacular coastal views, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. This long-distance walk takes you through national parks, along rugged coastlines, and past historic shipwrecks.

Sights to See:

• Twelve Apostles rock formations
• Gibson Steps
• Cape Otway Lightstation
• Loch Ard Gorge
• Johanna Beach
• Wreck Beach
• Wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, and native birds

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Moderate Difficulty Hikes

5. Great Wall of China, Jinshanling Section

The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China is renowned for its stunning scenery and well-preserved watchtowers. This moderately challenging hike offers a mix of restored and original segments of the wall. It provides a glimpse into the ancient history of one of the seven wonders of the modern world. It’s not far from Beijing (only 54km/87 mi) and will definitely inspire you to explore the neighboring sections.

Sights to See:

• Jinshanling watchtowers
• Panoramic views of mountains and valleys
• Ancient fortifications and battlements
• Simatai Great Wall section
• Sunrise and sunset views over the wall

6. The Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in the world, leading adventurers through the Andes to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including cloud forests, alpine tundra, and Incan ruins, providing a rich cultural and historical experience.

Sights to See:

• Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca)
• Wiñay Wayna ruins
• Llactapata archaeological site
• Phuyupatamarca (“Town in the Clouds”)
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
• Machu Picchu

7. Milford Track

The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, renowned for its stunning landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine passes, and cascading waterfalls. This moderately challenging hike offers breathtaking views and an immersive experience in Fiordland National Park.

Sights to See:

• Clinton Valley
• Mackinnon Pass
• Sutherland Falls (one of the world’s tallest waterfalls)
• Arthur Valley
• Milford Sound

8. Ocean to Lake Trail, Florida

The Ocean to Lake Trail is a unique hike through a variety of ecosystems in southern Florida. This trail takes hikers from the Atlantic coast, through pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and wet prairies, all the way to the shores of Lake Okeechobee. It’s known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.

Sights to See:

• Hobe Sound Beach
• Jonathan Dickinson State Park
• Cypress swamps and wetlands
• Loxahatchee River
• Lake Okeechobee
• Abundant wildlife including alligators, wading birds, and wildflowers

9. The Torres del Paine “W” Circuit

The Torres del Paine “W” Circuit is one of the most famous treks in Patagonia, known for its breathtaking landscapes, including towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and expansive glaciers. This moderately challenging hike offers a diverse range of scenery and wildlife.

Sights to See:

• The Towers of Paine (Las Torres)
• Grey Glacier
• French Valley
• Lake Nordenskjöld
• Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Paine)
• Wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and condors

10. The Lycian Way, Turkey

The Lycian Way is a long-distance trail that winds along the coast of ancient Lycia, offering hikers a mix of stunning coastal views, mountainous terrain, and historical ruins. This trail is moderately challenging due to its length and diverse terrain.

Sights to See:

• Ölüdeniz Lagoon
• Butterfly Valley
• Ancient ruins of Patara, Xanthos, and Myra
• The lighthouse at Cape Gelidonya
• Kas and Kalkan coastal towns
• Mount Olympos and Chimera flames

11. Sinai Trail

The Sinai Trail is Egypt’s first long-distance hiking trail, traversing the deserts of the Sinai Peninsula. This trail takes hikers through rugged mountains, sweeping deserts, and ancient historical sites. It’s also the best way to experience the canyons.

Sights to See:

• St. Catherine’s Monastery
• Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa)
• Wadi Feiran oasis
• Gebel Serbal
• Bedouin villages
• Ras Shetan beach

12. Camino Primitivo, Camino de Santiago

The Camino Primitivo is the oldest route of the Camino de Santiago, known for its challenging terrain and scenic beauty. This historic pilgrimage path takes hikers through lush forests, rolling hills, and quaint villages, offering a serene and reflective journey.

Sights to See:

• Oviedo Cathedral
• Lugo’s Roman walls
• Secluded mountain villages
• Lush Galician countryside
• Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

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Moderate to Hard Hikes

13. La Ciudad Perdida – The Lost City Trek

The Lost City Trek is a challenging hike through the dense jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This trek leads to the ancient city of Teyuna, also known as La Ciudad Perdida, which predates Machu Picchu. The journey involves river crossings, steep climbs, and descents through tropical rainforests.

Sights to See:

• The ancient terraces and structures of La Ciudad Perdida
• Indigenous villages of the Kogi and Wiwa people
• Lush jungle landscapes
• Wildlife including monkeys and exotic birds
• Waterfalls and river crossings

14. Mount Kilimanjaro Trek (Machame Route)

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This trek offers diverse scenery, including dense rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the snow-capped Uhuru Peak. It’s known for its challenging altitude gains and stunning vistas.

Sights to See:

• Machame Forest
• Shira Plateau
• Barranco Wall
• Lava Tower
• Stella Point
• Uhuru Peak (summit of Kilimanjaro)
• Views of Mount Meru and the surrounding plains

15. Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most popular long-distance hikes in Europe, encircling the Mont Blanc massif. This trek offers stunning alpine scenery, including glaciers, meadows, and high mountain passes, while crossing through three countries. It’s known for its challenging ascents and descents.

Sights to See:

• Mont Blanc (the highest peak in Western Europe)
• Chamonix Valley
• Courmayeur in Italy
• Champex-Lac in Switzerland
• Col de la Seigne (a high mountain pass)
• Glacier de Bionnassay
• Traditional alpine villages

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Hard Hikes

16. The Long Range Traverse

The Long Range Traverse is a challenging backcountry trek through the rugged terrain of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. This route takes hikers through pristine wilderness, offering dramatic fjords, alpine plateaus, and stunning vistas. It requires strong navigation skills and self-sufficiency.

Sights to See:

• Western Brook Pond fjord
• Gros Morne Mountain
• Arctic-alpine landscapes
• Diverse wildlife including caribou and moose
• Spectacular coastal views
• Remote and untouched wilderness areas

17. Backbone Trail

The Backbone Trail stretches across the Santa Monica Mountains, offering hikers diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs to lush canyons. This challenging trek provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the chance to experience Southern California’s unique flora and fauna.

Sights to See:

• Point Mugu State Park
• Sandstone Peak (the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains)
• Mishe Mokwa Trail
• Malibu Creek State Park
• Will Rogers State Historic Park
• Coastal and mountain views
• Variety of wildlife including deer and birds of prey

18. Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic and challenging treks in the world, leading adventurers to the base of the highest mountain on Earth. This trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, a glimpse into Sherpa culture, and a profound sense of achievement.

Sights to See:

• Namche Bazaar
• Tengboche Monastery
• Dingboche and Lobuche villages
• Khumbu Glacier
• Kala Patthar (for panoramic views of Everest)
• Everest Base Camp
• Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse

19. The Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular and challenging treks in Nepal, circumnavigating the Annapurna Massif. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to alpine terrain, and crosses the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.

Sights to See:

• Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters)
• Manang Valley
• Tilicho Lake (optional side trip)
• Muktinath Temple
• Kali Gandaki Gorge (the deepest gorge in the world)
• Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges
• Traditional Nepalese villages and monasteries

20. The John Muir Trail via Yosemite Valley

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California. This challenging trek passes through several national parks, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia, offering hikers breathtaking alpine scenery, high mountain passes, and remote wilderness.

Sights to See:

• Yosemite Valley
• Half Dome (optional side trip)
• Ansel Adams Wilderness
• Evolution Valley
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous United States)

21. The Jordan Trail

The Jordan Trail is a long-distance hiking route that traverses the entire country of Jordan, from the northern forests and farms to the desert landscapes in the south. Fortunately, although being quite long of a hike, it’s not desert-only. This challenging trek offers a diverse range of terrains and cultural experiences. Like Camino de Santiago, this hike has a spiritual value. Even though it’s not exactly a pilgrimage it goes through Biblical landmarks such as Umm Qais and, of course, one of the 7 modern wonders of the world — Petra.

Sights to See:

• Roman ruins of Jerash
• Ajloun Castle
• Dana Biosphere Reserve
• Petra (the ancient Nabatean city)
• Wadi Rum desert
• Jordan Rift Valley

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Very Hard Hikes

22. The Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon hike is a demanding trek through one of the largest canyons in the world. This trek takes hikers along the canyon floor, offering spectacular views of the rocky landscape, hot springs, and the winding Fish River. Due to the harsh conditions, this hike requires physical fitness and preparation.

Sights to See:

• Fish River Canyon viewpoints
• Sulphur Springs
• Rock formations and geological features
• Ai-Ais Hot Springs
• Rich desert flora and fauna
• Night skies with clear stargazing opportunities

23. Kungsleden (The King’s Trail)

Kungsleden, or The King’s Trail, is Sweden’s most famous long-distance hike, traversing through some of the most remote and stunning landscapes in the country. This trail takes hikers through pristine wilderness, including alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and dense forests. It’s known for its challenging terrain and spectacular natural beauty.

Sights to See:

• Abisko National Park
• Mount Kebnekaise (Sweden’s highest peak)
• Sarek National Park
• Vast lakes and rivers
• Sami villages
• Arctic Circle landscapes
• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) if hiking in early September

24. The Great Divide Trail

The Great Divide Trail (GDT) is one of North America’s most challenging and rewarding long-distance hikes, following the Continental Divide through the Canadian Rockies. This trek offers breathtaking scenery, remote wilderness, and diverse ecosystems, but requires significant preparation and self-sufficiency.

Sights to See:

• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Banff National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Yoho National Park
• Kananaskis Country
• Stunning alpine meadows and glaciers
• Abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, and mountain goats

25. Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is one of the longest and most challenging hiking trails in the world. It goes from border to border, from Mexico to Canada, through California, Oregon, and Washington. The trail traverses diverse landscapes, including the deserts of Sonoran and Mojave, the mountains of Sierra Nevada, and the forests of Oregon, offering hikers a lifetime of experiences.

Due to the seasonality, it’s very hard to do a hike-thru within one year. Though not being a spiritual destination, PCT is often chosen to spend a sabbatical.

Sights to See:

• Mojave Desert
• Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Yosemite National Park
• Crater Lake National Park
• Cascade Range
• Mount Shasta and Mount Rainier
• Remote wilderness and varied ecosystems

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Extremely Hard Hikes

26. Dientes Circuit Trek

The Dientes Circuit Trek is a remote and challenging hike in the southernmost part of Chile, offering rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and spectacular views. The trail circles the jagged peaks of the Dientes de Navarino range, providing a true adventure for experienced hikers. Being over-shadowed by its easier and obviously more popular “neighbor” Torres del Paine, this route is only taken by several hundred per year. That’s why its obvious highlight is solitude.

Sights to See:

• Dientes de Navarino peaks
• Views of the Beagle Channel
• Laguna del Salto
• Paso Virginia (the highest point of the trek)
• Diverse flora and fauna
• Remote and pristine wilderness

27. The West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail is a challenging and iconic hike along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. This trail, originally designed to assist shipwreck survivors, offers a demanding trek through dense forests, over rocky beaches, and along steep cliffs.

Sights to See:

• Pachena Point Lighthouse
• Tsusiat Falls
• Nitinaht Narrows
• Shipwreck remains
• Coastal rainforests and beaches
• Abundant wildlife, including bears, cougars, and marine life

28. Dolomite High Route (Alta Via Uno)

The Dolomite High Route, or Alta Via Uno, is a demanding trek through the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains in northeastern Italy. This trail offers stunning alpine scenery, including towering peaks, lush meadows, and picturesque mountain huts. The hike requires good physical fitness and mountain trekking experience.

Sights to See:

• Lago di Braies (Lake Braies)
• Tofana di Rozes
• Cinque Torri (Five Towers)
• Marmolada Glacier (optional side trip)
• Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Piz Boè
• Scenic mountain huts and rifugios

29. GR20

The GR20 is one of the toughest long-distance hikes in Europe. It traverses the rugged mountains of Corsica and offers dramatic scenery, including high peaks, deep valleys, and picturesque villages. The trek requires strong physical fitness and mountaineering skills.

Sights to See:

• Monte Cinto (the highest peak in Corsica)
• Alpine lakes and rivers
• Asco Valley
• Bavella Needles (rock formations)
• Dense forests and Mediterranean landscapes
• Traditional Corsican villages

30. Snowman Trek

The Snowman Trek is one of the world’s most challenging and remote treks, traversing the high Himalayas of Bhutan. This trek takes hikers through some of Earth’s most pristine and unspoiled landscapes, including high mountain passes, glacial valleys, and traditional Bhutanese villages and Buddhist monasteries. It traverses 9 passes higher than 4,500 m/14,800 ft and 6 mountains above 7,000 m / 23,000 ft.

Sights to See:

• Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
• Jomolhari Base Camp
• Laya village
• Thanza village
• High passes such as Gophu La and Rinchen Zoe La
• Stunning views of the Himalayas

Summing Up the Epic Hikes of the World

From the religious pilgrimages of the Camino Primitivo and Sinai Trail to the biblical journey of the Jordan Trail, these epic hikes of the world offer a diverse array of challenges and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re navigating the dizzying heights of El Caminito del Rey, enduring the rugged terrain of the Snowman Trek, or taking in the awe-inspiring views of the Great Wall of China, each hike provides a unique adventure.

For those seeking endurance and resilience, trails like the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the GR20 in France push even the most seasoned hikers to their limits. The Dientes Circuit Trek in Chile and the Dolomite High Route in Italy offer remote and breathtaking landscapes, while the lush paths of the Milford Track and the historical route of the John Muir Trail in Yosemite Valley provide a blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Iconic treks such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal draw adventurers to the heights of the Himalayas. At the same time, the Great Ocean Walk in Australia and the West Coast Trail in Canada showcase coastal wonders. The varied ecosystems of Route K in Plitvice Lakes National Park and the challenging expanses of the Kungsleden in Sweden further add to this list of epic hikes.

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