There are hikes—and then there are experiences. The kind of trails that make you forget your phone (except for photos), take your breath away (literally and figuratively), and stay in your memory forever. Whether it's the surreal terrain, the spiritual significance, or the sheer natural beauty, some hiking trails around the world feel like they've been plucked from a dream.
Here’s a roundup of incredible hiking trails that are as visually stunning as they are soul-stirring.
1. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru)
Ancient stone steps, misty mountain passes, and centuries-old ruins greet you on the Inca Trail. The 26-mile journey through the Sacred Valley isn’t just a hike—it’s a spiritual pilgrimage. As you descend into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate at dawn, it's hard not to feel awestruck by both human achievement and natural beauty.
2. The Narrows, Zion National Park (USA)
This is one of the most unique hikes in the U.S., where the trail is a river and your path is flanked by 1,000-foot red rock walls. The play of light on sandstone and the echo of the water create an atmosphere that feels straight out of a science fiction movie. Bring water shoes—you’ll get wet, and you’ll love every second of it.
3. Kalalau Trail, Kauai (Hawaii, USA)
The Kalalau Trail is as dangerous as it is dazzling. Expect 11 miles of lush jungle, knife-edge ridges, and jaw-dropping ocean views along the Nā Pali Coast. At the end, you're rewarded with Kalalau Beach—a golden crescent of sand accessible only by foot or boat. It’s raw, wild Hawaii.
4. Dolomites Alta Via 1 (Italy)
Stretching 75 miles through the Italian Alps, the Alta Via 1 mixes alpine adventure with Italian charm. You’ll pass sparkling glacial lakes, dramatic rock formations, and charming rifugi (mountain huts) where you can feast on polenta and wine. Every switchback brings a new postcard-worthy panorama.
5. Tiger’s Nest Monastery Trek (Bhutan)
Short but steep, this hike leads you to Paro Taktsang, a sacred monastery clinging to a cliffside in Bhutan. As you ascend past fluttering prayer flags and into the thin air, you’ll feel a powerful sense of reverence. It’s a trek of spiritual discovery as much as physical challenge.
6. Trolltunga (Norway)
Translating to "Troll's Tongue," this 17-mile round-trip hike in Norway ends at a stunning rock ledge jutting out over Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The icy blue water, rugged cliffs, and wide Nordic skies create a setting so surreal you’ll feel like you're in a myth. Pro tip: start early to avoid the crowds and catch the sunrise over the fjord.
7. Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
Think steaming vents, obsidian lava fields, pastel rhyolite mountains, and hot springs—all in one hike. The Laugavegur Trail spans about 34 miles from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and offers a cinematic showcase of Iceland’s wild and weird terrain. It’s like walking across multiple planets in one go.
8. Overland Track (Tasmania, Australia)
A pristine 40-mile journey through Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, the Overland Track delivers mirror-like lakes, mossy rainforests, and alpine plateaus. You might spot wombats, wallabies, or even echidnas as you hike. Remote and unspoiled, this trail feels like a secret world.
9. Mount Rinjani Crater Rim (Indonesia)
This volcano trek on the island of Lombok offers a blend of tropical beauty and volcanic drama. You'll pass through forests, villages, and hot springs on your way to the crater rim, where the sunrise over the caldera lake is simply unforgettable. It’s not easy—but it’s epic.
10. Drakensberg Amphitheatre Hike (South Africa)
The Sentinel Peak Trail in the Drakensberg mountains climbs to one of the most majestic cliff faces in the world. You'll encounter chain ladders, sweeping escarpment views, and Tugela Falls—the world’s second tallest waterfall. Few trails combine drama and beauty like this one.
Final Thoughts: Start Dreaming, Start Planning
Each of these trails is a reminder that Earth still holds pockets of magic—places where nature’s beauty defies description. Whether it’s your first hike or your fiftieth, stepping onto a trail like one of these changes the way you see the world and yourself.
So what are you waiting for? Add one—or all—of these breathtaking hikes to your bucket list. The trail is calling, and trust us: you have to see it to believe it.
