A UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the great tourist destinations of the world, most everyone likes the quaint mountain town, Banff, in the Canadian Rockies. Growth is strictly limited by National Park regulations.
… at 1,463 m (4,800 ft), it is the town with the second highest elevation in Canada, the highest being Lake Louise.
It is surrounded by mountains, notably Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain; and situated above Bow Falls near the junction of the Bow and Spray Rivers. Banff is located 126 km (78 mi) west of Calgary and 58 km (36 mi) east of Lake Louise …
…. It is a major destination for outdoor sports and features extensive hiking, biking, scrambling and skiing areas within the region. …
Canmore is a smaller town (pop. 12,000) just outside the park, a great alternative to touristy Banff. Alpine Club of Canada headquarters are located in Canmore. Many experienced hikers prefer it as a home base.
Two of our top 10 hikes in the world can be reached from here:
Lake O’Hara, for example, is the prettiest mountain hiking in the Rockies.
Plan for July to mid-September in the northern Rockies. Banff is a great town, but the hiking season is short. Blizzards are not uncommon in September. We often suggest Aug. 1st as a good start date for a walking holiday here. Disclosure: besthike is based out of Calgary. Banff is our backyard playground. You could certainly accuse us of bias. 😀
BestHike editor Rick McCharles spends a week or so each Spring hiking and skiing. The trails are near empty — though you might want to wear spiked shoes.
Capitol Reef, Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Glen Canyon, White Sands National Monument, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. This part of the world is awesome.
We hike the SW USA every year and have yet to be disappointed.
Fascinating, diverse and mind-boggling. The best WOW geological zone we’ve seen anywhere.
The high desert plateau intersection of the four U.S. states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado Plateau is not the deepest nor largest, but it’s by far the most stunningly beautiful on Earth.
Most of the best slot canyons and natural stone arches in the world are here. A desert, your views are unobstructed. The light is perfect for photography.
The best weather is Oct-Nov, Mar-May. Summers are too hot for most hikers.
Most of the hikes in the Four Corners are short due to lack of water and the real risk of getting lost. People die in this wilderness every year.
Our favourite hike in the Four Corners region is Paria Canyon on the border of Arizona and Utah. You enjoy many days beneath huge walls in a slot canyon.
Spain is a truly beautiful country known for its breathtaking scenery and mix of beginner and adventurous hikes. You don’t have to know much about the trails to know this is the place to go if you’re seeking stunning views – that’s a given.
But, when it comes to planning your hiking holiday, it can be helpful to know which part of the country you want to explore.
Picos de Europa
In the north of the country, you’ll get to see the Picos de Europa, a mountain range spanning 12 miles across Asturias, Cantabria, and Castille and León.
With dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and a number of scenic trails that wind through the rugged landscape, you’ll find awe-inspiring views around every corner.
There’s a hike to suit every ability here. Consider the Covadonga Lakes circular route for an easier walk, or the Pica el Jierru for a challenging adventure up to the peak.
Caminito del Rey, Andalusia
For a unique hiking experience, the Caminito del Rey in Andalusia is a trail not to be missed. This famous walkway is suspended 100 meters up a sheer cliff face, with stunning views of the Guadalhorse River below – a great option if you’re seeking a thrill, but best avoided if you’re afraid of heights.
With towering cliffs and glistening turquoise water, the views you’ll get to see here are truly breathtaking. Thanks to the strategically placed suspension bridges and occasional glass walkways, you won’t miss a single sight here – plus, you may even see some eagles and vultures along the route, thanks to the high elevation.
Serra Gelada National Park in Benidorm
If you’re looking for a great hike in Benidorm, consider exploring the Serra Gelada National Park. Here you’ll find seaside trails with views of the Mediterranean and its hidden coastal coves, fossil dunes, and even flora micro reserves.
The best part about choosing to hike here is that all this spectacular scenery is accessible for abilities, from beginners through to more experienced hikers. For example, the Albir Lighthouse trail is a popular and well-maintained route, ideal if you don’t want anything too demanding, while the Alt del Governador loop trail is a moderate hike that takes you to the highest point in the park.
Ready to set off? With so much to see, it’s worth planning your trip well in advance, so that you can make the most of each spot.
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