Category: lists

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TOP 10 Hiking Towns ➙ Moab, Utah

Moab is a fantastic jumping off point for outdoor adventure, a special mecca for crack climbing.

But the “strip” can be loud, ugly, hot and aggravating. Once you get away from the highway, the town’s much prettier. They have a good library and great bike trails.

Moab … in eastern Utah … is 233 miles (374 km) southeast of Salt Lake City and 354 miles (569 km) west of Denver, Colorado …

The population was 4,779 at the 2000 census. … Moab hosts a large number of tourists every year, mostly visitors of the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which are located close by. The town is also a popular base for mountain bikers who come to ride the extensive network of trails including the famed Slickrock Trail …

More interesting photos tagged Moab, Utah.

Arch in the Mountain, Utah

Our favourite hikes out of Moab are:

• Chesler Park
• Devil’s Garden
• Delicate Arch
• Syncline Loop
• Upper Salt Creek
• Murphy Basin
• Gooseberry-Dogleg Loop

There are many, many more. This is Edward Abbey country.

Chesler Park

Click through for more “best hikes” in the S.W. USA.

Hike here Spring and Fall. It’s HOT in the summer.

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TOP 10 day hikes ➙ Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world

Why?

Reopened in 2019 with sherpa-built steps.

Now much safer and easier.

  • Reinebringen is on the island of Moskenesøya , one of the Lofoten islands in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle
  • infamous for wind and rainy weather
  • famed for dramatic scenery,  rugged peaks, open sea vistas past sheltered bays
  • about 448 meters (1470 feet) above sea level
  • over 1500 stone steps
  • about 2 hours up
  • It’s crowded. Over a thousand people a day in high season if the weather is good.
  • permits not required

World → Europe → Norway → Reinebringen, Lofoten

For details click over to our Reinebringen, Lofoten, Norway information page.

Of course BestHike editor Rick McCharles HAD to make a hero video of himself atop the famous vista. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Scotland – Isle of Skye – 10 Walks

Having grown up on the Isle of Skye, Alastair Jackson brings us his top ten walks.

  1. Ben Aslak (5km – 2.5hrs)
  2. Ord to Dun Scaith Castle (6km – 1.5hrs)
  3. Dalavil and Gillean (9km -5hrs)
  4. Glamaig (6.5km – 4.5hrs)
  5. Talisker Bay (3.5km – 1hr)
  6. Oronsay Tidal Island (5km – 2hr)
  7. Waterstein Head and optional: South Duirinish Cliff walk (5km – 2hrs )
  8. Uiginish Point (4km -2hrs)
  9. Waternish Point (13.5km – 3.5-4hrs)
  10. Quirang Car Park to Beinn Edra Summit (14.5 km – 4.5hrs)
  11. Rubha Huinish (8km -3hrs) … bonus walk !

Details on The Great Outdoors Mag:

Ten of the Best Isle of Skye Walks: Exploring Scotland’s Natural Wonders

Waterstein Head and Neist Point
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TOP 10 ➙ Overland Track, Tasmania

The Overland Track in Tasmania is one of our top 10 hikes in the world.

Click PLAY or watch a 1 minute introduction on YouTube.

Overland Track

The best & most famous walk in Australia.

Overland

AT A GLANCE

  • surreal, unique Tasmanian vistas
  • pretty lakes, tarns and waterfalls
  • exiting by ferry it’s minimum 62km (38.5mi) carrying a pack plus many possible sidetrips without a pack.
    • Elevation Gain: +4,793 ft / 1,461 m
      Elevation Loss: -5,160 ft / 1,573 m
  • 8000-9000 walkers / year in the past
    • 60 walkers start / day 2018 in high season
    • Oct 1 – May 31 Overland Track Pass reservations online
  • access by public transportation
  • easy-moderate hiking IF the weather cooperates
  • add challenging sidetrip peak scrambles if the weather is good
  • Nov – early May best months
  • possible to hike year round (snow travel during the winter)
  • 7-nights recommended. Start Ronny Creek. Finish Cynthia Bay.

Read more on our Overland Information page.

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Leigh McAdam’s 25 Best Treks in the World

One of my favourite sites is Hike Bike Travel.

Editor Leigh McAdam posted her favourite multi-day hikes:

Leigh:

This is a subjective list but there is still a lot of thought that goes into choosing the 25 best treks in the world. 

Some places speak to you – whether its on account of their fabulous setting and landscape or because they have a storied history. Everest Base Camp comes immediately to mind here.

I certainly like treks that aren’t crazy busy. Doing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has no appeal whereas the Choquequiaro Trail – which is longer and more remote is far more tempting to me.

Treks that are truly off the beaten path like the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland immediately pique my interest. Those that are beautiful or culturally interesting for most of their length also go to the top of the best treks in the world list. …

25 Best Treks in the World

Click through for details on each.

I’ve done many — but not all — of Leigh’s list. 

BUT the one triggered for me today is the Alta Via 2 in the Italian Dolomites. 

I hiked the Dolomites last year. Fantastic. And would certainly appreciate a much longer adventure ➙ 10 – 14 days including Via Ferrata.

I’ll download her recommended hiking guidebook and start planning. 🙂

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BestHike TOP 10 Videos

These are our TOP 10 Videos as of December 31, 2023.

First, check the introduction for the BestHike YouTube channel.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

#10 Cycling, Hiking Lofoten Islands, Arctic Norway

HIGHLIGHTS of 2 weeks on the Lofoten Islands. Summers of 2022 and 2023..

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

#9 Hiking Valencia, Spain

One of the best urban hikes anywhere is right through the heart of Valencia, Spain.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

#8 West Coast Trail TEASER

The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, Canada is our #1 hike in the world.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

#7 Cycling / Hiking Arctic Norway ➙ Lyngen Alps to Lofoten

Starting from Tromsø, Norway — well above the Arctic Circle. Footage from summers 2022 – 2023.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

#6 Bermuda Rail Trail

A unique walking adventure way out in the middle of the Atlantic.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

#5 Laugavegur – Iceland – Solo Tenting Late Season

Laugevagur Trail is the BEST HIKE in Iceland. This footage from mid-September while huts were already shutting down for the season.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

#4 John Muir Trail, California

First 5 days with two good friends. Solo for the final 2 weeks ending at Mt Whitney.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

#3 Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal Alone. Late in the year – November.

Fisherman’s Trail is the BEST section of the longer Rota Vicentina route in Portugal. And the BEST section of Fisherman’s is Porto Covo ➙ Zambujeira do Mar

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

#2 BestHike BEST VIDEO Highlights 2022

An inspirational montage from our best hikes of that year.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

#1 Top 10 Hikes on Earth

The best of the best.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. Details.

If you like those, SUBSCRIBE to the BestHike YouTube channel.

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Canmore, Alberta – Day Hikes

Canmore is less than an hour drive from my home.

One of our top 10 hiking towns.

Quincy posted some of his favourite day hikes:

Those are all linked from Seeing the Elephant – 10 Best Hikes Near Canmore

I’ve done most. A great list.

You could add Mount Lady MacDonald.

Canmore as seen from Mt Lady MacDonald
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Best Hikes in the World?

I asked Perplexity AI.

A better list than I expected to get from Artificial Intelligence:

  • Tour du Mont Blanc: This hike takes you through France, Italy, and Switzerland, and offers stunning views of the Alps 16.
  • West Coast Trail: Located in Canada, this hike takes you through rugged terrain and offers views of the Pacific Ocean 16.
  • Laugavegur Trail: This hike in Iceland takes you through a variety of landscapes, including glaciers, hot springs, and volcanic terrain 1.
  • Greater Patagonian Trail: This hike in Chile and Argentina offers views of glaciers, mountains, and forests 2.
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing: This hike in New Zealand is considered by some to be the best single-day hike in the world, and offers views of volcanic terrain and stunning landscapes 3.
  • Kjeragbolten: This hike in Norway takes you to a boulder wedged between two cliffs, offering incredible views of the fjords below 3.
  • The Great Ocean Walk: This hike in Australia offers views of the Southern Ocean and the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks 5.
  • GR 20: This hike in Corsica is considered one of the toughest in Europe, but offers stunning views of the island’s rugged terrain 6.
  • Banff Highline Traverse: This hike in Canada offers views of glaciers, mountains, and alpine lakes 6.
  • Rakiura Track: This hike in New Zealand takes you through forests and along beaches, and offers views of wildlife such as kiwis and penguins 2.

A mixed assortment, of course. It’s difficult to compare an easy day hike like the Kjeragbolten to the Greater Patagonian Trail.

Image created by Microsoft Designer AI.
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#1 Day Hike in the World – Harder Ridge

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

24km total … about 18km on a sharp ridge! Wow!

  • Yes, this is our pick for the very best day hike on Earth
  • Brienz to Interlaken Brienz Rothorn Railway up to the start
  • take the funicular from Harderkulm (Harder Kulm)  down to Harderkulm Station in Interlaken
  • logistics are much more difficult in the opposite direction. We highly recommend hikers start in Brienz
  • 10+ hours. Physically and psychologically challenging.
  • no water available. Carry all you need.
  • not an official trail, but it’s easy to follow in good visibility
  • about 1500m above the lake
  • permits not required
  • it’s popular with trail runners who do about 35km entirely on foot. They start at either end.
  • also known as Hardergrat (… grat is ridge in German)

World → Europe → Alps → Switzerland → Harder Ridge

Click PLAY or watch Jackson Groves on YouTube.

For details click over to our Harder Ridge information page.

related – The GoPro: ’22 Creator Summit was held in Interlaken. Some of this footage is shot on the ridge.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Here’s a graphic representation of the ridge walk, though in the opposite direction from what we recommend.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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#2 day hike – Zion Narrows, Utah USA

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

Best slot canyon hike in the world.

  • in Utah’s Zion National Park
  • 16 miles (25 km) from Chamberlain’s Ranch to Temple of Sinawava in the Park
  • June through October best months
  • usually closed from mid-March to mid-May due to spring snowmelt and runoff
  • in places chasm up to 1,968 ft deep and 20 ft wide
  • about a 1500 ft descent
  • walk in water up to half the time
  • 9 – 13 hours. Confirm the time of the last shuttle out of the park!
  • a long, tiring day or you can camp overnight. Be aware that there are only 12 campsites available and they book quickly. Start as early as possible if you are doing it in a day.
  • Permit is required

World → North America → S.W. USA  → Utah → Zion Narrows

Water walking shoes recommended.

For details click over to our Zion Narrows information page.