Category: lists

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Top 10 Hiking Destinations ➙ Sierra Nevada USA

The longest, highest, most diverse mountain range in the continental United States is not the Rockies. It’s the Sierra Nevada range in California.

Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite … everyone loves these mountains.

In the summer of 2007 we met a hiker there who enjoyed 41 days in a row of perfect weather. Where else in the mountains can you get that? (Starting day 42 he had pounding hail and was at risk of death by lightning.)

The range is about the same size as the Alps, 430mi long, 40-80mi wide. It’s all great.

Many come here specifically to climb Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous States. Others come to see astonishing Yosemite Valley. And to scramble Half Dome.

Lower elevation hikes are accessible year-round. The Parks are within easy driving distance of major urban areas and, unusual for the USA, have good public transportation. Kids love this region.

In fact, everyone leaves John Muir’s “Range of Light” elated.

More information on our new Sierra Nevada information page.

Our favourite hike in the Sierra Nevada is the John Muir Trail, our #2 hike in the world. (Every photo of the JMT is a postcard.)

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

See our JMT Information page.

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Dangerous Trails Around the World

Here’s a list of some of the established hikes known to have caused deaths and injuries in the past.  

Of course if you are experienced and cautious, I’d call most of them ‘safe’.

Of the list, I’ve done these myself and would recommend them. 

  • El Caminito del Rey, Spain
  • Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa
  • Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
  • Huayna Picchu, Peru
  • Mount Washington, USA

El Caminito I’d call SUPER safe in 2025.

Huayna Picchu is a bit sketchy.  A couple of days before I climbed, a tourist from Russia was killed by lightning. 

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Top 10 Coastal Hikes ➙ Thorsborne Trail, Austalia

Thorsborne is one of our top 10 coastal hikes in the world.

Zoe Falls

Why?

  • between Cairns and Townsville in North Queensland
  • in Hinchinbrook Island National Park
  • part of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • 32km (20mi) 
  • 4 days, 3 nights recommended
  • April – October best months
  • reserve permits months in advance. A year in advance if possible. Ask about cancellations if you have no booking.

Click PLAY or watch an Australian Geographic promo on YouTube.

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Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada

Born and raised in nearby Calgary, Alberta — Waterton is my favourite Canadian National Park. I’ve been there dozens of times over the decades.

Many tourists rush to Banff National Park, missing Waterton. And that’s a shame.

Campsites book quickly, so reserve early. Several months ahead.

Gemma and JR posted their advice:

… a three day Waterton Lakes National Park itinerary, based on our favourite experiences and the activities that I think showcase the best of the park. We’ve explored Waterton multiple times, across different seasons. …

For a quieter (and cheaper) trip, visit in mid/late May, June or September. …

  • A national park pass is required to enter and explore Waterton Lakes National Park
  • From 19th June to 7th September 2026, there are no admission fees for national parks and national historic sites operated by Parks Canada (Canada Strong program)
  • Mid/late May to late September is the best time to visit
  • Facilities, trails and services are more limited outside of this time period, especially during the winter months
  • Reservations for the Townsite campground open in January each year. The date is usually revealed on this Parks Canada page in late November, early December
  • In 2017, a major wildfire swept through the western side of Waterton (39% of the park). Burned trees are still visible in many areas. Learn more about the fire at the Visitor Centre

Waterton Lakes National Park 3 Day Itinerary: Hiking, Wildlife and Waterfalls

Click PLAY or watch highlights on YouTube.

Across the border is Glacier National Park, Montana.

One of our top 10 hikes in the world is Glacier North Circle which can include both parks. You will see a lot of wildlife in both.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Top 10 Coastal Hikes ➙ South Coast Track, Tasmania

South Coast Track in Australia is one of our top 10 coastal hikes in the world.

BUT — it’s a challenging walk in a region of Tasmania exposed to harsh weather conditions. There are no huts along the track. Track conditions are often difficult. Walkers must be fully self-sufficient, well-equipped and experienced.

Hire a guide if this worries you.

Why?

  • surreal, unique Tasmanian seascapes
  • entirely within Southwest National Park
  • flying in, walking out, the standard route is 82km (51mi)
  • 6-8 days Melaleuca to Cockle Creek
  • best months December to March
  • wild, inspiring, rugged
  • World Heritage wilderness
  • “alpine peaks, pristine beaches, alpine meadows, dense rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, dune communities, dry coastal forest and more”
  • no booking required
  • no quotas on numbers of bushwalkers
  • chance to see some of the weird and wonderful — sometimes dangerous — Aussie wildlife

Click PLAY or watch a Tasmanian Expeditions promo video on YouTube.

For details, click over to our South Coast Track information page.

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Favourite 10 Day Hikes in Europe

As selected by Markus Rosehill.

10. Picos de Europa, Spain

9. Cinque Terre, Italy

8. Romsdals-eggen, Norway (Troll)

7. Alicudi, Italy

6. Oeschinen-see, Switzerland

5. Mulagljufur, Iceland

4. Faja Racon, Spain

3. Pico to Pico, Madiera, Portugal

2. Schaeffer Hut, Switzerland

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo

I’ve only hiked 3 from that list — but the rest make me want to go back to Europe pronto.

Markus put together all 10 in one long video — with links where you can get more information.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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Great Hikes in Washington State

I’ve hiked a lot in WA.

Always good.

Lonely Planet posted a list of their 10 most magnificent hikes in Washington:

  • Wonderland Trail is a challenging multi-day hike
  • Enchanted Valley Trail is the best hike for wildlife-spotting
  • Ozette Triangle Trail is the best beach hike
  • Cascade Pass to Stehekin Valley is a hike to an off-the-grid village
  • Desolation Trail is a great route for literary enthusiasts
  • Chain Lakes Loop has the best mountain views
  • Dog Mountain Trail is the best hike for wildflowers
  • Bluff Trail is a good hike to do as a family
  • Ape Cave is a great subterranean hike
  • Skyline Trail is the best route for glacier viewing

Click through for details.

Click PLAY or watch Pacific N.W. highlights on YouTube.

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TOP 10 Hiking Towns ➙ Zermatt, Switzerland

This resort is off-putting to some. Ignore the posturing Eurotrash, conspicuous in brightly coloured expensive outdoor apparel, unsoiled.

Instead, turn your gaze up to the Matterhorn, “iconic emblem of the Swiss Alps and the Alps”. This valley is one of the great natural wonders of the world.

Zermatt … is in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of about 5,800 inhabitants.

The village is situated at the end of Mattertal at an altitude of 1,620 m (5,315 ft), at the feet of Switzerland’s highest peaks. …

Zermatt is famed as a mountaineering and ski resort of the Swiss Alps. …

To prevent air pollution which could obscure the town’s view of the Matterhorn, the entire town is a combustion-engine car-free zone. Almost all vehicles in Zermatt are battery driven and almost completely silent. Electric vehicles are allowed for local commerce. …

More interesting photos tagged Zermatt, Switzerland.

Our favourite hike hikes out of Zermatt:

• Chamonix to Zermatt – Walkers’ Haute Route TOP 10 <guidebook> <trip>
• Tour of the Matterhorn
• Tour of Monte Rosa

Weisshorn 4506m from the Europa Hut at sunrise

Actually, there are trails everywhere in the Alps. It’s awesome.

View from Weisshorn

More best hikes in the Alps.

Best time to hike is late June to early October.

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TOP 10 day hikes ➙  Laguna de los Tres, Argentina

One of our top 10 day hikes in the world.

Why?

The photos say it all. 😀

  • our pick for best day hike — of many — out of El Chaltén, Argentina’s Trekking Capital in Patagonia
  • the nearest airport is El Calafate
  • November – March are the best months. You might have snow on the trail in November or March, however.
  • 8+ hours round trip depending on route
  • elevation gain 2,300 ft. (700m)
  • option to tent near the lake
  • infamous for bad weather. Be prepared for extreme wind.

World → S America → Patagonian Andes → Argentina → Laguna de los Tres

vista from El Chaltén

For details click over to our Laguna de los Tres information page.