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#1 best hike in the world is …

The West Coast Trail

No surprise. We’ve called the WCT the best hike in the world since 1999.

Its “a near perfect hiking experience in pristine Canadian wilderness.”

Variety is the main reason we name West Coast Trail the finest walking adventure anywhere. Many hike it every year. On the “Shipwreck Coast” of Vancouver Island, it’s a thrill ride.

We’ve never taken more photos on any other trip.

A coastal hike of 75km (47mi) between Port Renfrew (Gordon River) and Bamfield (Pachena Bay), ideally you want 7 days, 6 nights though many do it in less.

 

  • mystic dawns and mind-blowing sunsets
  • pretty beaches, cool caves, hidden pocket coves, weird cliffs and coastal geology
  • WCT is in a well protected National Park, but access is easy from Victoria or Vancouver
  • it’s challenging — though 99% of those who start (somehow) finish
  • evacuation in case of disaster is efficient
  • thrilling boulder and log walking between Thrasher & Owen Point
  • scrambling up slippery Sandstone Creek
  • playing at Hole in the Wall
  • impossibly situated pretty Tsusiat Falls
  • walking in impressive old growth forest
  • share the trip with whales, sea lions, mink. Maybe bear and cougar. Or even wolves!
  • ship wrecks and other historical artifacts
  • cable cars and ladders can be “fun”
  • campfires below the tide line
  • no biting insects
  • excellent hiking guidebooks available

 

Considerations:

The biggest hassle is the quota system which limits the number of people starting each day to 52. You need to be organized months in advance to get your hands on a Trail Permit.

 

  • hikers have died on the West Coast Trail
  • rogue waves and surge channels pose the greatest risks
  • this is not a good hike for those who have never done a long multi-day trip
  • though it gets a little easier each season, it is still tough
  • slippery footing causes almost everyone to fall multiple times
  • few finish this adventure pain-free
  • you must carry your own heavy pack
  • you may need to climb 50 huge ladders
  • miserably exposed, rain and wind is the norm. You need a good tent.
  • can you handle 6 inches of rain in 12 hours?
  • summer highs around 14C (57F)
  • risks of both hypothermia and heat stroke
  • river crossing are normally no problem

 

Get the details on how to organize to hike it on our West Coast Trail information page.

West-Coast-Trail

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posing on Kilimanjaro




Almost there!

Originally uploaded by sarajanidlo.

If you weren’t already excited enough about Kili, check this photo op on the way to the summit.

Nothing like getting above the clouds!

Thanks (and Merry Christmas) to Tom Mangan. I first saw this on Tom’s Two-Heel Drive hiking blog, one of his Flickr pic o’ the day selections.

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John Muir Trail in 15 days

Jeffrey Hunter, Southeast Trail Programs Director of the American Hiking Society, did the JMT August 11 – 25 this past summer.

He recommends August as biting insects are in decline, “water is still plentiful, and the days are long”.

I can do long days, myself. Having never thru-hiked it, I would try for a fast trip like this. For one thing, it reduces the amount of food I would have to carry on the challenging second half.

Thanks for the advice.

Check Jeffrey’s blog: Southern Appalachians Initiative

kings-canyon-np-on-jmt.jpg
Kings Canyon National Park – Jeffrey Hunter

This is just one of his 2006 – The Hiking Year in Pictures series.

John Muir Trail – more information

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#2 best hike in the world is …

The John Muir Trail

You can still walk for 2 or 3 weeks without crossing a road in California.

This is the best hike in the USA and is the best section of the longer Pacific Crest Trail.

Indeed, many experts rank this is the best hike in the world. It’s a pilgrimage in honour of John Muir, the man who founded the Sierra Club and helped create Yosemite National Park.

Start in Muir’s “range of light” with a thrilling scramble of Half Dome. Then hike South 223mi (360km) to Whitney Portal. If you make it, celebrate on the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48.

As you must carry your own food and tent, book 21 days for an optimal experience.

The weather and conditions are usually great — but only Aug through mid-Sept. It is a very short window!

Of course there are shorter section hikes for all abilities and experience levels.

Why we love it:

  • crosses Yosemite, Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
  • 11 high passes, unbelievable views
  • comparatively moderate and safe walking for a long hike (the scramble up Half Dome being the notable exception)
  • many marvelous waterfalls cascading the huge granite walls of Yosemite
  • the JMT passes through 6 of 7 ecological zones of America
  • you can tent (mostly) where you want. No need to camp near bear boxes.
  • often great weather though afternoon summer thunderstorms are likely
  • Whitney is a beautiful and impressive peak, especially from the summit
  • the warm welcome (and a day off) at Vermillion Resort
  • the Wilderness Permit is free
  • it is easy to solo the JMT but only if you are strong enough to haul your own gear
  • signing the summit register on Whitney is a great culmination to the adventure
  • trying to beat Reinhold Metzger’s record of 5 days 7 Hours 45 minutes without being resupplied

Considerations:

  • almost everyone starts in Yosemite and hikes to Mt. Whitney
  • water is not a major problem, but it will be dry on the the high passes in August
  • a good water filter is recommended
  • dehydration and heat are more often problems than hypothermia
  • bring a lightweight stove. Fire limitations are in effect usually based on elevation.
  • the smartest bears in the world will be trying to get anything edible or that smells edible
  • Marmots will eat anything and may chew through your pack.
  • mosquitos are a slight problem early in the season though wasps, late in the season, are more painful
  • snakes live there but are usually not a nuisance
  • altitude sickness is a big worry, if you opt to start at Whitney
  • some river crossings may be a concern early in the season. Hiking poles an advantage.
  • Most hikers prefer sturdy footwear on this trek. A second pair of footwear recommended.
  • bears are a concern. Do not hike alone at night.

Details on our John Muir Trail information page.

Whitney
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#3 best hike in the world is …

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Our favourite hike in New Zealand.

A fantastic volcanic adventure!

Most trampers do only the Tongariro Crossing, one of the most popular day hikes in the world. That’s a shame. The Northern Circuit includes the Crossing and is a far richer experience.

The entire Circuit is 34+km (19+mi) mostly bizarre volcanic & desert scenery. The energetic hiker can sidetrip a volcano or two. Three days, two nights is perfect.

It’s accessible for all levels of hiking ability and fitness. (In fact, we met an elderly Kiwi couple who do the Circuit as a day hike once every year.)

The maximum elevation at Red Crater 1886m (6188ft) means there is no risk of altitude sickness. Some hike the Circuit year round, though Dec – Mar are the best months.

Happily, no reservation is required for huts! They are first-come, first-served. If you carry a tent there is no worry about the hut being full when you arrive. Tenters can still use all the hut facilities.

Why we love it:

  • circumambulate active volcano Mt. Ngauruhoe
  • boiling mud pools, fumaroles and craters!
  • weird lava features, unique volcanic colours
  • this park attracts over a quarter million trampers a year but most of the circuit is not over-crowded
  • astonishing water-filled explosion craters called the Emerald Lakes
  • Blue Lake (an old volcanic vent)
  • manditory easy sidetrip to the top of Mount Tongariro 1967m
  • difficuly, lengthy sidetrip scramble to the top of Mt. Ngauruhoe 2287m, an active volcano. You know it as Mt. Doom in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings.
  • scrambling huge volcanic formations in the Oturere valley
  • the Tongariro reserve is a World Heritage Site
  • New Zealand has the best hostels in the world
  • the Maori cultural and spiritual associations
  • the bleak, harsh volcanic landscape
  • well signed, easy-to-follow trail
  • the alpine huts are good: beds, mattresses, gas heating, gas stoves, water, and toilet facilities (during the main hiking season)

Considerations:

  • on a busy day you will see hikers like ants on the Devil’s Staircase near the start
  • many day hikers are under-dressed, under-prepared. You may be called upon for First Aid.
  • strong wind & poor visibility may ruin this hike. Delay until another day, if possible.
  • weather changes quickly. Be prepared for rain or even snow.
  • carry enough warm clothing
  • the few water sources on the trail all require treatment
  • the ozone layer is thin. Use good-quality sunglasses, sun screen and wear a hat.
  • sturdy shoes for rocky and uneven tracks advised
  • howling winds atop Ngauruhoe even when it is calm below
  • if you are climbing Ngauruhoe, consider bringing good boots and gaiters for the dangerous scree. The slope is filled with ankle-turning-sized rocks.
  • off season, ice axe and crampons may be needed
  • catch an early bird shuttle if you want to beat the crowds

Details on our Tongariro Northern Circuit information page.

Photo from the excellent trip report by Benjamin Jones.

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US National Parks with NO entrance fee

If you are against increased fees for American National Parks, plan your next hiking trip to one of the free ones.

The national park with the system’s greatest annual visitation, of around 9 million folks, Great Smoky Mountains, is, and will remain, free to enter. …

Other national parks with no entrance fees include Glacier Bay, Channel Islands, Isle Royale, Voyageurs, North Cascades, Congaree, Great Basin, Redwood, and Mammoth Cave. Combined, these parks had 2005 visitation of roughly 3.5 million folks.

National Parks Traveler: Entrance Fee Trivia

Great Smoky Mountains has 850mi (1368km) of hiking trails, including 70mi of the Appalachian Trail.

500px-sunset_at_clingmans_d.jpg
Sunset from Clingman’s Dome – Wikipedia

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#4 best hike in the world is …

Ausangate Circuit, Peru

Our favourite hike in Peru is still one of the least well known.

It’s wonderful, but dangerous.

Ausangate Circuit is 70km (43.5mi) plus sidetrips. It’s recommended only for confident, self-sufficient hikers experienced at high altitude. If you tolerate cold & altitude symptoms, the trails themselves are little trouble. Some route finding is necessary, but it’s entirely above the treeline with vast views.

Most groups hire pack animals, at least to get them up to the first pass. Worst case scenario — altitude sickness — you can ride your horse back down to lower elevation.

Why we love it:

  • PERU, all things considered, offers the best alpine hiking in the world
  • circle the sacred Ausangate massif (6372m, 20,905ft)
  • fantastic glacier views
  • remote, few trekkers, few people!
  • 4 high passes between 4757m – 5165m!
  • normally gorgeous sunny weather
  • thousands of alpacas
  • hotsprings at the start & finish of the trek
  • it is very inexpensive
  • travel Peru for as little as US$20 / day
  • unique Qoyllur Rit’i festival held nearby in May-June

    Considerations:

  • altitude sickness is a big risk
  • evacuation is difficult
  • no rescue service is available. You are on your own.
  • No Park officers. No campsites. No toilets.
  • acclimatization in Cuzco 3326m (10,912ft) is essential
  • 13-hour long nights in the tent
  • temperatures can fall well below freezing at night
  • be prepared for snow
  • storm could pin you in your tent
  • long, bumpy bus ride (5-8hrs) to & from trailhead or hire private transport from Cuzco

    Details on our Ausangate Circuit information page.

    Alpacas at Ausangate

    Alpacas and Ausangate

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    Sichuan, China has great hiking potential

    … but that’s just an excuse to post a cute panda photo.

    One of the great things about flickr is the ability to overlay “notes” and graphics.

    Here photographer Jerry Lee has added a Christmas touch.

    panda-christmas.jpg
    original – flickr

    More photos tagged “Sichuan” and “hiking”.

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    #5 best hike in the world is …

    Sunshine to Assiniboine

    This is our favourite hike in the Canadian Rockies. Mt. Assiniboine is Canada’s Matterhorn.

    Mountaineers dream of climbing Assiniboine. But this is also a great hiking destination for kids and grandparents who can access the high alpine Assiniboine Lodge, Naiset cabins or wonderful Lake Magog campground via helicopter.

    “Base camp” hiking doesn’t get any better than this:

    • Sunburst Valley / Nub loop sidetrip 6.7km (4.2mi)
    • Og Pass/ Windy Ridge sidetrip 8.7km (5.4mi)

    Our recommended route for serious hikers is 56km (34.8mi). Bus from Banff, Alberta to the Sunshine Ski Resort. (This puts you almost on top of the Continental Divide to start.)

    Wander lush Sunshine Meadows, winding your way towards beckoning Assiniboine.

    Why we love it:

    • Assiniboine is remote, accessed only on foot or by helicopter
    • good chance to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk and mule deer, pikas, chipmunks & hoary marmots
    • Sunshine Meadows is home to hordes of Columbian and mantled ground squirrels.
    • huge, heavenly alpine meadows
    • colourful wild flowers
    • walk the continental divide
    • Wonder Pass to Marvel Lake is superb
    • Assiniboine is only a few hours away from our #6 hike, North Circle in Glacier National Park

      Considerations:

    • this is a very popular hike
    • budget for a series of fees — hiking is not cheap in Canadian National Parks
    • biting insects can be a nuisance at times
    • trails sometimes closed due to bear
    • you may be tempted to walk out from Assiniboine to Mt. Shark trailhead in a very long day
    • the weather is highly variable. It can snow any day of the year. Or it can be 30°C (86°F).Details on our Sunshine to Mt. Assiniboine information page.

      view of Assiniboine from the Lodge – Assiniboine Lodge Photo Gallery