besthike.com

Something in the Wikipedia entry for hiking got me thinking about how to find solitude on crowded trails.

When two groups of hikers meet on a steep trail … the group moving uphill has the right-of-way. In other situations the larger of the two groups will yield to the smaller.

To avoid traffic as much as possible, I try to hike early or late in the day. Trying to stay well ahead or well behind the mass of hikers.

Of course hiking early or late in the season solves the congestion problem.

We were pretty much swamped with people on the most popular day hike in Grand Teton National Park on the 4th of July weekend. Bad choice of trail on a busy day.

photo – FirstPeople.us

Of the many great established hikes in Peru, Ausangate is the least known.

When we were there in 2005 we saw no other hikers and only a few seasonal Alpaca herders once we were on the far side of the mountain.

Why is it not more visited?

The main reason is that public transport is difficult. Plan on a rough bus ride 6hrs or longer one way from Cuzco to reach the trailhead.

Also, this trek is high. The first night we slept at over 4700m (15,419ft). If you suffer altitude sickness — it is difficult to descend.

But if you like challenge, this trek is one of the very best in the world: 70km (43.5mi) plus sidetrips, tent 4-5 nights. Hot springs at the start and finish!

Ausangate Circuit on besthike.com

On our list of the best hikes of the world (as of this date) Europe is the least complete.

We do not have many contributors from that part of the world (yet). Email the editor of this blog if you find any of your favourite hikes are missing.

But if you are going to hike there for the first time, we suggest the TMB — a romp around Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe: 9-14 days, 170+kms (106mi).

It sounds serious — but consider the great wine and food available en route!

Tour of Mont Blanc on besthike.com

more ParaScubaSailor’s photos tagged tourdumontblanc

No list of the great hikes of the world is without the Inca Trail. It may well be the single best known trek in the world.

But serious hikers are advised to take a close look at alternative routes to Machu Picchu. We much prefer Choquequirao and Salcantay.

Choquequirao is the better of these options — but longer. You need 7 nights minimum to visit both the Choquequirao ruins and Machu Picchu on one trek.

If you want to hike independently without pack animals, Salcantay is the best choice.

Get an overview of your options on this site. But wait until you get to Cuzco in Peru to book any specific trek. Do not hand over any deposit money until you are very confident in the agency. A personal, recent recommendation is best.

If you insist on hiking the Inca Trail, get the up-to-date details on besthike.com Inca Trail.

Machu Picchu

One of the most difficult reservations in the world, on-line booking for the Milford Track opens July 1st, New Zealand time.

On the 1st, you can book for any start date for the following season.

Details on besthike.com

Besthike.com was recently added to the About.com Trek, Hike and Climb South America page.

Editor Bonnie Hamre is one of the best experts on the internet for that continent. We link to many of her web pages.