6 of the World’s Best Hiking Trails
Published August 13, 2023, Updated January 22, 2025
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to trek through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes along the world’s best hiking trails.
Hiking has always been something I love to do. It’s one of the primary reasons I chose to venture solo on many of my travels.
Visiting just a handful of the best places in the world for hiking, I’ve seen some incredible views and earned a deeper appreciation for our planet’s natural wonders.
Whether it’s a day hike or a multi-day trek, the experience can be challenging, both physically and mentally. You might be seeking breakthrough, inspiration, or simply a break from the ordinary.
The best hikes on earth can lead you to new cultures, into a stronger understanding of our place in the world, or simply a retreat from civilization.
Interested? In this post, I’ll share 6 of the best hikes I’ve personally completed so you can experience these wonders for yourself!
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Explore the Best Hiking Trails in the World
Below, I’ve shared 6 of the world’s best hiking trails that I’ve personally done.
For each hike, you’ll see valuable stats and details, including touring companies I recommend and average hike times.
Keep in mind, this particular list is not the best hiking trails in the world for beginners! These trails will challenge you and change you by the end.
This post or this post are both good options if you’re looking for ideas on getting your feet wet when it comes to more intense hikes. 😊
I’ve also included links to AllTrails for each hike. I’m not affiliated with AllTrails, but I use the app and appreciate the ease of access they offer users!
1. Mt. Fuji, Yoshida Trail – Japan
- Distance: 8.6 mi
- Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 3-5 hours descent
- Elevation Gain: 4,842 ft from 5th station
- Getting There: Fly into Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports. A combination of trains and buses will get you to the starting point at the 5th station.
- Tour Companies: Willer Express, Fuji Mountain Guides
No trip to Japan is complete without beholding the iconic Mt. Fuji.
Climbing this revered peak was a spiritual experience for me, with the sunrise view from the summit being the crown jewel of my journey.
I recommend grabbing a walking stick at the start of the trailhead. Also, don’t forget to bring plenty of yen to get it stamped at the various stations along the trail!
**Note: The Yoshida Trail (and most of the other trails at Mt. Fuji) are only open from early July through early September. Keep an eye on the Mt. Fuji official website for updates each season.
2. Pico Austria – Bolivia
- Distance: 4.1 mi
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,152 ft
- Getting There: La Paz’s El Alto International Airport is your gateway. From there, a 2-hour drive brings you to the trailhead.
- Tour Companies: Bolivia Hop, Kanoo Tours
This hike is still at the top of my list for being the most challenging!
Embarking on Pico Austria’s trail promises sweeping vistas of the sprawling Cordillera Real.
And while the challenge is due to the altitude, the panoramic views of snow-clad peaks make every step worth it.
My flight into La Paz was delayed, leaving only about 5 hours of rest before hitting the trail.
If you decide to conquer this trail, I’d recommend (beyond a good night’s sleep) a few days to acclimate to the altitude. The city holds the record for the highest capital at 11,893 feet!
3. Mt. Fitz Roy, Laguna de Los Tres Trail – Argentina
- Distance: 13.6 mi
- Time: 8-10 hours
- Elevation Gain: 3,444 ft
- Getting There: El Calafate Airport is your closest hub. A 3-hour bus ride to El Chaltén, and you’re at the trail’s start.
- Tour Companies: Fitz Roy Expeditions (or none at all! I completed this trek completely solo.)
The trails of Mt. Fitz Roy are easily considered some of the world’s best hiking trails, and you’ll quickly understand why.
The jagged peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy against the Patagonian sky are an image forever etched into my memory.
Filled with glacial lakes and dramatic landscapes, this hike was definitely one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
Being one of my longest day hikes, I recommend taking it easy. And consider hiking poles for the last 2 miles that go straight up.
4. Mt. Batur, Black Lava Trail – Indonesia
- Distance: 5.8 mi
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,234 ft
- Getting There: Fly to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. From there, it’s a 2-hour drive to the base in Kintamani.
- Tour Companies: Bali Sunrise Trekking, Bagus Bali Sunrise Trekking
Scaling the active volcano of Mt. Batur at dawn and witnessing the golden sunrise over the island was a surreal experience.
The journey provided not only physical rewards but a spiritual one as well.
5. Old Man of Storr Loop Trail – Scotland
- Distance: 3.4 mi
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
- Getting There: The closest major airport is Inverness. From there, take a picturesque drive to Isle of Skye, where the trail starts.
- Tour Companies: Real Scottish Journeys, Skye Adventure, or just do this trip solo, like I did
I personally fell in love with this hike. Scotland’s rugged beauty was on full display during my trek to the Old Man of Storr.
The dramatic rock formations against a backdrop of coastal views made this shorter hike a memorable one.
Make sure to hit the trailhead early when the sun starts to rise. Just that alone will give you a backdrop to die for.
Want to read more about my trip to Old Man of Storr and my epic road trip through the Scottish Highlands? Check out this post!
6. Telica Volcano – Nicaragua
- Distance: 8.2 mi
- Time: 4 hr 30 min
- Elevation Gain: 2,053 ft
- Getting There: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua is the nearest. The trailhead is roughly a 2-hour drive.
- Tour Companies: Quetzaltrekkers, El Perezoso, Volcano Day (the one I chose and loved!)
Hiking the Telica volcano was a blend of adventure and wonder. This one was an essential addition to my list of the world’s best hiking trails.
Reaching the crater and peering into its fuming depths was a humbling experience, reminding me of the raw power of nature.
**Note about the tour: If you go with Volcano Day, the mileage will be significantly less as they take you directly to the volcano’s base. I actually didn’t mind the subtracted mileage since I had already hiked Cerro Negro that morning for volcano boarding.
You can also check out my post on the nearby Nicaraguan city of Granada here.
Experience the World’s Best Hiking Trails
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking on a daring, rugged hiking trail in a faraway place.
To me, the world’s best hiking trails offer not only well-traveled paths but also unparalleled beauty alongside raw, untamed nature. Along the way, you’re forced to be present, putting one foot in front of the other.
You’ll connect with your truest self, but also with the world around you. It’s both exhilarating and humbling to be in these vast and reverent landscapes.
Of course, as you go, always remember to respect the environment, stay safe, and let every journey enhance your love for the great outdoors.
And if you’re a solo traveler or a hiker looking for your next adventure a bit closer to home, these hiking trails are some of my favorites.
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