There really isn’t much out there like going out and enjoying the great outdoors. Myself, I like to lay down in the grass and watch the clouds, or sit on a bench and read a book, but I’m lazy. Other’s, those who are more adventurous, like to go on hikes. I’ve been on quite a few of them in the past, and I’ll admit their pretty rewarding. So what makes a good hike? Some people require their hikes to be on the dangerous side of life, some want a good work out, while others really just want to enjoy some beautiful views of nature. None of these hikes are for just any casual hiker, but when it comes to real hikes, these are some of the best in the world.
1. The Santa Cruz Trek – Peru
Starting out in the quaint Peruvian town of Huaraz, hikers who are looking for a real trip will find this one filled with beauty. The trek leads through the Peruvian Andes, and at one point hikers cross the Punta Union Pass. Better not look down, as the pass is 15,580 feet up.
2. Solomon Gulch Trail – Alaska
Better dress warm for this hike, as this trail is all the way up north in Alaska. The trail is only about 3.5 miles long, but it is up some steep and rocky terrain giving hikers a nice challenge. Rumor has it bears are common on the trail too, so you would have to be careful. If you make it to the top without become bear droppings, you’ll find yourself awarded with a magnificent view of some of the most beautiful areas in Alaska.
3. Kalalau Trail – Hawaii
The United States’ other noncontinental state is also home to some breathtaking trails. You’ll have to be prepared for this one, as it is a 11 mile hike, which means it’s going to take awhile. Once you get to the end you’ll find yourself one of the only people at Kalalau beach, which can only be accessed by going on the hike. That means if anyone is actually there, they have to be in pretty good shape, which would beat being stuck on a beach filled with flabby retirees.
4. Overland Hike – Australia
Don’t expect to see Taz here on this hike through Tasmania, but you will see real Tasmanian devils alongside a diversity of different animals in this ecological wonderland. This 40-50 mile hike is well organized, as you can join a group on a six day hike through Tasmania, with stops at huts. Meaning no tents, very nice. There a lot of cool stops on the hike, including a few fun detours.
5. Bibbulmun Track – Australia
Australia strikes again. Going along the western coast of Australia for over 600 miles is the Bibbulmun Track. The track itself is long, and would take forever to actually do the whole thing, but it isn’t actually a difficult track. On the way you’ll get to catch quite a few sites of the beauty that is Australia.
6. The National Trail – Israel
When it comes to hikes, Israel is all about them. You can’t go to the country without finding yourself hiking at some point. Despite being a small country, the environment is actually quite varied, with beautiful forested mountains in the north and long, yet still gorgeous, deserts in the south. Mitzpeh Ramon in the south is the world’s largest natural crater, and is really quite a hike. Trust me I’ve been on a few of these hikes myself. The National Trail, however, is something quite different. This trail links together several trails to create one long 600 mile hike from the very tip of the north all the way to the bottom at the Red Sea, giving hikers a view of the entire country.
7. Anascocha Trail – Peru
Like many hikes, we end where we started, back in Peru. The Anascocha Trail is a less-travelled and arduous trail that leads hikers to the stone ruins of the ancient city Machu Pichu. There are other trails that are easier, and more crowded, than this if all you want is to see an ancient city, but if you want a real adventure you need to take the Anascocha. Travelling on this trail can take 6-7 days, weaving through small villages and up the Andes.