The Ultimate Hiking Bucket List Begins!

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring the world’s most breathtaking trails. From rugged mountain peaks to coastal cliffs and lush jungle paths, hiking offers an unparalleled way to experience nature’s beauty.

As part of our Top 100 Hikes in the World campaign, which we’re releasing on Instagram (@TrailheadTraveler), we’ve compiled the 100 best hikes that deliver jaw-dropping views, epic adventure, and unforgettable landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or just starting your hiking journey, this list has something for everyone.

This is Part 1, featuring hikes #100 to #91—each offering a unique challenge and stunning scenery. How many have you hiked? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🥾

What to Expect from This List

How We Chose the Best Hikes in the World

This list was carefully curated based on:
✅ Scenic Beauty: Iconic viewpoints, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable vistas.
✅ Adventure Factor: Trails that offer a unique challenge—whether it’s high-altitude trekking, technical scrambling, or multi-day backcountry experiences.
✅ Cultural & Historical Significance: Routes tied to ancient civilizations, sacred lands, or legendary expeditions.
✅ Accessibility & Popularity: While some hikes are remote, many are achievable bucket-list adventures for outdoor lovers.

A Global Hiking Journey

Expect a mix of:

• Epic summit climbs (think Kilimanjaro or Half Dome)
• Coastal gems (like the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii)
• Lush rainforests and jungle treks (hello, Inca Trail!)
• Desert and canyon adventures (such as The Wave in Arizona)
• Glacier crossings and alpine routes (like Norway’s Besseggen Ridge)

Who is This List For?

• Casual hikers looking for their next adventure
• Experienced trekkers seeking epic challenges
• Travelers planning bucket-list trips around the world

No matter your hiking style, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime trail waiting for you!

Ready to start? Let’s kick things off with hikes #100 to #91! ⬇️

Top 100 Hikes in the World: #100–#91

🥾 #100. Cloud’s Rest (Yosemite National Park, USA)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Tenaya Lake Trailhead, Yosemite National Park, California
• 🥾 Distance: 12.3 miles (19.8 km) round trip
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: ~3,100 ft (945 m)
• 🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous
• 🌟 Highlight: Panoramic views over Yosemite Valley, including an incredible perspective of Half Dome
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: June to October (after snowmelt)

Why It Made the List

Cloud’s Rest is one of Yosemite’s most rewarding yet underrated hikes, often overshadowed by Half Dome but offering equally jaw-dropping views with far fewer crowds. The trail takes hikers through stunning alpine meadows, dense pine forests, and along exposed ridgelines before culminating in an unforgettable 360-degree summit view over Yosemite Valley. The final approach is a narrow, rocky ridgeline that provides an exhilarating sense of exposure. On clear days, you can see landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and the High Sierra peaks in the distance. Unlike Half Dome, no permits are required, making this a fantastic alternative for those who missed out on the lottery. If you’re looking for one of the best viewpoints in the park, Cloud’s Rest is a must-hike.

🥾 #99. Kulikalon and Alaudin Lakes Loop (Fann Mountains, Tajikistan)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Artuch Alpine Base Camp, Tajikistan
• 🥾 Distance: ~10 miles (16 km)
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: ~3,280 ft (1,000 m)
• 🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• 🌟 Highlight: Crystal-clear alpine lakes reflecting the rugged peaks of the Fann Mountains
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: June to September

Why It Made the List

Nestled in the remote and rugged Fann Mountains, this loop trek offers some of the most striking alpine scenery in Central Asia. The hike takes you past the shimmering Alaudin and Kulikalon Lakes, surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks reaching over 18,000 feet (5,500 meters). The reflection of Chapdara and Maria peaks in the turquoise waters is nothing short of breathtaking. Along the way, hikers traverse lush meadows, high mountain passes, and rocky switchbacks, encountering friendly shepherds and the occasional yurt settlement. The area remains largely untouched by mass tourism, providing a true sense of adventure and remoteness. If you’re seeking a hidden gem with world-class alpine scenery, this trek belongs on your bucket list.

🥾 #98. Camino de Costa Rica (Costa Rica)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Barra de Parismina (Caribbean Coast)
• 🥾 Distance: ~174 miles (280 km)
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: Varies, with multiple sections reaching ~5,000 ft (1,500 m)
• 🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous (multi-day trek)
• 🌟 Highlight: Crosses coast to coast through rainforests, volcanoes, and remote villages
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: December to April (dry season)

Why It Made the List

The Camino de Costa Rica is a unique long-distance trek that crosses the entire country, from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Over the course of two to three weeks, hikers pass through untouched rainforests, volcanic ridgelines, and rural villages, immersing themselves in Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and culture. Unlike the crowded tourist routes, this hike takes you through remote Indigenous lands, cloud forests, and coffee plantations—areas few travelers get to see. Expect to encounter howler monkeys, toucans, and even the occasional jaguar footprint along the way. The journey is as much about the experience as the destination, offering an opportunity to connect with local communities, sustainable tourism initiatives, and diverse ecosystems. If you’re looking for a challenging, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this hike is it.

🥾 #97. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike (Bali, Indonesia)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Toya Bungkah, Bali, Indonesia
• 🥾 Distance: 4.3 miles (7 km) round trip
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: ~1,700 ft (518 m)
• 🥵 Difficulty: Moderate
• 🌟 Highlight: Watching the sunrise from an active volcano with panoramic views over Bali
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: April to October (dry season)

Why It Made the List

The Mount Batur Sunrise Hike is one of Bali’s most iconic adventures, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the sun rise above a sea of clouds from the rim of an active volcano. Starting in the early morning hours, hikers make their way up a steep yet manageable path, guided by headlamps and the occasional troop of mischievous Balinese macaques. The summit delivers unobstructed views of Mount Agung, Lake Batur, and even Lombok’s Mount Rinjani on a clear day. As the sky turns from deep blue to fiery orange, hikers can witness steam vents escaping from the earth—a reminder of the volcano’s geothermal activity. Local guides often prepare eggs cooked in volcanic steam, adding to the experience. The short but rewarding climb, stunning sunrise, and unique volcanic landscape make Mount Batur an unforgettable hike.

🥾 #96. Rysy Peak (Poland/Slovakia Border)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Štrbské Pleso (Slovakia) or Morskie Oko (Poland)
• 🥾 Distance: ~16.4 miles (26.4km) point-to-point
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: ~4,600 ft (1,400 m)
• 🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous
• 🌟 Highlight: Highest peak in Poland with breathtaking views over the Tatra Mountains
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: June to October

Why It Made the List

Rysy is a legendary summit in the Tatra Mountains, marking the highest point in Poland at 8,212 feet (2,503 meters). Hikers can ascend from either Poland or Slovakia, with the Slovakian route being slightly easier and less crowded. The final ascent features steep rock scrambling, chains for support, and exhilarating exposure, making it one of the most thrilling hikes in Central Europe. At the summit, hikers stand on the border between two countries, rewarded with sweeping views of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and deep valleys. Morskie Oko, the largest glacial lake in the Tatras, shimmers below, creating a postcard-perfect scene. The dramatic landscapes, high-altitude challenge, and rich history as a favorite route of Polish mountaineers earn Rysy a well-deserved spot on this list. Try to set arrangements to be able to conquer Rysy as a point-to-point hike to get the entire experience from both the Slovakian and Polish sides.

🥾 #95. Pekoe Trail (Sri Lanka)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka (various starting points)
• 🥾 Distance: ~185 miles (300 km) total (divided into 22 stages)
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: Varies by section
• 🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (varies by stage)
• 🌟 Highlight: Trekking through Sri Lanka’s scenic tea country with stunning views and cultural encounters
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: December to April

Why It Made the List

The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s premier long-distance hiking route, weaving through the misty highlands and rolling tea plantations that define the country’s interior. The trail takes hikers past colonial-era tea estates, remote villages, and lush rainforests, offering a deep dive into the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Along the way, travelers can stop at working tea factories, interact with local Tamil tea pickers, and explore historic train routes. The undulating terrain provides stunning views of waterfalls, cloud-covered peaks, and endless green hills. Each stage of the trail offers a unique experience, allowing hikers to complete shorter sections or tackle the entire 185-mile journey. For those seeking a trek rich in both scenery and cultural immersion, the Pekoe Trail is an unmissable adventure.

🥾 #94. Iceberg Lake + Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail (Glacier National Park, USA)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Many Glacier, Glacier National Park, Montana
• 🥾 Distance: 15.4 miles (24.8 km) round trip (both trails combined)
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: ~2,900 ft (884 m)
• 🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• 🌟 Highlight: Hiking through grizzly country to glacial lakes and a tunnel through the mountains
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: July to September

Why It Made the List

Combining two of Glacier National Park’s most spectacular trails, this challenging yet rewarding hike offers some of the most stunning alpine scenery in North America. The trail to Iceberg Lake winds through beargrass-filled meadows and dense forests, leading to a spectacular glacial-fed lake dotted with floating icebergs even in midsummer. Ptarmigan Tunnel, an optional extension, requires a steep climb to a 240-foot rock tunnel blasted through the mountains in the 1930s. Emerging on the other side reveals a jaw-dropping view of red-hued cliffs and remote valleys rarely seen by visitors. Along the way, hikers must stay bear-aware, as the Many Glacier region is home to one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. For those willing to take on the challenge, this trail delivers an unforgettable mix of adventure, wildlife, and high-alpine beauty.

🥾 #93. Mount Rinjani Summit Trek (Indonesia)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Sembalun or Senaru, Lombok, Indonesia
• 🥾 Distance: ~15.5 miles (25 km)
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: ~10,000 ft (3,000 m)
• 🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous
• 🌟 Highlight: Summiting an active volcano with stunning crater lake views
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: April to November

Why It Made the List

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, is an epic multi-day trek that rewards hikers with otherworldly landscapes and unparalleled sunrise views. The trail is physically demanding, with steep, sandy slopes and high-altitude conditions, but those who reach the summit are treated to breathtaking panoramas over Lombok, Bali, and the Gili Islands. One of Rinjani’s most striking features is the turquoise Crater Lake (Segara Anak), nestled within the caldera of the massive volcano. Along the way, hikers pass steaming vents, sulfuric hot springs, and lush jungle terrain teeming with wildlife. The trek is typically done over 2–3 days, with nights spent camping above the clouds. For those seeking an adventurous and challenging volcano trek, Mount Rinjani is one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular climbs.

🥾 #92. The Lycian Way (Turkey)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Ölüdeniz or Geyikbayırı, Turkey
• 🥾 Distance: ~335 miles (540 km) (can be done in sections)
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: Varies by section
• 🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
• 🌟 Highlight: A long-distance trek along Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast, passing ancient ruins and dramatic cliffs
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: March to May, September to November

Why It Made the List

The Lycian Way is one of the most breathtaking long-distance trails in the world, stretching along Turkey’s southwest coast. The route follows ancient footpaths that once connected the Lycian civilization, passing through pine forests, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside villages. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, secluded beaches, and opportunities to explore historical ruins like the rock-cut tombs of Myra and the sunken city of Kekova. The trail can be tackled in its entirety over several weeks or broken into smaller sections for a shorter adventure. The mix of coastal scenery, cultural history, and diverse landscapes makes this trek a favorite for hikers looking to combine exploration with stunning natural beauty.

🥾 #91. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) (Norway)

• 📍 Trailhead Location: Preikestolen Basecamp, near Stavanger, Norway
• 🥾 Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round trip
• 🧗‍♂️ Elevation Gain: ~1,640 ft (500 m)
• 🥵 Difficulty: Moderate
• 🌟 Highlight: A dramatic cliff towering nearly 2,000 feet above Lysefjord
• 🕰️ Best Time to Hike: April to October

Why It Made the List

Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most famous hikes, drawing adventurers from around the world to its towering rock platform. The trail winds through forests and over rocky terrain before reaching the sheer, flat-topped cliff that drops nearly 2,000 feet straight down to the fjord below. The view from the top is nothing short of spectacular, with Lysefjord stretching into the distance, framed by towering cliffs and deep blue waters. Despite its popularity, the best times to experience the magic of Preikestolen are sunrise or sunset when the crowds thin and the landscape glows with soft Nordic light. The combination of an accessible but exhilarating trail, breathtaking fjord views, and the sheer thrill of standing at the edge of the rock makes this one of the most unforgettable hikes in the world.

What’s Next?

That wraps up hikes #100 to #91 on our countdown of the Top 100 Hikes in the World! From the sky-high cliffs of Norway to the volcanic peaks of Indonesia and the historic trails of Turkey, this list has already showcased some of the most incredible hikes on the planet—and we’re just getting started.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue counting down with even more legendary treks, breathtaking landscapes, and bucket-list adventures. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a casual explorer, there’s something for every kind of hiker in this series.

Be sure to follow @TrailheadTraveler on Instagram for daily updates, stunning visuals, and insider hiking tips as we reveal the rest of the list! Have you tackled any of these hikes already? Drop a comment below and let us know your favorites!

Stay tuned for #90 to #81—coming soon! 🚀🥾

Featured Image: Zakopane, Morskie Oko, Photo by barnyz

Don’t forget to stock up on the essentials before you plan your next hiking or camping trip! We have recommendations on:
TENTS
HIKING BOOTS
AND MORE!