Pt. 5 – From Desert Arches to Sacred Pilgrimages: Unforgettable Trails Ahead
The journey keeps getting better. In this next stretch of our Top 100 Hikes in the World, we traverse some of the globe’s most captivating landscapes—from the red rock canyons of Utah to the sacred mountains of Japan and the dramatic coastlines of Portugal. This edition brings a diverse mix of trails that combine breathtaking scenery, cultural heritage, and unforgettable adventure.
As part of our ongoing Instagram series (@TrailheadTraveler), we’re highlighting hikes that go beyond just physical challenges. These are the trails that move you—routes steeped in story, sculpted by time, and set against some of the most stunning backdrops on Earth.
In Part 5, we’re counting down hikes #70 to #61. From the towering limestone walls of The Narrows to the remote ridgelines of the Balkans, this collection features pilgrimages, multi-day epics, and iconic one-day wonders. Whether you’re in search of spiritual solitude or chasing the world’s wildest views, there’s something here for every kind of explorer.
How many of these trails are on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments! 🌄🥾
Part 1: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #100 – #91
Part 2: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #90 – #81
Part 3: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #80 – #71
Part 4: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #70 – #61
Part 6: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #50 – #41
Part 7: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #40 – #31
Part 8: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #30 – #21
Part 9: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #20 – #11
Part 10: Top 100 Hikes in the World: #10 – #1
What to Expect from This List
This is more than just a hiking roundup—it’s your passport to the world’s most epic trekking adventures. Each trail featured in this series has been handpicked to reflect the pinnacle of outdoor exploration, with an emphasis on scenery, storytelling, and soul-stirring adventure.
Whether you’re planning your next bucket-list hike or simply dreaming of trails far from home, this list delivers a mix of day hikes, backpacking routes, pilgrimage paths, and legendary mountain journeys.
How We Selected the World’s Best Hikes
Our rankings are based on a blend of objective research and real-world trail experience. Each hike included here checks multiple boxes to earn its place among the top 100:
✅ Scenic Impact – From windswept ridgelines to emerald valleys and turquoise coastlines, these hikes deliver some of the most photogenic and dramatic landscapes on Earth.
✅ Adventure Level – We’ve included trails that test your endurance, reward your grit, and offer high-altitude or remote thrills that few will ever experience.
✅ Cultural & Historic Value – Many routes follow in ancient footsteps, from pilgrim trails to mythic summits tied to centuries of local lore.
✅ Feasibility – While not every trail is easy to reach, all of them are accessible enough to be tackled by motivated hikers with proper planning.
The #70–#61 Edition: What You’ll Find
This segment of the list features an incredible variety of landscapes, climates, and trail styles from across the globe. Expect bold contrasts—from narrow slot canyons in the American Southwest to cloud forests in the Andes and the mist-covered mountains of East Asia.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store:
🌊 Coastal Journeys – Trek across the volcanic highlands of Madeira or trace ancient Hawaiian footpaths on the stunning Kalalau Trail.
🛕 Spiritual Pathways – Follow the Nakahechi Route on Japan’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage for a hike steeped in ritual, forest shrines, and cultural depth.
🏔️ High-Altitude Icons – Summit Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s national pride, or challenge yourself with the dramatic ridgelines of the Peaks of the Balkans Trail.
🌄 Canyon & Desert Gems – Walk waist-deep through the sculpted sandstone chasms of The Narrows or step into a surreal landscape on Arizona’s Wave Trail.
🌍 Off-the-Grid Expeditions – Explore the wild backcountry of Chile’s Las Horquetas Trek, one of South America’s hidden long-distance routes.
Who Is This List For?
This series is built for every kind of adventurer—whether you’re after a weekend thrill or the hike of a lifetime.
🥾 Casual hikers looking to upgrade their next vacation with an unforgettable trail
⛰️ Experienced backpackers planning their next big international trekking trip
🌐 Cultural travelers seeking routes that offer deeper connection and meaning
📸 Photography lovers chasing iconic landscapes and rare natural beauty
No matter your experience level, there’s a trail on this list that will leave a lasting impression—and push you to explore more of the world on foot.
Ready? Let’s dive into hikes #60 to #51! ⬇️
Top 100 Hikes in the World: #60–#51
🥾 #70. The Narrows (Zion National Park, Utah, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Temple of Sinawava (Zion Canyon Shuttle Stop #9)
🥾 Distance: 9.4 miles (15.1 km) roundtrip (Bottom-Up Route)
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: Minimal, mostly through water
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate (requires river walking and route-finding)
🌟 Highlight: Wading through the Virgin River beneath 1,000-foot sandstone walls
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: Late spring to early fall (check flow rate & flash flood warnings)
Why It Made the List
Few hikes in the world are as immersive and unique as The Narrows. Instead of following a trail, you walk directly in the Virgin River, surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs that seem to glow in the reflected canyon light. The cool water, tight corridors, and sculpted slot canyons make this an unforgettable adventure—perfect for hikers seeking something out of the ordinary. Despite its popularity, The Narrows never loses its magic, offering both serenity and drama in equal measure. It’s one of the most iconic and photogenic hikes in the American Southwest, and a must for any trail lover.
🥾 #69. Yoho Valley Circuit (Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada)
📍 Trailhead Location: Takakkaw Falls parking lot
🥾 Distance: 17.7 miles (28.5 km) loop
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~3,200 feet (975 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
🌟 Highlight: Alpine lakes, glacial passes, and waterfalls—including the towering Takakkaw Falls
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: July to September
Why It Made the List
Tucked in the Canadian Rockies, the Yoho Valley Circuit is a loop of pure alpine beauty—connecting turquoise lakes, hanging glaciers, wildflower meadows, and thunderous waterfalls. You’ll traverse high passes like Yoho and Whaleback, gaze across emerald Lake O’Hara, and camp under the stars in pristine wilderness. Despite being overshadowed by neighboring Banff, Yoho offers quieter trails with just as much grandeur. For those seeking a rugged but rewarding alpine experience without the crowds, this circuit delivers in spades. It’s a compact, high-impact route that represents the best of what Canada’s national parks have to offer.
🥾 #68. Las Horquetas Trek (Cerro Castillo National Park, Chile)
📍 Trailhead Location: Horquetas Grandes or Cerro Castillo village
🥾 Distance: 31.7 miles (51 km) point-to-point
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~6,500 feet (1,980 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous (river crossings, remote terrain)
🌟 Highlight: Wild Patagonian landscapes without the Torres del Paine crowds
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: November to March
Why It Made the List
Often dubbed “Patagonia without the crowds,” the Las Horquetas Trek is a hidden gem tucked within Chile’s lesser-known Cerro Castillo National Park. The route weaves through lenga forests, past milky-blue glacial lakes, and beneath jagged, snow-capped peaks. With far fewer hikers than the more famous W Trek, it offers a deep sense of solitude and raw wilderness. You’ll likely encounter guanacos, condors, and maybe even the elusive Andean fox. Challenging river crossings and rugged conditions add to the adventure. For hikers wanting an authentic backcountry experience in Patagonia—without the permits and packed campsites—this trek is an unforgettable alternative.
🥾 #67. Nakahechi Route (Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, Japan)
📍 Trailhead Location: Takijiri-oji
🥾 Distance: 42.3 miles (68 km) point-to-point
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~9,200 feet (2,800 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate (long days, frequent climbs and descents)
🌟 Highlight: Sacred shrines, ancient stone paths, and forested mountain passes
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: March to May, October to November
Why It Made the List
The Nakahechi Route is the most famous trail of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and offers a soulful hike through the Kii Mountains of Japan. Lined with centuries-old tea houses, moss-covered stone steps, and towering cedar forests, it’s a journey both physical and spiritual. Along the way, you’ll visit sacred sites like the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine and soak in traditional onsen baths after long days on the trail. What makes this route so compelling is its blend of natural serenity and deep cultural resonance. It’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of emperors—and discover Japan far from the neon lights.
🥾 #66. Peaks of the Balkans Trail (Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro)
📍 Trailhead Location: Theth, Albania (common starting point)
🥾 Distance: 119.3 miles (192 km) loop
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: Over 33,000 feet (10,000 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous (multi-day, remote, steep climbs)
🌟 Highlight: Crossing borders on foot through the wild and scenic Accursed Mountains
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: July to September
Why It Made the List
The Peaks of the Balkans Trail is a cross-border trek that immerses you in one of Europe’s last truly wild regions. Linking remote mountain villages in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, the trail passes through the heart of the Accursed Mountains—an area rich in rugged terrain, Balkan folklore, and traditional hospitality. You’ll hike over high passes, through alpine meadows, and into valleys untouched by mass tourism. Local guesthouses provide warm meals and cultural insight, offering a rare and authentic travel experience. For those looking to combine challenging hiking with cultural exploration, this is one of the most unique and rewarding trails in the world.
🥾 #65. Madeira Coast to Coast Trek (Madeira, Portugal)
📍 Trailhead Location: Ribeira Brava to Machico
🥾 Distance: 56.0 miles (90 km) point-to-point
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~14,000 feet (4,270 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steep ascents, varied terrain)
🌟 Highlight: Dramatic volcanic ridges, laurel forests, and Atlantic views
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: April to October
Why It Made the List
Madeira’s Coast to Coast trek is a stunning journey across the spine of this Portuguese island, where hikers traverse ancient levadas, lush cloud forests, and volcanic summits. You’ll cross knife-edge ridgelines with sweeping views of the Atlantic, descend into hidden valleys, and end each day in charming seaside villages. The mix of ecosystems—ranging from subtropical jungle to alpine peaks—makes every day of this hike feel different. Madeira’s mild climate and rich biodiversity only add to its allure. It’s a compact but spectacular trek that blends natural drama, cultural charm, and logistical convenience into one unforgettable experience.
🥾 #64. Highline Trail (Glacier National Park, Montana, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Logan Pass
🥾 Distance: 11.8 miles (19 km) point-to-point
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~800 feet (245 m) with descent into The Loop
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate
🌟 Highlight: Sweeping alpine vistas and wildlife sightings along the Garden Wall
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: July to September
Why It Made the List
The Highline Trail is Glacier National Park at its finest. Hugging the cliffs along the Garden Wall, this high-alpine traverse delivers jaw-dropping views of glacial valleys, wildflower meadows, and endless ridgelines. With frequent sightings of mountain goats and marmots, it feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary. The trail’s dramatic drop-offs and panoramic overlooks make it one of the most scenic day hikes in the United States. Easily accessible via the Going-to-the-Sun Road, it strikes a perfect balance between effort and reward. For many, it’s a one-day experience that leaves a lifelong impression.
🥾 #63. The Wave Trail (Arizona, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Wire Pass Trailhead (Coyote Buttes North)
🥾 Distance: 6.0 miles (9.7 km) out and back
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~400 feet (122 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate (requires navigation, heat exposure)
🌟 Highlight: The otherworldly sandstone formations of The Wave
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: March to May or October to November (lottery permit required)
Why It Made the List
The Wave is one of the most surreal landscapes on the planet—a swirling sea of red and orange sandstone sculpted by millennia of wind and water. Getting there is no easy feat; a strict permit system limits daily access, and the route requires good navigation skills through unmarked desert terrain. But for those lucky enough to visit, it’s like walking on another planet. Photographers and hikers alike are drawn to its dreamlike textures and vibrant color palette. Short but unforgettable, this hike proves that the world’s most magical places sometimes require a bit of effort—and a lot of luck.
🥾 #62. Mount Triglav (Julian Alps, Slovenia)
📍 Trailhead Location: Aljaž Hut or Pokljuka Plateau
🥾 Distance: ~19.3 miles (31 km) roundtrip
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~6,500 feet (1,980 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous (via ferrata sections, exposed ridgelines)
🌟 Highlight: Climbing the highest peak in Slovenia with panoramic views over the Alps
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: July to September
Why It Made the List
Summiting Mount Triglav is more than a hike—it’s a national rite of passage for Slovenians. Rising as the highest peak in the Julian Alps, Triglav offers rugged terrain, thrilling via ferrata routes, and unbeatable 360-degree views at the summit. Along the way, you’ll encounter karst landscapes, alpine huts, and trails steeped in folklore and national pride. Though physically demanding, the hike is well-supported by mountain refuges and via ferrata safety aids. Climbing Triglav is both a physical and cultural milestone—making it one of the most meaningful and memorable ascents in Europe.
🥾 #61. Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Ke’e Beach, Nā Pali Coast
🥾 Distance: 22.0 miles (35.4 km) roundtrip
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~6,200 feet (1,890 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous (exposure, steep drop-offs, remote camping)
🌟 Highlight: Jaw-dropping views of Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast and secluded Kalalau Beach
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: May to September (permit required for overnight)
Why It Made the List
The Kalalau Trail is a journey through paradise—and peril. Hugging the cliffs of Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast, this iconic trail offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world. Verdant valleys, towering waterfalls, and sea cliffs plunging into turquoise waters await those willing to tackle its narrow paths and heart-pounding drop-offs. The reward? Camping on a remote beach with golden sand and zero cell service. The Kalalau is more than a hike—it’s a rite of passage for adventurous souls who want to experience the wild beauty of Hawaii the way nature intended.
What’s Coming Up Next?
That wraps up hikes #60 to #51 in our countdown of the Top 100 Hikes in the World! From the narrow sandstone corridors of Zion’s Narrows to the remote alpine villages along the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, this leg of the journey has spanned continents and showcased some of the most diverse and breathtaking trails on Earth.
But we’re just getting started.
Next, we’ll dive into hikes #50 to #41—an exciting lineup featuring glacier traverses, iconic national park routes, and bucket-list-worthy summits that should be on every adventurer’s radar. Whether you’re dreaming of high-altitude epics or unforgettable coastal treks, the next part of our series has something for every type of hiker.
Don’t miss a step—follow @TrailheadTraveler on Instagram for exclusive trail previews, hiking reels, and expert tips to help you plan your next adventure.
Have you experienced any of the hikes from this section? Drop your story or favorite memory in the comments—we’d love to feature it!
Stay tuned for hikes #60 to #51—coming soon! 🌍🥾🔥
Featured Image: Takakkaw Falls, Photo by Jack Borno
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