The Ultimate Hiking Bucket List Continues!
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring the world’s most breathtaking hiking trails. Whether you’re scaling towering mountain peaks, traversing coastal cliffside paths, or trekking through lush jungle landscapes, hiking offers an unparalleled way to connect with nature. From bucket-list hikes to hidden gem trails, every step brings new challenges, unforgettable scenery, and a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors.
As part of our Top 100 Hikes in the World campaign—featured on Instagram (@TrailheadTraveler)—we’re counting down the most epic hiking destinations across the globe. These trails were chosen for their stunning panoramic views, unique terrain, rich history, and adventure factor. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or planning your first major hiking trip, this list highlights must-do hikes that belong on every outdoor enthusiast’s radar.
This is Part 2, featuring hikes #90 to #81—a collection of trails that offer jaw-dropping scenery, thrilling elevation gains, and diverse landscapes. From famous hiking routes to lesser-known adventures, each one deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. 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
Each hike was carefully selected based on:
✅ Scenic Beauty – Iconic viewpoints, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking vistas.
✅ Adventure Factor – Trails with unique challenges, from high-altitude treks to technical scrambling and multi-day backcountry routes.
✅ Cultural & Historical Significance – Paths tied to ancient civilizations, sacred lands, or legendary expeditions.
✅ Accessibility & Popularity – While some trails are remote, many are achievable bucket-list adventures for outdoor lovers.
A Global Hiking Journey
Expect a mix of:
🌄 Epic summit climbs (think Mount Toubkal or Machu Picchu)
🌊 Coastal gems (like Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail)
🌿 Lush rainforests and jungle treks (Mount Roraima, anyone?)
🏜️ Desert and canyon adventures (Zion’s Angels Landing)
🧊 Glacier crossings and alpine routes (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? Let’s dive into hikes #90 to #81! ⬇️
Top 100 Hikes in the World: #100–#91
🥾 #90. Cathedral Rock Trail (Sedona, Arizona, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Back O’ Beyond Road, Sedona, Arizona
🥾 Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9 km) round trip
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~740 ft (225 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steep rock scrambles)
🌟 Highlight: Breathtaking panoramic views of Sedona’s red rock formations
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: October to April (cooler temperatures, best lighting for photography)
Why It Made the List
Short but spectacular, the Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Sedona, offering an unforgettable scramble up steep sandstone ledges to reach breathtaking viewpoints. Despite its short distance, this trail packs a punch, with steep inclines, slickrock sections, and some hands-and-feet climbing required near the top. The effort is rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views over Sedona’s rugged desert landscape, including the red rock spires of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the Verde Valley beyond.
Sunset is the ultimate time to experience Cathedral Rock, as the formations glow in deep red and orange hues against the vast Arizona sky. While the ascent can be challenging, the trail’s accessibility and epic summit views make it a bucket-list hike for anyone visiting Sedona.
🥾 #89. Precipice Loop (Acadia National Park, Maine, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine
🥾 Distance: 3.2 miles (5.1 km) loop
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~1,060 ft (323 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous (exposed rock scrambling, iron rungs)
🌟 Highlight: Thrilling rock scrambles with panoramic views over Frenchman Bay
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: Late May to October (avoid nesting season closures)
Why It Made the List
For hikers seeking thrill and exposure, Precipice Loop in Acadia National Park delivers an intense yet rewarding climb up the rugged face of Champlain Mountain. The trail features iron rungs, ladders, and narrow ledges, making it one of the most exhilarating (and challenging) hikes on the U.S. East Coast. The ascent is steep, with sheer drop-offs, but those who conquer it are rewarded with stunning views over Bar Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to peregrine falcon nesting, the trail is often closed from spring to early summer, so check conditions before heading out. If you love technical climbs and adrenaline-pumping hikes, Precipice Loop is a must!
🥾 #88. Vikos Gorge Trail (Pindus Mountains, Greece)
📍 Trailhead Location: Monodendri or Vikos, Pindus Mountains, Greece
🥾 Distance: 12.4 miles (20 km) one way
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~3,280 ft (1,000 m) descent/ascent
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
🌟 Highlight: Trekking through one of the deepest gorges in the world
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: April to October (mild weather, best visibility)
Why It Made the List
Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Greece,” the Vikos Gorge Trail takes hikers through one of the deepest gorges on Earth, as recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. The trail winds through lush forests, crystal-clear springs, and towering limestone cliffs, offering a mix of dramatic scenery and cultural history.
Starting from either Monodendri or Vikos, hikers descend into the gorge before climbing back out, passing the Voidomatis River and ancient stone bridges along the way. With spectacular views, peaceful surroundings, and a true sense of adventure, Vikos Gorge is one of Europe’s most breathtaking hikes.
🥾 #87. Barr Trail to Pikes Peak (Colorado, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Manitou Springs, Colorado
🥾 Distance: 13 miles (21 km) round trip
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~7,400 ft (2,255 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Extremely strenuous (high altitude, long distance)
🌟 Highlight: Reaching the 14,115 ft (4,302 m) summit of Pikes Peak
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: June to September (best weather conditions)
Why It Made the List
For those who want to earn their way up a Colorado 14er, Barr Trail to Pikes Peak is the ultimate test of endurance. This challenging but rewarding trek takes hikers from Manitou Springs to the summit of one of Colorado’s most famous mountains. The trail starts in dense forests, climbs through alpine meadows, and eventually reaches the rocky, wind-swept summit at 14,115 feet.
Due to the length, elevation gain, and altitude, this hike is not for beginners. Many opt to hike up and take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway down to save their legs. If you’re ready for one of the toughest yet most rewarding summit hikes in the U.S., Barr Trail belongs on your list!
🥾 #86. Bald Hills Trail (Jasper National Park, Canada)
📍 Trailhead Location: Maligne Lake Road, Jasper National Park, Alberta
🥾 Distance: 10.4 miles (16.7 km) round trip
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~2,450 ft (747 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
🌟 Highlight: Panoramic views over Maligne Lake and the Canadian Rockies
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: June to September (snow-free trail conditions)
Why It Made the List
Offering one of the best viewpoints in Jasper National Park, Bald Hills Trail is a moderate hike that leads to jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Starting in dense forests, the trail climbs steadily before breaking into open meadows and ridgelines, where endless views of Maligne Lake and the surrounding peaks await.
Hikers can choose between a shorter, steeper direct ascent or a longer switchback route, both leading to spectacular summit vistas. Wildlife encounters are common—keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, marmots, and even grizzly bears. If you’re visiting Jasper, this hike is a must for photographers and nature lovers alike.
🥾 #85. Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail (Portugal)
📍 Trailhead Location: Porto Covo, Alentejo Region, Portugal
🥾 Distance: 46 miles (74 km) total, with shorter section options
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: Varies (mostly moderate terrain)
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate (sandy paths, exposed coastal cliffs)
🌟 Highlight: Wild Atlantic coastline, remote beaches, and traditional fishing villages
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: March to June, September to November (avoid summer heat)
Why It Made the List
For those seeking one of Europe’s most stunning coastal hikes, the Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail delivers unparalleled ocean views, rugged sea cliffs, and a taste of Portugal’s traditional fishing culture. Stretching along the wild and untouched Alentejo coastline, this trail follows paths once used by local fishermen, offering endless Atlantic panoramas and access to some of Portugal’s most remote and pristine beaches.
With well-marked trails and charming villages along the way, hikers can tackle short sections or complete the full route. Expect wind-swept dunes, dramatic sea stacks, and authentic Portuguese cuisine in towns like Zambujeira do Mar. If you love coastal hikes and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this is one for the bucket list!
🥾 #84. Grinnell Glacier Trail (Glacier National Park, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Many Glacier, Glacier National Park, Montana
🥾 Distance: 10.6 miles (17.1 km) round trip
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~1,600 ft (488 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
🌟 Highlight: Stunning views of Grinnell Glacier, alpine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: July to September (after snowmelt)
Why It Made the List
One of the most spectacular hikes in Glacier National Park, Grinnell Glacier Trail offers breathtaking scenery from start to finish. The route follows the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, gradually climbing through lush meadows with frequent sightings of mountain goats, bears, and bighorn sheep. As hikers ascend, Grinnell Lake’s turquoise waters come into view, framed by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
The final push leads to the edge of Grinnell Glacier, where hikers can witness the remnants of this mighty ice field up close. The contrast of the blue glacial ice against the dramatic peaks of the Lewis Range makes this a must-do for any visit to Glacier National Park.
🥾 #83. Santa Cruz Trek (Cordillera Blanca, Peru)
📍 Trailhead Location: Cashapampa, Ancash Region, Peru
🥾 Distance: 31 miles (50 km) point-to-point
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~4,300 ft (1,310 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous (high altitude)
🌟 Highlight: Towering Andean peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and remote mountain scenery
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: May to September (dry season)
Why It Made the List
For those seeking one of the best multi-day treks in the Andes, the Santa Cruz Trek delivers a perfect blend of challenging ascents, breathtaking landscapes, and a true backcountry experience. The trail winds through the heart of the Cordillera Blanca, offering up-close views of some of Peru’s highest peaks, including Alpamayo and Artesonraju.
Hikers traverse high mountain passes, deep valleys, and glacial lakes, with Punta Unión Pass (15,617 ft / 4,760 m) marking the trek’s high point. The altitude and remoteness make this a tough journey, but those who complete it are rewarded with some of the most stunning alpine scenery in South America.
🥾 #82. Rae Lakes Loop (Kings Canyon National Park, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Road’s End, Kings Canyon National Park, California
🥾 Distance: 41.4 miles (66.6 km) loop
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~7,600 ft (2,316 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous
🌟 Highlight: Pristine alpine lakes, towering Sierra Nevada peaks, and diverse terrain
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: July to September (after snowmelt)
Why It Made the List
One of the most breathtaking backpacking loops in the Sierra Nevada, the Rae Lakes Loop is a must-do for those looking for a multi-day adventure through alpine wonderlands. The route takes hikers past rushing rivers, dramatic granite cliffs, and stunning high-altitude lakes, with each section offering unique scenery.
The highlight of the trek is Rae Lakes, where crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating one of the most photographed landscapes in the region. The challenging climb over Glen Pass (11,978 ft / 3,651 m) adds to the sense of accomplishment. With remote wilderness, diverse terrain, and unparalleled beauty, this is one of California’s premier backpacking routes.
🥾 #81. Yosemite Falls Trail (Yosemite National Park, USA)
📍 Trailhead Location: Camp 4, Yosemite Valley, California
🥾 Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) round trip
🧗♂️ Elevation Gain: ~2,700 ft (823 m)
🥵 Difficulty: Strenuous
🌟 Highlight: Sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and the tallest waterfall in North America
🕰️ Best Time to Hike: April to June (peak waterfall flow)
Why It Made the List
Rising high above Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls Trail is a challenging yet rewarding ascent to one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. The trail climbs relentlessly via a series of steep switchbacks, offering incredible views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock along the way.
At the summit, hikers are greeted with a breathtaking perspective from the top of Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft / 739 m). During peak spring runoff, the thunderous roar of the falls and mist-filled air create a truly awe-inspiring experience. While the hike is demanding, the unparalleled views make it one of Yosemite’s most iconic trails.
What’s Next?
That wraps up hikes #90 to #81 on our countdown of the Top 100 Hikes in the World! From the glacial landscapes of Montana to the rugged peaks of Peru and the coastal trails of Portugal, this section of the list has featured some truly unforgettable hiking experiences—and we’re only getting started.
In the coming weeks, we’ll continue unveiling even more legendary trails, from iconic mountain summits to hidden gems around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting your hiking journey, there’s a bucket-list adventure waiting for you.
Be sure to follow @TrailheadTraveler on Instagram for daily updates, breathtaking photos, and expert hiking tips as we reveal the next set of hikes! Have you tackled any of these trails? Drop a comment below and share your experience!
Stay tuned for #80 to #71—coming soon! 🚀🥾
Featured Image: Yosemite Falls from Trail, Photo by David Iliff
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