Listopedia: The Hiker’s Bucket List

Lace up your hiking boots and get out and explore the world by foot. It’s possible to dedicate an entire book to the most amazing treks the world has to offer, here are ten must-do hikes for the Listopedia hiker’s bucket list.

Monte Fitzroy Trek, Patagonia

This 4 – 7 day trek is a showcase of Patagonia’s indomitable beauty as hikers circle round Monte Fitz Roy, beside serene sapphire coloured lakes. Green alpine fields contrast the stark mountainous backdrops, creating opportunities for all levels of hikers. Be sure to rise early to see the transformation of Mount Fitzroy’s granite surfaces into rose coloured pinnacles.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Climb to the snow-capped top of Africa on a 5 – 7 day trek to Uhuru (Freedom) Peak. While hiking near the equator, observe the magic of five dramatically different climatic zones, moving from the plains of the Serengeti through the rainforest to the peak’s glacier. As the continent’s most popular and accessible summit, this is an easy introduction to both high summits, and to the wonders of Africa.

Yosemite Grand Traverse, USA

This recently established 6-day hiking trail leads hikers through the most notable (and picturesque) regions of California. Sheer granite faces drop over the drainage systems of the Merced River, while hikers progress towards the summit of the iconic Half Dome. Designed by a backcountry guide, this trail is best experienced with a local guide who will find the incomparable beauty of the region, along with the hidden gems.

Inca Trail, Peru

Follow the trails of the Inca while hiking through antique ruins and stunning vistas en route to the infamous Machu Picchu, at the heart of the Inca Empire. At such high altitudes, this 4-day trail is often physically strenuous; however, the views of cloud forests and snow-capped mountains make this route a South American classic.

The Haute Route, France-Switzerland

Hike or ski from France’s spectacular Chamonix valley to Switzerland’s Matterhorn in Zermatt during this 180-kilometre adventure through the Alps. Moving between quaint mountain villages, hikers are treated to comfortable accommodation along the way in various Swiss hotels and cabins, with opportunities to purchase supplies and sample local culture.

Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

Follow the traditional footpaths that weave through the dramatic plateaus and sheer faces of the Simien Mountains in the Ethiopian Highlands. Unpolished and unpretentious, this 2 – 7 day hike passes through villages, wilderness and farmland with a local scout leading the way. Stay alert for the descending troops of gelada baboons, and keep an eye out for the elusive Ethiopian wolves roaming the slopes.

Overland Track, Australia

This classic 65-kilometre bush-walk leads hikers through the jagged mountains, glacially carved valleys and lush rainforests on route to Australia’s deepest lake: Lake St Clair. Detours to waterfalls and mountain summits through this prehistoric-looking environment add to the experience, making this a popular route requiring significant advance bookings. You probably won’t pass many other hikers however you will meet a few wombats along the way.

West Coast Trail, Canada

Hike through the old growth forests, bogs and beaches while nipping between the tides of the Pacific Ocean. With limited resources on the trail beyond the odd ladder, hikers are immersed fully in the misty mornings, rocky scrambles and evening sunsets round campfires. Keep an eye on the ocean as whales, seals and sea lions are often visible from the trail – or, with borrowed binoculars.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

The strenuous 3-week trek through the Khumbu Valley to the base of the world’s highest mountain is one of the more physically strenuous treks available. However, hiking surrounded by majestic mountains, gracious locals, and the end destination at Everest inevitably makes this journey one of the classics.

Routeburn Track, NZ

Tramp through New Zealand’s Southern Alps on a 2 – 4 day comfortable hiking route. This accessible and popular trek traverses two national parks, carrying hikers through ice-carved valleys, beech forest, jewel-toned lakes and mountain vistas. The higher altitude, clearer views and smaller crowds make this route arguably New Zealand’s greatest of the “Great Walks”.