15 Breathtaking Views That Are Totally Worth the Hike
Embark on unforgettable adventures with these 15 breathtaking hikes, where every challenging step leads to awe-inspiring views that will leave you speechless.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Explore 15 of the world’s most stunning hikes, where the destination is as spectacular as the journey. From imposing mountain summits and historic routes to rugged sea cliffs and green valleys, every trek features unforgettable scenery and distinctive cultural experiences. Whether pursuing wide-open vistas or looking for off-the-beaten-path adventure, these hikes deliver experiences that linger long after the trail disappears.
1. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, USA
Image from Wikipedia
This 14 to 16-mile round-trip trek traverses more than 4,800 feet, ending in a cable-supported climb along the granite monolith. The views of Yosemite Valley, including Vernal and Nevada Falls, are breathtaking from the summit. Permits are mandatory, and the physically challenging trip requires great reward.
2. Inca Trail, Peru
Image from Travel Health Plus
This 26-mile trail runs through cloud forests, alpine tundra, and Incan ruins. The hike ends at the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, with a stunning view of the Lost City of the Incas. Typically done in four days, it’s a hike through history and spectacular scenery.
3. Milford Track, New Zealand
Image from New Zealand
Frequently referred to as “the best walk in the world,” this 33-mile track winds through the Fiordland National Park. Walkers encounter lush rainforests, plunging waterfalls, and the peaceful majesty of glacial valleys. The walk ends at the breathtaking Milford Sound, a fjord famous for its vertical cliffs and turquoise waters.
4. Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe
Image from tourdumontblanchike.com
Circling the Mont Blanc massif, this 110-mile path goes through France, Italy, and Switzerland. For about 11 days, trekkers are rewarded with sights of mighty peaks, alpine pastures, and picturesque villages. Each day presents different landscapes and cultures, which is an entirely immersive experience.
5. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland
Image from 57hours
This 34-mile trek showcases Iceland’s diverse landscapes, from multicolored rhyolite mountains to expansive lava fields. Hikers encounter hot springs, glaciers, and vibrant moss-covered valleys. The trail’s ever-changing scenery is both otherworldly and captivating.
6. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Image from Wikipedia
This 11-mile trail along the Nā Pali Coast is demanding. It offers spectacular ocean views, rising sea cliffs, and isolated beaches. The trek through valleys and rough landscapes is as satisfying as it is challenging. Camping at Kalalau Beach is a peaceful conclusion to the hike.
7. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, Italy
Image from Cinque Terre
Linking five colorful villages along the Italian Riviera, the trail provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The trail winds through vineyard terraces, olive groves, and colorful coastal towns. Each village offers a distinct charm, making the trek scenic and culturally rewarding.
8. Drakensberg Grand Traverse, Lesotho, South Africa
Image from Wejugo
This long trek spans about 150 miles of the Drakensberg Mountains. Trekkers traverse rough landscapes, basalt cliffs, and isolated valleys. The trek provides seclusion, varied wildlife, and large views.
9. Trolltunga, Norway
Image from Wikipedia
A strenuous 17-mile round-trip trek leads to the famous Troll’s Tongue, a rock that protrudes horizontally from a mountain roughly 2,300 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The hike offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of fjords and mountains. It is best taken between June and September.
10. Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Image from Wikipedia
One of the world’s deepest gorges, this 14-mile path provides breathtaking scenery of the Jinsha River between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The trail weaves through tiny villages, terraced fields, and rocky cliffs. The marriage of natural splendor and cultural immersion makes it irreplaceable.
11. Snowman Trek, Bhutan
Image from World Expeditions
One of the world’s toughest treks, this 200-mile trek crosses 11 high mountain passes, several of which are over 16,000 feet. Trekkers are rewarded with unspoiled landscapes, isolated monasteries, and views of the Himalayas’ unclimbed highest peaks. The trek takes approximately 25 days and demands superb physical condition and acclimatization.
12. GR20, Corsica, France
Image from The Guardian
Stretching for 112 miles, the GR20 is considered Europe’s most demanding long-distance path. It crosses the rugged backbone of Corsica, providing trekkers with granite summits, glacial lakes, and dense forests. The varied landscapes and breathtaking views make the challenge well worth it.
13. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Image from Intrepid Travel
This 128-mile old-school trek encircles the Annapurna Massif with varied scenery ranging from subtropical valleys to dry high-altitude deserts. The highlight is traversing the Thorong La Pass at 17,769 feet with stunning Himalayan views. In addition to the treks, there are rich cultural interactions with local villages.
14. West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island, Canada
Image from Switchback Travel
This 47-mile trail along the island’s southwestern edge offers rugged coastlines, dense rainforests, and abundant wildlife sightings. Originally a lifesaving trail for shipwrecked mariners, it now challenges hikers with ladders, bridges, and tidal considerations. The pristine beaches and dramatic landscapes are unforgettable.
15. Sentiero Azzurro, Italy
Image from Becky Exploring
Known as the Blue Trail, the 7.5-mile route links Cinque Terre’s five villages on Italy’s Ligurian coastline. It passes through cliff-hugging vineyards and colored villages and presents breathtaking views of the sea. The path is not particularly strenuous, providing ample opportunities to take it easy and sample regional cuisine.