29 Best Day Hikes in the World to Stay Fit as You Travel

Some of the best moments from our travels have happened on a trail—whether we were climbing through the Swiss Alps, winding through a rainforest in Tahiti, or logging yet another Saturday afternoon in Rocky Mountain National Park, which has practically been our backyard for the past twenty years. Hiking is how Chris and I explore a destination from the inside out, and finding a great day hike in a new place is always at the top of the trip planning list.

This list covers 29 of the best day hikes in the world that we have actually hiked—moderate to easy trails across Canada, Europe, Tahiti, the Philippines, and throughout the United States. Are there incredible hikes we have not done yet? Absolutely. But every trail on this list comes with firsthand experience, real opinions, and the kind of views that make the elevation gain worth every step.

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Best Day Hikes in the World

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Sunlit rock formations rising above a dramatic landscape, highlighting some of the best day hikes in the world.
A dramatic landscape of towering rock formations at sunset. Photo credit: edb3_16/DepositPhotos

From summiting Mt. Pilatus on foot to meandering down Moleson with our teenage daughters or dodging cows on Mt. Rigi, some of our best travel memories have started at a trailhead. Day hiking is the perfect sweet spot for our adventure bucket list—no multi-day gear, no campsite reservations, just a good trail, solid footwear, and enough snacks to get you to the view. The hikes below span nine regions across four continents, and every single one is worth lacing up for.

Canada

These four Canada hikes span Banff, quieter Waterton Lakes, and a city hike in Montreal, all approachable and worth building a day around.

1. Marble Canyon & Tokumm Creek Falls in Kootenay National Park

Turquoise water rushing through a narrow rock canyon at Tokumm Creek Falls near Banff, Alberta.
Creek Falls along the Marble Canyon hike near Banff, Alberta. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

This easy hike to Tokumm Creek Falls follows a trail which traverses the gorge and the turquoise blue of Tokumm Creek below with seven bridges. The sound of the falls thunders through the canyon and increases in volume as the gorge deepens and you near the falls. This is one stop on a road trip to Alberta and BC touring the Canadian Rockies that you just don’t want to miss.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 0.9 miles (1.4 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: ~ 50 feet (15 m)

2. Lower Falls at Johnston Canyon near Banff, Alberta

This easy hike to the Lower Falls follows Johnston Creek along a series of catwalks built into the canyon wall, with a short tunnel near the end that puts you close enough to feel the spray. It’s one of the most popular trails in Banff, so an early start makes all the difference if you want the canyon to yourself.

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: ~100 feet (30 m)

3. Bears Hump in Waterton National Park, Alberta

View from the top of Bear's Hump overlooking Upper Waterton Lake and the town of Waterton in Alberta, Canada.
The view from Bear’s Hump over Upper Waterton Lake, Alberta. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

This moderate hike switchbacks steadily up Mount Crandell to a rocky outcrop where the prairies meet the Rockies. Benches along the way give you an excuse to catch your breath, and the view from the top, looking down over the Prince of Wales Hotel and Upper Waterton Lake, is one of the best payoffs on this whole list.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 1.7 miles (2.8 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 738 feet (225 m)

4. Mount Royal in Montreal, Quebec

“The Mountain” rises up in the heart of Montréal. Mount Royal is a year round playground for all types of sports enthusiasts. On any given day, you’ll find joggers, cyclists, walkers, bird watchers, dog walkers, tobogganers, picnickers and boaters enjoying the park.

Follow the paved road to the top of “The Mountain” and enjoy the amazing views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere Lookout. The panorama of Montréal from the Lookout is stunning. Use the AllTrails app to map your course.

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Distance: 5.3 miles (8.5 km) loop
  • Elevation Gain: 682 feet

Europe

Seven hikes across three countries make up our Europe list: forest trails in Germany, coastal cliffs in Italy’s Cinque Terre, and five separate mountain hikes across Switzerland.

5. Black Forest near Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Rolling green hills, farms, and forest views from Schauinsland in the Black Forest, Germany.
The view over the Black Forest from Schauinsland, Germany. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

Settle in for the 20 minute ride on the Schauinslandbahn (gondola) to the top of the mountain (you could also hike up). Four hikes along the trails on Schauinsland begin at the Schauinslandbahn—top station of the gondola.

One of the easy hikes takes you to the Eugen-Keidel observation tower (also called Schauinsland tower) where you can also climb the 85 steps to the top of the tower for even more amazing views. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Alps and Mont Blanc!

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Very little

6. Monterosso al Mare to Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Italy

This narrow trail is not always easy with steps going up from the very start. You will love stopping for Instagram worthy vistas along the way, especially with the amazing views of Vernazza as you get close. Hike past little homes and terraced farms of olive trees. The colorful homes, the boats, the people swimming…all fantastic. 

  • Difficulty: Moderately challenging
  • Distance: 2.2 miles (3.7 km) point to point
  • Elevation Gain: 679 feet

7. Plan-Francey t0 Moléson Village, Switzerland

Hikers walking a grassy trail with mountain views near Moléson, Switzerland.
The trail down from Plan-Francey to Moléson-sur-Gruyères, Switzerland. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

After you have a little fun riding the “Bob-luge” at Moléson Village, you can buy one-way tickets on the Moleson Funicular (round trip if hiking isn’t in your plans). The funicular connects Moléson-sur-Gruyères to Plan-Francey, a departure point for many hiking trails. If you purchased a one-way ticket, you can then walk back down the mountain.

Chris and I walked down the mountain with our teen girls for a fairly easy meandering hike. It was perfect to help us achieve our “stay fit while traveling” goals and to enjoy the amazing views along the way.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Easy
  • Distance:  ~4-5 miles (6.4-8 km), approximate
  • Elevation: ~1,370 feet (417 m) descent

8. Mount Brè to Gandria in Lugano, Switzerland

If you are feeling energetic, you can hike UP from Gandria to the top of Mount Brè. Chris and I determined that hiking UP was probably a little more ambitious than we wanted. We opted instead to ride the funicular up and then hike down from Mount Brè to the beginning of the Olive Grove Trail at Gandria.

The hike down is beautiful with mountain and lake views and takes about two hours. Be mindful on a rainy day; the path, fallen leaves, exposed roots, and stones can be slippery.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) point to point
  • Elevation: 2040 feet (622 m) descent

9. Mount Rigi near Lucerne, Switzerland

A brown cow with cowbell standing in an alpine meadow on Mount Rigi, Switzerland.
One of many cows we passed on the trail down from Mount Rigi, Switzerland. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

You will want to take a boat from Lucerne to Vitznau and then ride the cog rail up to Mt. Rigi. (It is just steps from where you get off the boat.)

The cog rail ride from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm offers amazing views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. You can explore at the top of Rigi Kulm or take another cog train over to Krabel, ride a gondola up to Rigi Scheidigg from the rail stop, and enjoy a snack at a little cafe just off the path. From there you’ll walk back along the path back to the gondola on Rigi Kulm.

Our walk back to the Mount Rigi gondola took us about an hour and a half. We passed a lot of cows, heard a lot of cowbells, and saw very few people. Those that we did see taught us a new Swiss German greeting, “Gruezi” for hello. 

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3 km) point to point
  • Elevation: 1099 feet (335 m) descent

10. Olive Grove Trail near Lugano, Switzerland

Hike along the Olive Grove Trail from Gandria as you head back toward Lugano. Meander through the small village and have your camera ready for some picturesque Instagram worthy scenery. As you walk along the path where groves of olive trees used to grow, you can see remains of some of the ancient trees as well as new trees being introduced to the area again.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 2.9 miles (4.7 km) point to point
  • Elevation: minimal

11. Tomlishorn on Mount Pilatus near Lucerne, Switzerland

Narrow cliffside trail with railing along the Tomlishorn hike on Mount Pilatus, Switzerland.
The cliffside trail to Tomlishorn on Mount Pilatus, Switzerland. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

The hike to Tomlishorn on Mt. Pilatus took about an hour and a half. Chris and I hiked later in the afternoon and saw only one other person on the trail. As we walked along, we could hear the cowbells clanging from the valley below.

The hiking path skirts the edge of the mountain and is clearly marked with a railing. While it could be classified as one of the easy hikes, the last section of the trail is rockier, so you’ll want to watch your step along the way. The views though? Stunning.

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Distance: 2.0 miles (3.2 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 403 feet (123 m)

Tahiti

Tahiti gets one entry on this list, but it’s a memorable one: a jungle waterfall hike on Moorea that’s worth the trip on its own.

12. Afareaitu Waterfall on Moorea, Tahiti

A jungle waterfall cascading into a pool at Afareaitu on Moorea, French Polynesia.
Afareaitu Waterfall on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

Chris and I hiked to the Afareaitu Waterfall on our last day on Moorea island. There is a small pool at the bottom of the falls, so you may wish to hike in your swimsuit with shorts and shirts over top if you plan to swim and cool off a little once you arrive. This would be a great time to bring a microfiber towel, beach tote (or backpack), and sunscreen. Check out my Beach Gear on my Amazon Storefront for all of my recommendations.

There is no fee to access this waterfall.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 0.9 miles (1.4 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 488 feet (149 m)

Tour: Half-Day Hike to Afareaitu Waterfall through Viator

The Philippines

13. Crater Lake in Mt. Pinatubo

Turquoise Crater Lake surrounded by volcanic mountains at Mount Pinatubo, Philippines.
Crater Lake at Mount Pinatubo, Philippines. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

Getting to Crater Lake on Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines will involve some advance planning. The best day hikes in the world are worth the effort right? We booked a tour for this excursion that included a 4×4 Jeep, a driver, a guide, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Be prepared to ford streams, pass carabao, bounce around in the back of the Jeep, and hang on for the next couple of hours until you reach the trekking portion of your tour. As you arrive at the crater, you will need to climb up stones steps to where the vista of the volcano suddenly opens up and then climb down into the crater. We did not hike the full trail but had our guide drive with our younger girls into a fairly close parking lot.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 7 miles (11.2 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 1938 feet (591 m)

United States — Arizona

14. Bright Angel Trail to 1.5 Miles Resthouse at Grand Canyon

The hike down to the resthouse is the easy part of the hike. We hiked with our girls when our youngest was about five and Chris used his awesome powers of motivation promising the girls ice cream AND an amazing Jeep tour in Sedona if they hiked UP with less whining. We refilled our water bottles and hydration pack at the resthouse, and wouldn’t you know, we were back up to the top in one hour.

We stopped for ice cream and pretzels at the Bright Angel Fountain and rested.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 1121 feet (342 m)

15. Devil’s Bridge in Sedona

Hikers standing on the natural red rock arch of Devil's Bridge in Sedona, Arizona.
Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Arizona. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

The hike to Devil’s Bridge is one of the highly recommended things to do in Sedona. It may seem as though you have to go off-roading a bit to even get to the trailhead. That’s the road.

As the Devil’s Bridge hike is so popular among all of the things to do in Sedona, you will want to arrive early. The parking lot at the trailhead fills quickly. Think “arrive before 7 am” at some of the most popular times of the year. It is one of the fairly easy hikes in Sedona that kids should be able to easily complete.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 3.9 miles (6.3 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 521 feet (159)

United States — California

16. Boy Scout Tree Trail, Redwood Forest

Follow the path on the Boy Scout Tree Trail in the Redwood Forest and you will also arrive at Fern Falls where the trail ends. Reach the trailhead via the unpaved and sometimes bumpy Howland Hill Road. This old-growth trail features some of the world’s most pristine redwood scenery.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 5.2 miles (8.3 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 951 feet (290 m)

17. Vernal & Nevada Falls in Yosemite National Park

A waterfall with a rainbow in the mist cascades over granite cliffs where you can find adventures in Yosemite National Park at Vernal Falls.
Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

The Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park is no joke: seeing both waterfalls means 2,375 feet of total elevation gain, so pace yourself.

The paved climb to Vernal Fall is 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip) with 1,000 feet of elevation gain, steep enough that you’ll be stopping to catch your breath. Mist from the falls cools you off as you near the top, and many hikers call it a day here. Continuing to Nevada Fall adds another 1,000 feet of climbing, either up a steep staircase (recommended) or a more gradual path. Both are still hard.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Distance: 7.3 miles (11.7 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 2,375 feet (724 m)

United States — Colorado

18. Alberta Peak near Pagosa Springs

Storm clouds rolling over a mountain meadow and burned forest near Alberta Peak, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
A storm moving in near Alberta Peak outside Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

The Alberta Peak: Continental Divide National Scenic Trail begins at Wolf Creek Pass just outside of South Fork, Colorado. The trailhead STARTS at an elevation of 10,857 feet!

Continue on by following a narrow path along the edge of the mountain. The amazing views here are breathtaking. Once you reach the top of Alberta Peak, there is the final scramble over huge rocks and boulders to reach the tip top of the peak. I found it to be a little precarious.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Distance: 5.8 miles (9.3 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 1,187 feet (362 m)

19. Lone Pine Lake via East Inlet in Rocky Mountain National Park

A winding river through a green mountain meadow along the East Inlet trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the hikes in Colorado for your bucket list
The meadow along the East Inlet trail to Lone Pine Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

Stop at Adam’s Falls first (reservations required for East Inlet in RMNP), then continue as the East Inlet hike opens up to a meadow of tall grass and a meandering river before climb steadily. 

Chris and I both wanted to stop around 4.5 miles, but it was only 1.4 more miles to Lone Pine Lake, and I wanted to reach our destination. We pushed through on sore feet to reach it.

  • Difficulty: Starts out Easy—Becomes Challenging if you go past the meadow
  • Distance: 10.3 miles (16.6 km) out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 1,794 feet (547 m)

20. Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs

The first 0.7 mile portion of this hike to the Fish Creek Falls Overlook in Steamboat Springs is short and sweet. If you choose to continue on, the hike, as most mountain hikes do, starts with a brisk uphill climb that never really levels out much. Those are the moments when I wonder why I like hiking so much!

Chris and I made it to the bridge and then continued climbing, eventually rounding a precarious granite ledge along the edge of the mountain. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so plan accordingly.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Distance: 4.5 miles (16.6 km) out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 1,437 feet (438 m)

21. Hanging Lake Near Glenwood Springs

Clear turquoise water at Hanging Lake with Bridal Veil Falls cascading into it near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, one of the hikes in Colorado and adventures in Glenwood Springs
Hanging Lake and Bridal Veil Falls near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

One of Colorado’s most iconic hikes is Hanging Lake outside Glenwood Springs. Reservations are required, and I’d recommend an early summer morning to beat the heat.

The climb is steep, steps and boulders up through the canyon with only a few level sections and seven or eight bridges to cross. Hike first to Spouting Rock Falls, where water bursts straight out of the mountainside and you can walk behind it. Then climb back down a short way to Hanging Lake itself, skirted by Bridal Veil Falls and startlingly clear blue waters.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Distance: 3.1 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet (366 m)

22. Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park

Turquoise water and giant boulders at Lake Haiyaha in Rocky Mountain National Park, inspiring quotes for instagram.
The stunning turquoise water of Lake Haiyaha, Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

Chris and I found Lake Haiyaha in the summer of 2021. It has since become my FAVORITE hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only because of the scenery in getting to the lake but also because the lake is a stunning turquoise blue.

You will pass by Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake along the Dream Lake Trail before reaching Lake Haiyaha. They are all beautiful lakes in their own right, but Lake Haiyaha is the lake that causes a quick intake of breath as you scramble over giant boulders to reach it.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 4.0 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 846 feet (258 m)

23. Lake Isabelle in Rocky Mountain National Park

Reservations at Brainard Lake Recreation Area are required for this hike to Lake Isabelle via the Pawnee Pass Trail.

From the Long Lake Trailhead, it’s a short 0.15 miles to the Indian Peaks Wilderness boundary, then the Jean Lunning Trail Junction (stay right). Past West Jean Lunning, the trail toughens up: rock fields, snow patches, and a rocky shoreline before climbing toward the falls near the base of the glacier. Amazing views the whole way.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Distance: 6.6 miles (10.6 km) round trip
  • Elevation Gain: 672 feet (205 m)

24. Black Canyon Trail at Lumpy Ridge in RMNP

Lumpy Ridge is found on the north side of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Lumpy Ridge trailhead, the path climbs for a sharp ascent and then an equally rapid descent down into the valley of the MacGregor Ranch. The path continues to be fairly flat along the Black Canyon Trail and becomes one of the easy hikes in Colorado. Chris and I usually hike through the meadow and turn around once the path starts to climb. If you complete the entire hike, the details from the AllTrails app are:

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Distance: 17.0 miles (27.3 km) out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 4,084 feet (1245 m)

25. Siamese Twins Trail in Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Twin red rock formations at the Siamese Twins on the Black Canyon Trail in Garden of the Gods, Colorado.
The Siamese Twins rock formation along the Black Canyon Trail in Garden of the Gods, Colorado. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

Colorado Springs is home to the amazing Garden of the Gods—supernatural red rock formations that create one of the most unique and picturesque parks in the world. “The Garden” is simply breathtaking and offers some pretty awesome views and hikes

The Siamese Twins Trail is 0.5 miles long with great photo opportunities. If you are looking for a fun hike to stay fit with your kids that falls into the easy hikes category, the Siamese Twins Loop Trail is popular for walking and exploring.

Arrive early to avoid the crowds, get a parking spot, and beat the heat.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 104 feet (32 m)

United States — North Carolina

26. Waterrock Knob in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Waterrock Knob hike in North Carolina takes off immediately going up and up and up. It is a workout if your goal is to stay fit as you travel. You can hike first to the Waterrock Knob Overlook and then continue on. Hiking in the predawn hours opens up amazing views of the sunrise.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 104 feet (32 m)

United States — Utah

27. Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park

Hikers walking through the switchbacks of orange hoodoo formations on the Navajo Loop & Queen's Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon.
Switchbacks through the hoodoos on the Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park. Photo credit: Jolayne Kline/Just Wander More

You can begin this hike at either Sunrise or Sunset Point but a clockwise direction is recommend to descend on the Queen’s Garden Trail and ascend the switchbacks of the Navajo Loop Trail. Whether you begin at Sunset or Sunrise Point, these two viewpoints are connected by a flat, 0.5 mile (0.8 km) section of the Rim Trail that completes the loop.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 3 mile (4.8 km) loop
  • Elevation Gain: 652 feet (199 m)

28. Angels Landing in Zion National Park

This hike is not for the faint of heart, especially if heights are a concern for you. Angels Landing may be considered one of the most dangerous public hikes in the United States. The trail combines steep switchbacks, narrow sections, sheer drop-offs, metal chains for guidance, and a narrow land bridge at the plateau. If that doesn’t deter you, enjoy the amazing views and the sense of accomplishment (permit required).

  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Distance: 4.3 mile (6.9 km) out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 1,827 feet (557 m)

United States — Wyoming

29. Jenny Lake to Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park

You can take the boat launch across Jenny Lake to the beginning of the hike to Inspiration Point or follow the two-mile hike along the shoreline. You’ll hike first to a waterfall and then on to Inspiration Point for amazing views of Jenny Lake. This trail has a lot of wildlife activity; you may even see bears and moose along the way. Be prepared.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) out and back
  • Elevation Gain: 577 feet (176 m)

Use the GuideAlong App for Narrated Tours

Several of the destinations on this list, like Rocky Mountain National Park, Yosemite, and the Canadian Rockies, have GuideAlong narrated audio tours covering the drive and the area’s history, so you’re not relying on your phone for context once you’re there. Chris and I use this app on nearly every road trip we take. Here’s how I use the GuideAlong app if you want the full rundown before you go. Click the graphic below to search for your next tour.

Guidealong GPS tours banner

Reasons to Hike When you Travel

Hiking is one of my favorite ways to experience a place, it keeps me moving, gets me outside, and almost always delivers something I wouldn’t see any other way. A few reasons hiking belongs on every trip itinerary:

  • Stay fit without needing a gym.
  • Enjoy amazing views most tourists miss.
  • Check off bucket list travel goals.
  • Discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
  • Slow down and really experience a destination.

Gear for Your Best Day Hikes in the World

Be prepared for the best day hikes in the world by packing the “Ten Essentials.” Don’t be caught unprepared.

Browse my Amazon Storefront for all my recommended hiking gear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What countries have the best day hikes in the world?

Peru, France, New Zealand, the United States, and Andorra are consistently ranked among the best for day hiking, though Switzerland’s alpine trails make a strong case for a spot on that list too.

What is the most famous hiking trail in the world?

The Camino de Santiago in Spain is a centuries-old pilgrimage route that draws hikers from all over the world.

What is the toughest hike in the world?

The Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal is a multi-month trek that crosses some of the most extreme terrain on Earth.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy day hiking?

No. Most day hikes range from easy to moderate, and checking the difficulty and elevation gain ahead of time makes it easy to choose a trail that fits your fitness level.

What should I pack for a day hike?

Water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy footwear, and a rain layer cover the basics. Trekking poles, a printed or offline map, and a small first aid kit are worth adding for longer or more remote trails.

Can day hiking really help you stay fit while traveling?

Yes. A few hours on a trail burns real calories and works muscles a typical sightseeing walk won’t, all while taking in views a gym can’t offer.

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Split-image Pinterest pin showing red rock formations in Colorado and the colorful harbor of Vernazza, Italy, with text reading 29 Best Day Hikes in the World.

29 Hikes Down. Infinite Trails to Go.

Hiking as you travel is not everyone’s cup of tea—and honestly, after our trip to Tahiti in 2023, I completely understand the appeal of five lazy days on the beach doing absolutely nothing productive. No judgment here.

But if staying fit while you travel is a goal, even knocking out one or two hikes on this list is worth it. The views alone are reason enough. Add a few to your adventure bucket list and see where the trail takes you. Be sure to grab my free Day Hike Packing list to be prepared for all your hikes.

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24 Comments

  1. Your list of hikes in SouthWest USA is almost exactly our 3-year bucket list. I would suggest adding the hike to Wheeler Peak in New Mexico. It’s the highest peak in New Mexico. It’s a fairly difficult hike with about 3,000 feet of altitude change in 4 miles. We plan to tackle it this summer, or at least try. Even if you don’t make it to the peak William’s Lake is worth the hike.

  2. I’m not really into hiking, but the best part about hiking is the beautiful scenery. Staying fit though, is the challenging part 🙂
    Thanks for sharing this post, and the images are breathtaking!

  3. Great list! I just did Lower Falls Johnston Canyon last month and loved it! Can’t wait to knock off some hikes off this list!

  4. Angels Landing is probably one of my favorite hikes we’ve ever done, and I really enjoyed hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park as well. I’d love to check out some of those Alberta hikes! The scenery looks gorgeous. And, I’m super bummed we didn’t have time for the Black Forest on our last trip to Germany; I guess we will just have to go back someday! Xx Sara

  5. We are similar. I plan all our holidays around good hikes and whenever we visit and area, we escape cities to get out and hike. I’ve done most of the Canadian hikes you mentioned, there are soooo many fabulous options eh?

    I guess my favourite thing is trying to find less obvious trails as they are often just as gorgeous as the most popular hikes, just with a little peace and quiet too. 😉

  6. LOVE this. We are avid hikers too. We have even done the Camino…but there are so many on this list I still want to do, including much of Colorado. I live in Washington State in the summer and we love hiking there. When traveling (the rest of the year) we try to hike at least once a week wherever we are. Added a lot to my bucket list after reading this great post. Saving.

  7. Some of my best travel adventures revolve around hikes in Croatia, Italy, Portugal, and the United States. Thanks for giving me ideas for future hikes!

  8. As an avid hiker, I enjoyed reading your list of favorites. I have hiked quite a few of these, and was interested in others that you thought were good. Some great suggestions.

  9. I love hiking! One of my favorite things with hiking is the beautiful scenery I get to see! And ofcourse, staying fit is so important.

  10. Not a hiker, but walking is a great way to stay fit, so these day hikes are just perfect for it! Thank you for sharing!

  11. These hikes look spectacular! I love discovering new hikes when we travel the world. It is my dream to go hiking in both Switzerland and Maderia at some point in my lifetime. The scenery looks so unreal! Thanks for sharing this epic list!

  12. Marble canyon looks amazing! I’ve never really done a hike before so thank you for this list. Very helpful.

  13. So many great hikes around the world. I love hiking when I travel, it’s a great way to connect with the outdoors and get some great views

  14. Wow! There are so many amazing hikes to choose from! I regret not hiking while I spent time in Cinque Terre; it sounds like so much fun. I will have to save these hikes next time I feel adventurous!

  15. Wow! What an inspiring and beautiful post! We love hiking and staying fit as well as we slow travel around the world non-stop. I will have to add some of these to my list. We loved Tahiti and couch surfed with locals, but I didn’t even think of hiking. We loved hiking the beautiful mountains near Bansko, Bulgaria which are perfect in July and August, being cheap, not too hot and not crowded as ski season winter is high season.

  16. This is a great collection of hikes. I’ve done quite a few but am adding others to my list. One hike that I’d consider adding in Switzerland is the Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg hike. It has incredible views of the Eiger the whole way.

  17. Great list of day hikes! I have just done one from your long list. I have a lot of catching up to do. I am particularly interested the hikes in Canada near the Rockies. 🙂

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