By Liam 
In 2022, the most popular outdoor activity in the USA was hiking. An astounding 881,000 people began hiking in 2022 alone and the US is home to countless national and state parks teeming with hiking trails. While many of those trails are breathtaking, we set out to find the 10 most beautiful hikes in the world. Our list spans six continents and we hope it provides inspiration for your next trip.
1. W Trek – Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
The W Trek is a multi-day excursion through the incredible Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia.
The W Trek typically takes four or five days and hikers typically stay in shared dorms (refugios) or camp. Some of the park’s most popular sights are along the way, including the Base of the Towers, French Valley and Grey Glacier.
It’s busiest in December and January so shoulder season is the ideal time to do the W Trek.
2. Na Pali Coast – Kauai, Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast is a stunning hike on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Breaking up the 11-mile hike into two days and camping along the trail is a good idea. However, hikers need to get permits to camp at Hanakoa Valley, six miles from the trailhead.
Hikers will encounter cliff vistas, waterfalls and hidden beaches along their journey. Many describe the Kalalau Trail, along the Na Pali Coast, as the most beautiful hike in the USA.
3. Annapurna Circuit – Nepal
While the Everest Base Camp trek is the most popular one in Nepal, many say the Annapurna Circuit is better. Annapurna is a legendary trek in its own right with incredibly varied landscapes.
The Circuit goes through all types of climate zones, from tropical to arctic, and typically takes 15 to 20 days.
These landscapes and the breathtaking Thorung La Pass make the Annapurna Circuit one of the 10 most beautiful hikes in the world.
The most popular time to hike it is in October, just after the monsoon season.
4. Adolf Munkel Trail – Südtirol, Italy
Hikers can’t go wrong anywhere in the Dolomites, a mountain range in Northeastern Italy. The Dolomites are a popular place for tourists, especially around the German-speaking region of Südtirol.
Within the incredible Puez-Odle Nature Park, we recommend the Adolf Munkel Trail. It has panoramic views of the Dolomites with refuges and South Tyrolean cuisine along the way.
The Adolf Munkel Trail isn’t far from one of the 11 Most Overlooked Places in Italy, Val di Funes.
5. Sinai Trail – Egypt
Bedouin tribes launched the Sinai Trail in 2015. The trail’s beauty is both physical and cultural, as hikers must make use of local guides to access the trail. In 2017, the Bedouin tribes expanded the trail from 220 kilometers to 550 and it takes over one month to complete.
The trail goes through taking hikers through sand dunes, mountains and historic/biblical sites. Along the way, hikers will pass Mount Sinai, which is where Moses is said to have received the ten commandments from God. Hikers can also visit the historic St. Catherine Monastery along the trek.
This trail is a unique opportunity to hike through the Sinai Peninsula’s desert and learn about the region’s history and culture. The best time to hike the Sinai Trail is from October to April.
6. Kjerag – Norway
Kjerag is a popular day hike in Norway. The round trip hike takes six to 10 hours and it’s accessible between May and October.
Hikers who complete the strenuous hike are rewarded with photo ops at the famous Kjeragbolten. It’s a massive boulder wedged between two mountain cliffs.
This hike offers excellent views of the Lysefjord and surrounding Southwestern Norwegian mountains.
7. Milford Track – New Zealand
Sometimes called the “finest walk in the world“, The Milford Track is a multi-day hike in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park.
For better, or worse, the Milford Track’s popularity has exploded in recent years but it’s still known for excellent scenery, waterfalls and lakes.
In the high season, from November to April, bookings are required for huts on the four day journey, as well as transportation.
8. Angel’s Landing – Zion National Park, Utah
Angel’s Landing, located in Zion National Park in Utah, is one of the most iconic hikes in the USA.
After plenty of switchbacks, hikers will have to contend with a narrow trail with steep drop-offs. This hike is best for experienced hikers, as 18 people have died by falling off the trail since 1987.
For those up to the challenge, the views on the hike are impeccable and many feel the reward is worth the risk. The peak is serene and the views of the canyon are unmatched.
9. Ala-Kul Lake – Kyrgyzstan
Ala-Kul Lake isn’t as well known as some of the other 10 most beautiful hikes in the World but it’s fully deserving of a place on our list.
This hidden gem in the Kyrgyz mountains is reached by a four-day hike and it’s well worth the trouble. Ala-Kul Lake has a striking light blue color and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The hike to this oasis in the mountains is challenging but unbelievably rewarding.
10. Haute Route – France and Switzerland
The walker’s Haute Route starts in Chamonix, a French resort town in the Alps near Mont Blanc, and finishes at Zermatt in Switzerland, near the famed Matterhorn.
The Haute Route passes by 10 of the 12 highest peaks in the Alps, along with lakes and glaciers.
Collapsing glaciers can sometimes make the route impassable but the hike takes around two weeks to complete. The views are excellent throughout the duration of the Haute Route.
Beautiful Hikes Near You
While these have been our 10 most beautiful hikes in the world, there are plenty of other beautiful hikes to check out in your local area if you’re unable to travel! We recommend using AllTrails to find hikes near you.