5 Awesome Place in the World to Hikes

1. Yosemite Grand Traverse, California, United States 

Round-Trip: 60 miles, 6 to 7 days 

When to Go: Reaching as high as 12,000 feet, this trans-Sierra route is open only from mid-July to mid-September. 

Insider Tip: The trailhead logistics for this trip can be challenging, so make things easy by doing this trip with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, who pioneered the route and have mastered the journey from start to finish.

     

      2. Queen Charlotte Track, New Zealand

Round-Trip: 44 miles, 3 to 5 days

When to Go: Located on the sunny north end of the South Island, near the famed wine growing region of Marlborough, the Queen Charlotte can be done virtually year round. Hike with Marlborough Sound Adventures, who have the logistics wired.

Insider Tip: The Queen Charlotte is one of the few tracks in New Zealand open to mountain bikers for part of the season. Go early or late in the season if you want to ride, or choose high summer if you want a more tranquil hike without bikers coming up behind you.

  


3. Ruwenzori, Mountains of the Moon, Uganda 

Round-Trip: 38 miles, 6 to 7 days 
When to Go: December to March, the “dry” season. Go with guides and porters; they know the way and are not expensive. 
Insider Tip: Bring a pair of indestructible camp shoes impervious to moisture, such as Crocs. The circuit can be a muddy mess. Walking in the creek beds often makes for the best progress. It is essential to be able to change into something dry and reasonably comfortable for your feet at day's end. 
 

4. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii, United States

Round-Trip: 22 miles, 3 to 5 days

When to Go: May to September for drier weather; April or October for more solitude

Insider Tip: It’s hot, and you’ll be tempted, but don’t even think about cooling off with a swim at Hanakapi’ai Beach on the way in. All those small, makeshift memorials are erected in the memory of hikers who thought they might enjoy wading in and were immediately swept out to sea by the violent rips.

 

5. Dana Reserve to Petra

Round-Trip: 50 miles, 7 days

When to Go: October through April, when desert temperatures relent a little. Go with Adventure Jordan, the local company that discovered this 50mile route through the deserts, mountains, and peaks of Jordan.

Insider Tip: Do your research before you arrive. Time in the canyon system of Petra is precious, so it’s best to know what you want to see before you arrive. Besides the iconic sites of the Siq, the Treasury and the Monastery are mystical venues, as are the Place of High Sacrifice and the Great Temple.