There are different types of hikes in the hiking world, and each is worth experiencing. There are coastal hikes, lake hikes, forest hikes, and there are mountain hikes. The latter is the subject of focus here as it is one of the world's most exciting forms of hiking. Mountain Hikes are thrilling and beautiful, but they are usually at the top of the list when it comes to hiking difficulty. Adequate fitness is required to do these trails as they often require scrambling and also come with high elevation gains. Without further ado, pick up your hiking boots and hiking essentials and prepare to experience some thrills on these mountain hikes around the world.
10 Mount Whitney Trail, California
Located in the state of California, Mount Whitney is a magnificent mountain that offers plenty of opportunities for adventures. At a height of 14,505 feet, it is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States and it has a trail that takes adventurers right to its peak. This trail stretches for 11 miles and leads hikers through rocky paths right up to the top, where there are amazing views of the surrounding rocky landscape and a beautiful lake.
Hiking Mount Whitney Trail is not so much of a hard task to overcome, but one must be in good shape and be able to stand at high altitudes.
9 Highline Trail, Montana
Montana is one of the premiere destinations for mountain hiking in the United States, as it is endowed with thrilling mountain trails such as Highline Trail. This trail is located in Glacier National Park, and it stretches for 12 miles through some of the most stunning views in the area. Although many consider the trek to be difficult due to the distance, it is quite easy to complete as the trail is mostly flat and comes with a mild elevation gain of just 800 feet.
On this trek, one will be met with views of colorful flowers, trees, grasses, and towering mountains. Lucky hikers will even be met with some of the area’s wildlife, some of which include - Bighorn sheep and deer. Some hikers have even reported coming across grizzly bears on this trail.
8 Chilkoot Trail, Alaska And British Columbia
As a state filled with an abundance of mountains, Alaska has plenty of mountain hikes to offer, and the Chilkoot Trail is one of the most exciting. But the Chilkoot Trail is not one to start and end in Alaska. While it begins from Dyea in Alaska, this hike proceeds for 33 miles through a landscape filled with mountains, rocks, rivers, and forests before ending in Bennett, British Columbia, Canada.
While preparing for this hike, it is great to also learn about its history, as it makes the trek more exciting. In summary, this trail came into existence during the Klondike gold rush of the 1890s, which saw tens of thousands of people coming from all parts of the world to trek to Yukon goldfields with the hopes of being rewarded with gold. Apparently, the love for gold has been strong in humans for a long time. For more gold-hunting inspiration, check out the story of the Inca Gold and also set your radar to these destinations where you can find gold in the US,
7 Mount Toubkal, Morocco
Mount Toubkal is one of the interesting things Morocco is known for, and it is worth getting on a flight to the country. At the height of 4,167 m, it is the highest mountain in the Arab World and also North Africa. Due to its uniqueness, Mount Toubkal has now become one of the most sought-after hiking destinations in the world. The trek here takes two days to complete, and throughout the adventure, the only views hikers will be met with are those of craggy snow-covered mountains and the sky. Those who make it to the peak will even be met with more incredible views of the mountainous landscape. The thrills and the unique mountain views that this mountain hike offers will stick to the memory for a long time and even make one wish to come back for more.
6 Grampians Peak Trail, Australia
Australia must not be forgotten when it comes to thrilling adventures such as mountain climbing, as it is home to trails such as the Grampians Peak Trail in Victoria. At 164 km (101 miles), this trail is difficult for even the fittest trekkers. The trail is steep and rough, and it takes about 13 days to complete. On the Grampians Peak Trail, one will be met with beautiful lakes, green valleys, numerous plant species, and unending views of mountains.
There are several campgrounds along the trail for those who wish to take a rest, and many of them are equipped with essential facilities. With all the thrills and attractions this trail offers, it is truly one of the best ways to see the impressive landscape of Australia.
5 Mount Olympus, Greece
The home of the Greek Olympian gods is surely worth a hike at least once. This mountain is not just historical but also exciting. It is the highest mountain in Greece at a height of 2,917 m, and it offers an amazing hiking experience. This height may not be exhilarating like many other mountain hikes, but it is unique and exciting, especially for lovers of Greek Mythology.
There are many routes from which to hike to the peak of this mountain, but the most popular is from Litochoro, and the distance from the peak to this town is about 20 km (12.4). The hike takes about 11 hours to complete this hike, and the elevation gain is about 2,500 m. There are many peaks on the mountain, but the peak called Mytikas is the highest at 2917 m, and the views from that peak are stunning. Close to Mytikas is another peak called Stefani, and this, according to Greek Mythology, is the throne of Zeus.
4 The Trek To The Peak Of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro sits majestically at a height of 5,895 meters overlooking the entire planet of Africa and always waiting for the next true adventurer to submit it. As the potential next adventurer to summit this mountain, there are a few things to know about this mountain hike. It requires great fitness because it takes about five to nine days to complete the trek. Hikers have to carry days worth of food and water and sometimes be exposed to burning sun rays and heavy rain. For those determined enough to complete this hike, those challenges just make the trek even more exciting.
3 Tour Du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, Switzerland
Tour Du Mont Blanc is one of the premiere mountain hiking destinations in Europe. This trek covers a distance of 170 km (105 miles) and runs through France, Italy, and Switzerland in the process of circling the Mount Blanc range. Only a few hikes in the world offer hikers the luxury of going through several countries.
The Tour du Mont Blanc hike takes between 7 and 10 days to complete, and throughout the adventure, hikers will have views of towering snow-capped peaks and beautiful valleys.
2 Mount Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Mount Everest Base Camp trek should be on the bucket list of every hiker as it is located on the tallest mountain in the world and is the closest one can be to the earth’s highest peak. Although not as life-changing as the trek to the summit of Mount Everest, this trek also challenges hikers to some extreme mountain hiking adventure which ends at an altitude of 5,380 m above sea level. Mount Everest Base Camp is a perfect alternative to Everest Summit because it is much easier, although it does have its difficulty. It takes between 11 and 14 days to complete this trek, and the weather can cause a lot of obstructions. Despite the difficulty, however, the views from the top are also amazing, and the feeling it comes with is priceless.
1 Mount Huashan, China
Mount Huashan is no regular mountain hike. Due to the difficulty associated with this mountain in China, it is often considered the world's most dangerous hike. Everything about Mount Hushan is difficult, from the walk on thousands of steps to the treacherous plank walk, which is basically a walk on thin planks fastened to a high spot on the tall Mount Huashan. No handrails are available to support hikers on this plant walk. Those walking have only the option of hooking themselves to the chains at the side of the mountain as they move gradually on the plank. The fact that the plank accommodates two-way traffic also makes it more terrifying. There is just so much excitement this trek offers and visiting it in person is the only way to get the experience.