See the World's Most Epic Day Hikes
Photograph by Lukasz Janyst, Alamy
With river valleys, fiery red craters, twin emerald lakes, and the "Mount Doom" volcano featured in the Lord of the Rings movies, this 12-miler through New Zealand's oldest national park is worthy of a hiking Academy Award.
Photograph by Matthew Williams-Ellis, Aurora
The magnificence of the 480-square-miles Grand Teton National Park comes to a head in this 15-mile hike. Passing through pristine ecosystems, with species dating to prehistoric times, this trail covers gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, and views to the Cathedral Group.
Photograph by Andrew Kornylak, Aurora
Whatever your religious beliefs, everyone can appreciate this holy hike's history and beauty. Three hours before dawn, ascend from one of the world's longest running monasteries and up the Steps of Penitence (hand-carved by monks). At the peak, sit before the mosque and church for desert sunrise views of biblical proportions.
Photograph by Kenneth Garrett, National Geographic
The chiseled Dolomites have a bounty of hut-to-hut hiking, but if you only have a day, you can still experience some of the highest peaks in the Southern Limestone Alps. Take the 20-mile route to the Puez Refuge, where you will be served 360-degree views with a side of apple strudel.
Photograph by Robert Harding Stock, Alamy
Follow the sheer Amphitheatre cliffs and climb South Africa's Mont-Aux-Sources via chain ladders. Explore the flattop peak and peer over Tugela Falls, one of the world's tallest at 3,110 feet.
As Canada's oldest national park, Banff has perfected the art of hiking trails, with Rockbound among its finest. The winding path through the Rockies brings you to the Castle Mountain headwall: cliffs wrapping around a teal lake with views across the park.
Photograph by Yu Liu Photography, Getty Images
If measured from its base at the floor of the Pacific Ocean to its peak, this Hawaiian mountain is 33,474 feet, 13,796 of which is above sea level. Tackle 4,600 feet of this dormant volcano with a full-day hike. Extra motivation: One of the world's leading astronomical sites is at the summit.
Photograph by Kerrick James, Getty Images
Twin volcanoes rise out of Lake Nicaragua, creating Ometepe Island and a premier hiking destination. Both are challenging, while Maderas volcano is the more diverse pick with coffee plantations, petroglyphs, cloud forests, and a swimmable crater lake on top.
Photograph by Dukas Presseagentur, Alamy
Take the path less traveled up Mount Fuji, Japan's highest point and national symbol. Start the nine-mile trek in the evening, enjoying views of the forests, lakes, and Tokyo city lights. Re-energise with a bowl of udon noodles and a midnight nap at the seventh station. Then summit for dawn over the Land of the Rising Sun.
Photograph by JTB Media, Alamy
