A Bucket List Worth Checking- 10 Hiking Adventures

Whether a walk in the park, or an uphill battle, I for one find hiking a riveting adventure. Crossing boulders, trekking through waterfalls, sitting at an overhang of 2,000 feet in the air, there is just something about being in nature and letting your eyes wonder about the vast landscapes around the planet. After delving into these culturally and geographically unique adventures, you might want to pack your bags. It is worth every step.

Fjords, Norway.

When you hear the words breath taking views you may think, cliché, but this destination captures the essence of that phrase. Preikestolen or better known as the Pulpit Rock is climbed by roughly 300,000 visitors each year. Lonely Planet has cited this destination as, “some of the world’s most scenic hiking.” Every which way you look, steep mountains rising from the sea crate below shimmering with the reflection of the blue sky. This trek rounds out at 3.7 miles, approximately taking on average four hours to get there and back. Not too shabby for a day out in the park if you ask me. Pulpit Rock being the easiest trail, there are four other hikes to embark on. Romsdalseggen will take you above the Norwegian Sea and the quaint town of Molde at the length of 6.2 miles. Aurlandsdalen’s valley hike will meander you through streams, towns, waterfalls, and if your lucky you may even see a whale breach. You can take the shorter route for the day, or take the longer path and stop at dusk to pitch a tent along the river. Hiking Skala, you’ll start at a small farm and make your way up spotting glaciers speckled through the mountains. Finally, Trolltunga. At 12.4 miles long it’s all an uphill battle before making it to Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The end- an overhanging tooth shape rock stretching out over the mountains. Priceless.

When to go: May- October.

Bay of Fires, Tasmania

Turquoise waves reaching up the sand, red lichen speckled on boulders, and only accessible by a tour guide, this four day hike is like no other. Going through Tasmanian Walking Co, on day one you’ll hike for four hours along the beachside listening to the history of the Bay of Fires early settlers. Reaching the end of day one, secluded in sand dunes is where you’ll spend the night, dined with delicious Tasmanian cuisine. Day twos trek will take around 7 hours consisting of breakfast before takeoff, a visit to a marsupial lawn, lunch near towering dunes behind a lighthouse, spa treatments, possible fishing off the beach, and at night, sit back and indulge in decadent morsels. Day three, wake up with a nice cup of Joe and enjoy the pristine views with the possibility of spotting dolphins breaching the waves. Choose what you want to do whether it be to kayak the Anson’s River, hike over the sand dunes, head back to the spa, fish, snorkel, or explore shell coves. After becoming a new person, day four is the journey back home. The path is cut out through a eucalypts forest where you will have a bite to eat, and raise a glass to the memories.

When to go: December- March

Mount Katahdin, Maine.

Rising to a peak of 5,267 feet in the beautiful state of Maine, this final leg of the Appalachian Trail is considered the most strenuous across all the states. To get to Pamola or Baxter Peak take either Hunt trail or Abol near the south side of the mountain. There is parking at each spot, but be advised, the park rangers only allow so many people to ascend each day. On average this trek can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours being at around 9.8 miles up. The Baxter State Park Authority has labeled all the main trails on the mountain as, very strenuous and also dangerous, consisting of high incline and narrow passageways. Prepare for legs of Jell-O. You’ll likely crash onto a cot or even the ground once you make it back to camp.

When to go: May - October.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

This walk through the woods is not one you’d want to do alone. Every year around 1,000 people call to be evacuated off the mountain pass, but if you are an adrenaline adventurer, don’t let that scare hold you back. You will not regret it. You’ll pass waterfalls dropping feet dashing off the rocks, wildlife, and glaciers at the top. This rock mass reaches a height of 19,341 feet with the Northern Circuit being the longest path up the mountain and best for acclimation to ascend. Joining a tour group is the best bet. They can cost anywhere from $1,000-$5,000. At night you’ll camp out and hear ghost stories about the Chagga people’s belief in mountain dwarfs and the tale of there being a gate to another world hidden in a crag. Who doesn’t love a good nightmare while hiking in the wilderness?

When to go: June- October.

The Highline, Montana

Starting high in the mountains, this hike offers views the entire trek. Greenery, snowcapped peaks, wildflower meadows, rams roaming the cliff sides; you really have to stop here and there to really take everything in. Being leveled a strenuous hike, it approximately takes around 7-9 hours to complete. A shuttle will take you to the trail from your car and when finished, they’ll round you up like a bunch of cattle. Just make sure you know when the last shuttle leaves. Otherwise, you can stay the night at Granite Park Chalet, which is only accessible by foot, but if you plan to do so, make a reservation ahead of time.

When to go: June- September

Petra, Jordan

If you are a history buff, this Indiana Jones-esk trip will make your imagination dance. Centuries of human history line the sun baked orange rocks of this city. Most foreigners take the bus to Wadi Musa off the UNESCO World Heritage Site, head into the entrance, and take the short walk down a slot canyon. But, locals, also known as Bedouins (desert dwellers) can take you on a historic route that predates Mesopotamia. On Experience Jordan, a tour website, one trek they offer is a seven day walk from Dana all the way to Petra, and don’t worry, the local hosts love to show their hospitality and have lots of knowledge to share. And Petra at night; absolutely stunning with the candle lights and stars bouncing off the rocks.

When to go: March- May or September- November

Tigers Nest, (Taktsang Trail) Bhutan

Legend says an emperor’s wife, Yeshe became a friend of a man Guru Rinpoche, turned into a tigress, slapped Guru on her back from Tibet, and ran up the mountain. Hence adopting the name, Tigers Nest. Interesting I’d say. Starting from the bottom of the mountain in Paro, this hike will take roughly three hours to make it to the monastery, and it’s an arduous one. You could just take the 20 minute drive up from Paro, but what’s the destination without the journey? Don’t be that bum. Making your way near the monastery, you’ve made it past the hard parts. You’ll pass over a bridge and make it to the base of the stairs littered in prayer flags all the way up. When you reach the top, take a deep breath of satisfaction. You did it. Then head up the last steps and enrich yourself in the culture with views of the lush greenery surrounding you.

When to go: September- December

Kalalau Trail, Hawaii

First of all, who doesn’t love the idea of going to Hawaii? To adventure forward on this Hawaiian trek, you will need to obtain a permit from Hawaii.gov or another State Parks district office, but if you only decide to go two miles ending up at Hanakapi’ai’ Beach, it is not required. Price of permit is $20.00 for non-residents. This paradisiac walkabout is 22 miles round trip and is considered one of the most beautiful hikes on the planet. In route, steep inclines and thin paths are met by rocky and soft soil, so don’t act like it is a race. Use discernment. The end of the road- Kalalau Beach. After 11 miles you reach the destination, a secluded beach nestled between a towering rock mass on each side. Throw your pack off into the warm sand and sit back on the shore letting the waves tag up to your sore toes, maybe pulling out a stash of your favorite sangria. (If you can fit that in your baggage) A walk to remember for sure.

When to go: May- September

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, Arizona

24 miles one way. No biggie right? If you’re prepared, you can do it. Both elderly and children have completed the hike. Starting at North Rim, you’ll descend 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon on the North Kaibab Trail before connecting onto the Bright Angel Trail, which goes the direct opposite way; up and onward to the South Rim! At the bottom lies the Colorado River and its sandy banks. You’ll definitely want to take some time to explore around the river. The water, cool to touch on your sun baked skin. A little spritz of rejuvenation. Making it halfway upward on the Bright Angel, you’ll cross paths with the Indian Garden (ranger station). There is also Bright Angel Campground, Three-Mile Resthouse, and Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse along the way to stop and catch a snooze, and yes, there are bathrooms located on the premises. One key to keep in mind, it can get scorching in the summer months, so be prepared to take on the heat. Most hikers will depart early in the morning to beat the suns highest reach of the day.

When to go: April- November

Six Foot Track, Australia

Located in the Blue Mountains in the western region of New South Wales, this wild adventure will meander you through green eucalypts tree tops, cross you over Coxs River on a suspended bridge, and lead you through the depths of the Jenolan Caves. Keep your eyes peeled, you may see some koalas nesting on eucalypts branches. Over 100 years ago, the trail was carved out being only six feet wide for men and their horses to pass through the mountains, but as time went on, expansion began. Therefore adopting the name, Six Foot Track. The track altogether will take around three days starting in Katoomba. Along the way if you don’t feel like sticking it out in a tent, there is an off the grid, Six Foot Path Eco Lodge, surrounded by pristine Australian nature to soak in. The two cabins on site can accommodate 28 guests, and they even have an outdoor bar. So, sit back and enjoy a cold one before trekking over to the caves. Just don’t over indulge, hangovers and hiking is not a good mix.

When to go: November- May

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Katahdin

https://www.fjordnorway.com/things-to-do/hiking/top-5-hikes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kilimanjaro

https://10hikes.com/

https://www.taswalkingco.com.au/bay-of-fires-lodge-walk/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petra

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paro_Taktsang

https://www.earthtrekkers.com/ultimate-guide-hiking-tigers-nest-bhutan/

http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/kauai/kalalau-trail/

https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/blog/grand-canyon-rim-rim-hike

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/bright_angel_trail.pdf