Ready to take your hiking game to a whole new level?
We’re talking treks so tough, they make climbing your stairs after leg day look like a walk in the park.
From perilous paths to jaw-dropping vistas, these hikes are not just a test of endurance—they’re a challenge to your very soul.
1. Snowman Trek, Bhutan
Feeling like a Himalayan hero? The Snowman Trek is your ultimate challenge. Spanning 186 miles and taking up to 30 days, this trek crosses nine high-altitude passes.
Only a handful of trekkers complete it each season—mostly because the weather’s as moody as your ex.
It’s like playing Russian roulette with Mother Nature, but the views are killer.
2. GR20, Corsica, France
Dubbed Europe’s toughest trek, the GR20 is 112 miles of pure ruggedness.
Think steep ridges and scrambling over rocky paths. It’s got an elevation gain that makes climbing Everest from base camp look like a stroll in the park.
If you love a good challenge and French wine, this one’s for you.
3. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
Imagine an 11-mile trail with narrow paths and steep drop-offs along Hawaii’s Nāpali Coast. Sounds dreamy, right?
Until you realize it’s the only land access to this isolated paradise, and you’ll need permits to camp. It’s like a tropical getaway, but with a side of adrenaline.
4. Mount Huashan, China
Welcome to the “world’s most dangerous hike.” Picture yourself walking on narrow planks bolted to a cliff, 2,000 feet up.
This hike isn’t just about the thrill; it’s a spiritual journey too, with ancient Taoist temples and shrines.
If you make it, you’ll have some serious bragging rights and maybe a new life perspective.
5. Everest Base Camp, Nepal
This is the trek for those who want to get as close as possible to the world’s highest peak without actually climbing it.
At over 17,500 feet, the altitude is no joke. You’ll pass through the Khumbu region, soaking in jaw-dropping views and Sherpa culture.
6. Inca Trail, Peru
A 26-mile journey to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. This trek is a blend of history, mystery, and high-altitude hikes.
You’ll pass through diverse ecosystems and Incan ruins, all leading up to the iconic Dead Woman’s Pass.
It’s like a history class but with more llamas and altitude sickness.
7. Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile
This 80-mile loop offers a front-row seat to Patagonia’s most dramatic landscapes. Picture glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the famous granite towers.
The weather here is as unpredictable as a Netflix ending, so pack layers and your sense of adventure.
8. Kokoda Trail, Papua New Guinea
A 60-mile trek through dense jungle and mountainous terrain, with a side of World War II history.
This trail is not just a physical challenge but a historical pilgrimage, retracing the steps of soldiers from the Kokoda Track Campaign. It’s like “Band of Brothers” meets “Survivor.”
9. Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa
This 143-mile trek isn’t just a hike; it’s a survival mission. You’ll need navigation skills and self-sufficiency to tackle the Drakensberg Mountains. The highlight?
Climbing the chain ladders at Sentinel Peak and crossing Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest point in Southern Africa. Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely for the bold.
10. Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven), Oahu, Hawaii
Illegal but oh-so-alluring, this hike involves climbing 3,922 steps along a precarious ridge. The views of Oahu are mind-blowing, but be prepared to dodge security guards.
It was originally built for military purposes, but now it’s an Instagrammer’s dream—if you don’t mind breaking the rules.
11. Aonach Eagach Ridge, Scotland
Scotland’s most challenging ridge walk is not for those afraid of heights. The Aonach Eagach Ridge offers narrow paths, dramatic drops, and the kind of exposure that makes you question all your life choices.
It’s all worth it for the stunning Highland views, though.
12. The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
This isn’t just a hike; it’s an adventure in navigation. The Maze is a remote labyrinth of canyons and rock formations that will test your survival skills.
With no marked trails and scarce water sources, it’s a true test of endurance and patience. But hey, at least you’ll have great stories to tell.
13. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit offers a 128-mile journey through one of the world’s most diverse trekking routes.
You’ll cross the Thorong La Pass at 17,769 feet, trek through subtropical forests, and marvel at alpine meadows. It’s a cultural and natural feast for the senses.
14. West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island, Canada
This 47-mile trail along Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast is as challenging as it is beautiful. Think ladders, cable cars, and slippery boardwalks.
Originally designed for shipwreck survivors, it’s now a popular hike for thrill-seekers who don’t mind a bit of rain.
15. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The highest peak in Africa at 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb but still a beast.
The altitude and weather can be unforgiving, but reaching the summit is a life-changing experience. Multiple routes lead to the top, so pick your poison and start climbing.
These hikes are no joke. They require serious preparation, a love for adventure, and maybe a touch of madness.
But for those who dare, the rewards are epic views, unforgettable experiences, and some serious bragging rights.
So, lace up your boots and go make some memories—if you survive, that is.