Hike These 13 Insanely Beautiful Trails Before You Die (or, You Know, Decide to Stay Home and Regret It)

I’ve hiked a lot of trails. Some were nice. Some were forgettable.

But then there are the ones that stick. The ones that leave you buzzing for weeks.

Views so wild you almost forget to breathe. Switchbacks that test your legs but reward your soul.

Moments where you whisper, “Everyone should see this at least once.”

Skip them, and you’ll regret it. Truly.

That’s why I made this list: 13 trails you need to hike before you die of regret.

Lace up. Let’s go.

The Ladder to the Heavens: Conquering Cliffside Ladders

These aren’t your average walks in the park. These are hikes that demand focus.

They require a head for heights. And they need a love for the thrill of exposure.

Conquering these cliffside ladders and chains is a rite of passage. The challenge is as much mental as it is physical.

It’s a conversation between you and the void. Your focus narrows to the next handhold, the next rung.

1. Angels Landing, Zion National Park, USA: The Iconic Chain Challenge

The final half-mile of Angels Landing is legendary.

After a strenuous climb, you arrive at a narrow sandstone spine. It has 1,000-foot drops on either side. You pull yourself up, hand-over-hand, using heavy chains bolted into the rock.

Below you, the Virgin River looks like a tiny ribbon. This is one of the most thrilling must-hike trails in the US.

Insider Tip: The permit lottery is notoriously tough. My pro tip is to apply for the ‘Day-Before Lottery’ for a second chance. If you don’t win, hike the West Rim Trail from the Grotto. It shares the same breathtaking approach up to Scout Lookout. You get most of the views without the permit stress.

2. The Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park, USA: Acadia’s Iron Rung Adventure

Think of this as an introduction to exposed hiking. The Beehive Trail is a tamer version of Acadia’s infamous Precipice Trail.

The thrill comes from climbing iron rungs and ladders. They are bolted directly into the granite cliff face. 

You have open views of Sand Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a short, sharp, and unforgettable climb.

Insider Tip: Parking at Sand Beach fills up by 10 AM in peak season. Try to get there before 9 AM. Also, this hike is best done counter-clockwise. This avoids dangerous two-way traffic on the single-file rungs.

3. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, USA: The Ultimate Cable Ascent

This is the ultimate Yosemite challenge. It’s a grueling 14 to 17-mile journey.

You pass the misty Vernal and Nevada Falls. Then you face the final, iconic 400-foot ascent. You climb a slick granite dome using two steel cables.

The view from the top is a memory you will carry forever. This is one of the world’s great must-hike trails.

Insider Tip: Don’t skimp on gloves for this one. The cables are rough on your hands. Good grip is absolutely non-negotiable. Forget leather; cheap, nitrile-coated work gloves provide the best traction.

4. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway: A Giant’s Stone Throne

The hike to Preikestolen leads you through hilly terrain. It ends at a dramatic, flat-topped cliff. The cliff juts out nearly 2,000 feet above the Lysefjord.

There are no barriers at the edge. Standing there feels like you are on the edge of the world. The sheer scale of the landscape is humbling.

Insider Tip: The weather here is famously unpredictable. Pack layers, including full waterproofs. Do this even if it’s sunny when you start. The saying “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” was made for this hike.

5. Kalalau Trail (Crawler’s Ledge), Nāpali Coast, USA: A Perilous Path to Paradise

This is a hike into a raw, tropical paradise. It is as dangerous as it is beautiful.

The trail’s crux is the infamous “Crawler’s Ledge” at mile 7. It is a narrow, exposed path with a sheer drop to the ocean.

You will also face hazardous stream crossings. The trail is often slippery and muddy. But the reward is the secluded Kalalau Beach.

Insider Tip: Do not attempt this as a day hike. The permit is for overnight camping, and for good reason. Plan for at least two nights. And pack a satellite messenger; there is zero cell service.

Also Read: These 15 U.S. Coastal Hikes Have Some of the Most Breathtaking Views on Earth

Hikes That Glow in the Dark: Chasing Midnight Bioluminescence

Some trails are not about conquering peaks. They are about witnessing miracles.

This is where you trade sunrises for an otherworldly glow. These hikes lead you to the magic of midnight bioluminescence.

The hike itself is the prelude. It’s a walk under the stars that ends with the ocean putting on its own celestial show.

6. Tomales Point Trail, Point Reyes, USA: Where Tule Elk Meet a Starry Sea

Imagine a sunset hike along coastal bluffs. You watch for herds of tule elk. Then you wait for complete darkness. The waves below begin to sparkle with dinoflagellates.

This trail offers a rare dual experience. You get both wildlife and a stunning natural light show.

Insider Tip: The magic happens on a moonless night. Check the moon phase calendar before you go. A bright moon will wash out the glow completely. The best viewing is often from August through November.

7. Lime Kiln Point State Park, San Juan Island, USA: Whales by Day, Glow by Night

This is a perfect day-to-night adventure. The park has short, accessible trails. They run along a rocky shore. It is one of the world’s best spots for whale-watching from land.

As night falls, the waters of Haro Strait begin to sparkle. The midnight bioluminescence here is truly spectacular.

Insider Tip: While kayaking is immersive, you can see the glow from shore. Find a dark spot. Skip stones into the water. Watch it explode with light. It is pure magic.

8. Mosquito Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico: A Walk to the World’s Brightest Bio-Bay

This is the pinnacle of bioluminescence. A short walk leads you to Mosquito Bay. It is recognized by Guinness World Records as the brightest in the world.

Every movement in the water ignites with brilliant blue-green light. Dipping your hand in the water is like scattering a handful of stars.

Insider Tip: Book a tour with a clear-bottom kayak. It feels like you’re floating through a galaxy. And do not wear bug spray with DEET. It’s harmful to the delicate microorganisms.

On Top of the World: Summits Where Eagles Soar

These are the pilgrimages. They are multi-day treks to legendary summits.

They take you through landscapes that feel like another planet. These are the stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.

Success here is not just about fitness. It is about patience and respect for the mountain. Rushing a high-altitude trek is a direct path to failure.

9. The Inca Trail, Peru: Trekking Through History to the Sun Gate

This is a four-day journey through history. You walk through cloud forests and over high passes. You explore ancient Inca ruins along the original stone path.

The climax is arriving at the Sun Gate at sunrise. You get your first iconic view of Machu Picchu below. It is a moment that connects you to an ancient world.

Insider Tip: Permits for the classic trek sell out the day they’re released. This happens in October for the following year. If you miss out, the 2-day “Short Inca Trail” is a fantastic alternative. It uses the same final day of the classic trail.

10. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Standing on the Roof of Africa

This trek takes you through five distinct ecological zones. You start in a lush rainforest. You end on an arctic summit.

The final midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak is a profound test of will. But watching the sunrise over the African plains from 19,341 feet is an unparalleled reward.

You are truly standing on one of the world’s great summits.

Insider Tip: Success on Kili is all about acclimatization. Don’t be tempted by shorter, cheaper 5 or 6-day routes. Choose a 7 or 8-day route like Lemosho or Machame. The mantra is ‘Pole, Pole’ (slowly, slowly). It is not a race.

11. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand: A Volcanic Wonderland

This hike feels like walking on another planet. The landscape is otherworldly. You will see steaming craters and the steep Devil’s Staircase.

The brilliant Emerald Lakes are a highlight. It’s famously known as the filming location for Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. The comparison is spot on.

Insider Tip: This is a one-way trek. Transport is your biggest logistical challenge. Book a shuttle well in advance. They drop you at the start and pick you up at the end. Don’t try to park at both ends.

12. Fimmvörðuháls Trail, Iceland: Between Fire and Ice

This hike is about primal forces. It starts amidst 26 waterfalls on the “Waterfall Way.” You then traverse between two massive glaciers.

You will walk over brand-new earth from the 2010 eruption. It is a raw and powerful landscape.

Insider Tip: This is another point-to-point hike. The easiest logistic is to park at Seljalandsfoss. Take a bus to the Skógar trailhead. Then hike towards the Thórsmörk valley. You can catch a highland bus back to your car from there.

13. GR20, Corsica, France: The Toughest Trek in Europe

This is the ultimate challenge for seasoned hikers. The GR20 is known for its rugged, technical nature. It involves scrambling, chains, and ladders.

The difficulty is sustained over 15 days. You cover 180 km and 12,000 m of elevation gain. This is one of the most demanding and rewarding must-hike trails in the world.

Insider Tip: Don’t have two weeks? The GR20 is easily split. The northern half is more rugged and technical. The southern half is slightly easier. Tackling one half is a worthy adventure.

Lace Up

Take this list as an invitation to plan, to train, and to discover what you’re capable of.

These experiences, from conquering cliffside ladders to witnessing midnight bioluminescence and reaching epic summits, are waiting for you.

Your next great story is waiting on one of these must-hike trails. The only question is, which one will you conquer first?