Destination Guides
Looking for inspiration for your next adventure?
Then you’ve landed in the right destination!
On this page you’ll find our collection of in-depth guides for stunning hiking, backpacking, and bikepacking trips that cover ground in some of the most jaw-dropping places on this planet.
Get inspired, get equipped, and get outdoors!
JUMP TO: NORTH AMERICA / SOUTH AMERICA / EUROPE / NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA / ASIA
NORTH AMERICA
The Brazeau Loop is a majestic “grand tour” of the southern Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. This trip offers endless, awe-inspiring panoramas, to the point of near exhaustion. For those looking for an authentic, unforgettable backcountry trip in the Rockies, the Brazeau Loop is not to be missed.
The Rockwall Trail is among the most iconic backcountry trips in the Canadian Rockies. Located in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, this epic trail climbs three alpine passes, winding through sprawling, wildflower-laden meadows, and below enormous hanging glaciers.
The Sunshine Coast Trail is a 110 mile (178 km) point-to-point hike in British Columbia, Canada. Traversing through the old growth forests and over the peaks of the north Sunshine Coast, it is the longest hut-to-hut hike in the country.
Jasper National Park is home to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Canadian Rockies. And the stunning Tonquin Valley is one of the jewels in the Jasper crown. This 27 mile / 44 km hike takes in some of Jasper’s most epic mountain ranges, peaceful valleys, serene alpine lakes, and best wildlife spotting opportunities.
The West Coast Trail is one of Canada’s most iconic backpacking trips. Famous for its endless ladders, ruthless trails through old growth forest, abundant wildlife, and remote, beautiful beaches, the WCT is an adventure like no other, and the best way to experience the Pacific Northwest at its wildest.
The Juan de Fuca Trail (or JDF) traverses the southern coastline of western Vancouver Island. The JDF offers almost all of the same scenery as the West Coast Trail but with fewer expenses and logistical hassles. But be prepared to work for it — it is a challenging hike.
The Chilkoot Trail is a 3-5 day backcountry hike crossing the border between southeast Alaska and northwest British Columbia. It takes hikers through temperate rainforest, glowing alpine tundra, and along pristine subarctic lakes. As an introduction to the Alaskan and northern Canadian backcountry, it doesn’t disappoint.
The Aspen Snowmass Wilderness is a bucket list hiking destination for many people, and the West Maroon Trail is one of the real gems within it. The trail takes you from Crested Butte to Aspen in a single day, crossing the West Maroon Pass on the way.
SOUTH AMERICA
One of the most beautiful, popular, and iconic cycle touring routes in the world, the Carretera Austral runs for around 1200 kilometres (750 miles) through Chilean Patagonia, passing through some of the wildest and most spectacular landscapes in South America.
EUROPE
A land of volcanoes, mountains, glaciers, and progressive citizens. Iceland is one of the most fascinating nations on the globe. It is both surreal and astounding. If the mountains appear to be liquid lava frozen in time, that's because they are. It is a landscape that must be seen to be believed. And the Laugavegur Trail crosses some of the most varied scenery in the country.
Straddling the France-Spain divide, the Pyrenees is one of the largest mountain ranges in western Europe. The long distance High Route Pyrenees (HRP) covers the full length of the range, but also offers opportunities for shorter (e.g. one week) excursions. This is walking on the rooftops of Europe, in ultimate alpine style.
NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA
One of the most stunning alpine wilderness areas in New Zealand, Nelson Lakes National Park consist of dramatic mountain ranges interspersed by river valleys covered in dense native bush. And to top it off, it is home to the clearest freshwater lake in the world!
At the bottom end of New Zealand lies one of the last land stops before Antarctica. So remote that it provides one of the few remaining areas of shelter for the iconic native kiwi bird. And with a resident population of 381 inhabitants, and more than 80% of the area declared as a protected national park, Stewart Island is a bushwalkers paradise.
ASIA
Nestled near the base of the 9th highest mountain in the world is Fairy Meadows. It is one of the most popular nature destinations in Pakistan — and rightly so — the views are both beautiful and dramatic. The trip to Fairy Meadows is an adventure in itself, consisting of a perilous jeep journey followed by a short hike. And the day hike on to Nanga Parbat Base Camp is even more rewarding.
MORE INFORMATION
Looking for other resources? Perhaps you’ll love reading our gear-fiend related articles:
Or check out our ultimate backpacking gear list. Happy hiking!