Nothing really beats taking a moment to breathe at the top of a mountain, surveying as far as the eye can see. Nature lovers and adventurers can really embrace the physical challenge that comes with mountain hikes and while you are at it, hit the iconic angles and always photograph worthy views.
In this guide, we have listed 15 beautiful mountain hikes in the world with stunning views, panoramic views, and a natural landscape to create an incredible hiking experience. If you enjoy hiking as much as I do, you know these trails need to be on your bucket list!
1. Half Dome – Yosemite National Park, USA
Length: 14–16 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: ~4,800 feet
When to Go: May to October
One of the most breathtaking-and most challenging-hikes in the U.S. takes you up this iconic granite dome in California. There are even a few sections where you have to go up some cables that have been bolted to the rockface, and they really get your heart racing, but are a proper end to a great climb.
2. Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s Nest, – Bhutan
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet
Ideal Visiting Months: March to May, September to November
The monastery clings to a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley with such drama, it’s a must visit. The trail is steep, but maintained and infused with spirituality and legend.
3. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Distance: Varies with the routes (5-9 days)
Elevation: 19,341 feet (at the summit)
Best period to visit: January-March and June–October
Adventurers have written a bucket list of Africa’s highest peak. This multi-day hike passes through five ecological zones, ultimately leading to views above the clouds.
4. Norway has Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,150 feet
When to Go: April to October
The hike is quite short and reaches a 1981-foot high, level-topped cliff above Lysefjord. But, the reward is a spectacular view.
5. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Peru
Distance: 26 miles
Duration: 4 days
Ideal Time to Travel: From May until September
This mystical trail takes you through cloud forests to Incan ruins, arriving at at sunrise to the majestic Machu Picchu.
6. Zermatt Area, Switzerland, the Matterhorn
Distance: Varies (Hörnli route ~10–12 hours)
Elevation: 14,692 feet
Ideal Visit Period: July – September
The Matterhorn is a difficult climb for seasoned alpinists and offers breathtaking views of that part of the Alps and the Swiss-Italian border.
7. Table Mountain – Cape Town, South Africa
Route: Platteklip Gorge Distance: 2–3 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,300 feet
Ideal Period: From October to April
The flat-topped mountain offers panoramic views over Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and farther. Exit by foot or take the cable car.
8. Mount Fuji – Japan
Distance: approx 12 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: ~4,500 feet
Visit At: July-early September
An embodiment of beauty and power, Japan’s highest. Popular Sunrise Hikes which locals simply refer to as Goraiko (the arrival of light)
9. Cinque Terre Trail – Italy
Distance: ~7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Varies
Ideal Visit Windows: From April to October
Made up of five brightly colored fishing villages along the Ligurian coast, this cliffside walk While its a coast mountain trail it does not disappoint for views.
10. Mount Rinjani – Indonesia
Distance: 16–24 miles, out and back
Elevation Gain: 12,224 feet
Ideal Visiting Period: April to November
Rinjani is home to one of the most beautiful treks in Indonesia located on Lombok Island. The route passes by a crater lake and hot springs
11. The Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Distance: 22 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~6,000 feet
Peak Season: May until September
The Nā Pali Coast trail is a classic of world hiking, taking you past coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and jungle, and is rugged enough to be worthy of this title.
12. Snowdon- Walesv (UK)
Mileage: 7–9 miles based on the route
Elevation Gain: 3,560 feet
The Trips You Take: Late April Through October
It is the highest mountain in Wales and has several different routes with different levels of difficulty. On a clear day, the summit offers views across the UK.
13. Mount Toubkal – Morocco
Distance: 24 miles round trip
Elevation: 13,671 feet
When To Go: May – October
Culturally rich alpine wilderness National Park home to North Africa’s highest peak. During your trek you will pass some Berber villages and breathtaking valley.
14. Just Cascade Mountain, Banff National Park, Canada
Distance limit: 8.5 round trip miles
Elevation Gain: ~4,500 feet
Ideal Visiting Period: June to September
This quintessential Canadian Rockies hike delivers rugged landscapes, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking high-alpine views above Banff and Lake Minnewanka.
Location: Towering above the jagged peaks and turquoise lakes of the Sierra to the east are the highest points of the Sierras, granite-clad peaks topped year-round by glaciers, snowfields, and wind-smoothed rock crystals.
15. Ben Nevis – Scotland, UK
Distance: 10.5-mile round trip
Elevation Gain: 4,406 feet
Ideal Visiting Period: From May to September
Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, is a popular spot for both casual hikers as well as mountaineers. The weather is very temperamental, however the views on a clear day are unreal.
Final Thoughts
Climbing a mountain is not just about making it to the summit, it is about the experience as a whole; the perseverance, the views that leave you completely lost for words. From spiritual treks and historical routes to alpine ascents and coastal cliffs, the best mountain hikes offer a broad selection of brilliant hiking experiences.
When you are heading out for a weekend trip or your next big travel experience, these hikes will most likely reward you with some unforgettable views.
If you are looking for the hidden gem, you can try Mount Rinjani, Cascade Mountain.
What mountain hike is meant for you? Let us know in the comments what your dream hike or own experience is!