Summer's Most Scenic Hiking Routes Globally
Chosen theme: Summer’s Most Scenic Hiking Routes Globally. From alpine horizons to ocean-edge cliffs, dive into the world’s brightest summer trails, rich with stories, practical wisdom, and invitations to share your own adventures.
Alpine Epics: Trails Above the Clouds
Circling Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland, this famed loop blends balcony paths, glacier views, and hospitable refuges. A reader once messaged us about sharing apricot tart in Courmayeur—fuel for the final breathtaking pass.
Ryten to Kvalvika Beach, Lofoten: Sand and Sky
A ridge walk drops to jade water and a crescent beach hemmed by cliffs. Under the midnight sun, campers watched pink light drift across the sea. Tell us your best Lofoten campsite tips in the comments.
Hardangervidda to Trolltunga: A Balcony Over Blue
Norway’s vast plateau feels lunar in summer, dotted with snow patches and mirror lakes. Trolltunga’s final ledge grants vertiginous drama. Weather swings fast here—bring layers, check forecasts, and tag us in your cloud-dodging triumph photos.
The Americas: Granite, Lakes, and Big Sky
Polished granite leads to high lakes reflecting sky like glass. Marmots watch, thunderheads grow, and hikers trade snacks by the shore. Permit rules protect the magic—subscribe for our planning checklist before your summer window opens.
Long alpine stretches float above treeline, with views tumbling to valleys rimmed by distant icefields. Pikas chirp among rocks as wildflowers stitch color across meadows. Drop your best windproof layering tips for this spectacular ridge route.
In the Cordillera Blanca, glacial lakes glow electric blue beneath serrated summits. Dry-season skies align with Northern summer vacations, rewarding acclimatized hikers. Share your favorite acclimatization walks around Huaraz to help fellow readers plan smarter.
Volcanoes and Otherworldly Landscapes
Laugavegur, Iceland: Color and Contrast
Landmannalaugar’s painted hills slide into black sand plains and mossy canyons, finishing with a hot spring toast. River crossings chill legs, smiles warm spirits. Subscribe for our ultralight river-shoe guide and share your campfire soup secrets.
Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail: Above the Clouds
Open July through early September, Fuji’s switchbacks glow with headlamps before dawn. A horizon of cotton shows the sun rise like a drumbeat. Respect hut etiquette, pace yourself, and tag us in your summit sunrise shots.
Etna Traverse, Sicily: Black Sands, Bright Sky
Cooled lava fields bloom with summer flowers while vents whisper of the mountain’s power. Guided sections boost safety and stories. Tell us your favorite gelato stop in Zafferana after dusting off those wonderfully ashy boots.
High Asia and Sacred Routes
A dry, high route of ochre cliffs and blue rivers, dotted with stupas and snow-fed passes. Homestays pour salty butter tea and stories. Share your acclimatization game plan and favorite monastery detours along this summer corridor.
Plan, Protect, and Participate
Align alpine passes with snowmelt, dodge afternoon thunder, and beat heat on coastal routes with dawn starts. What summer timing hacks saved your trip? Share them and help another hiker catch the perfect window.
Plan, Protect, and Participate
From fragile tundra to sandy coves, stay on trail, pack out waste, and treat water responsibly. Local regulations matter. Add your favorite stewardship tip below, and let’s keep these summer routes bright for generations.
