14 MUST-SEE RUNNING AND HIKING VACATION DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE
Adventure vacations with hiking and running locations can be perfect for fitness enthusiasts. Active vacations allow you to enjoy the sights, meet other people looking for fun activities and bring back some amazing stories.
It’s possible to combine activity and a vacation, especially in good weather. You can travel light depending on your destination for running or hiking. A few running or walking shoes, some good socks, a pack, and a bladder of water should be enough.
It’s a good idea to get outdoors, and enjoy nature. But choosing the best hiking and running trails can be difficult.
We’ve compiled a list of the top hiking and running destinations in the world, to encourage you to plan your next adventure vacation filled with beautiful trails and running trails.
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1. TOUR DU MONT BLANC
Switzerland (Italy), France, and Italy
This is a trail we’ve already mentioned in our world-record marathons but it was too good to leave off our top hiking and running destinations. The 110-mile (170 km), 11-day trail, which circles mountains in Switzerland, Italy and France, is a world-renowned one. Mountain huts offer stunning views of the mountains to runners and hikers.
The trail is not the same everywhere. Some routes offer greater challenges and views than others. Some circuits allow you to take sections of the trail if you are short on time. For example, the Eastern half of the trail still passes through Italy, France, and parts of three other countries.
This is a great running and hiking destination, no matter how much time you have to commit. You’ll be left with beautiful scenes and sounds that will last a lifetime.
2. MOUNT OLOLOKWE
Kenya
Mount Ololokwe, located in a less visited area of the Samburu Country in northern Kenya is a great adventure vacation destination. This mountain is stunning with its mesa-shaped cliffs and surrounding plains.
Samburu still use the caves of this sacred mountain for their ritual ceremonies. The climb up to the summit is steep and full of unique plants and animals like cycads, as well as water springs feeding into rivers.
Many of the trails are made by elephant herds searching for water in the mountains during the dry season. Hikers can hear the elephants’ trumpeting as they walk.
3. PLAIN OF SIX GLACIER
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Hikers will enjoy the stunning views of glaciers, turquoise colored waters and tall pine trees on this nine-mile (14.6-km) trail. Although the elevation gain of 1,929 feet (588 meters) will certainly raise your heartbeat, the average hiker is able to complete the route within 4.5 hours.
The trail begins at Lake Louise and gradually becomes a rugged oasis with waterfalls, massive rocks, and peaks with glaciers on top. If you’re fortunate, you may even hear the glacier ice breaking.
The Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse is a great place to take a break before continuing your hike through the rocky paths and views of glaciers. This is clearly one of many reasons why this area makes for a wonderful hiking destination.
4. COSTA BRAVA TRAILS
Catalonia in Spain
The Costa Brava region has a wide variety of running trails that are available all year round. The region includes rough terrain, cliffs, and botanical gardens along the Mediterranean Sea. It also contains ancient Roman, Greek and Medieval cities, as well as natural parks and botanical gardens.
Running in this destination offers culture, beauty and activity. Visitors can spend up to a week on the trails, visiting museums and enjoying the local cuisine.
There are guided running tours for those who wish to travel from one town to another, with accommodation and luggage transfers included.
5. EAST RIVER GREENEWAY
New York City, NY
The East River Greenway, a 9.4-mile (15-km) route that offers runners views of the city skyline and iconic bridges connecting Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan could be just what you’re looking for. The paved path offers runners views of Manhattan’s skyline, as well as the iconic bridges connecting Queens and Brooklyn.
Most people prefer the southern end, where the majority of the route runs along the East River waterfront. Take photos of the iconic landmarks that you will surely see, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
6. MOUNT BATUR
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a popular adventure destination around the globe, and its reasons are many. It has it all: beaches, jungles, nightlife destinations, snorkeling and diving, culture and wildlife.
Plan a trip to Bali and don’t forget to hike Mount Batur. This active volcano will thrill you with its 5,577 foot (1,700 m), climb to the summit and incredible views at sunrise.
You’ll see random temples and Balinese Monkeys along the way. Enjoy the stunning views of rice fields and Lake Batur, as well as the nearby Gunung Abang volcano. On a sunny day, the Mount Rinjani volcanic peak on Lombok Island can be seen in the distance.
7. PLITVICE LAKES
Central Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. The Plitvice National Park is home to 16 lakes, ranging in color from turquoise to emerald to deep blue. Waterfalls are the main attraction.
Plitvice lakes is said to be the most beautiful hike in the world. It offers four hiking paths that are mostly navigated by boardwalks which cross and line the lake. The trails wind around the lakes, climbing into the surrounding cliffs to reach incredible views and caves.
If you are short on time, it is possible to cover the 11.6 miles (18.6km) in one day. However, if that’s not enough for you, then the lower or upper lakes can be easily shortened. It’s not a difficult hike, but you should wear sturdy hiking shoes because the mist can make the paths slippery.
8. MOUNT HAGURO
Yamagata (Japan)
The hiking destination is filled with mysticism, wonder and awe. Mount Haguro is the most important site in the Shugendo faith and one of three Dewa Sanzan Mountains that represent the cycle of life.
Hikers will climb 2,446 stairs to reach the summit. They’ll pass dense forests, shrines and the Goju to pagoda, a five-story wooden structure dating back to 937. As you make your pilgrimage, you’re likely pass Yamabushi mountain clerics in white robes.
The tranquility and atmosphere of the mountains is often felt by hikers. They can also choose to stay in a Shukubu, a lodging with all the modern amenities as well as altars for worshiping and public baths. This is the perfect destination for those looking for unique activities and sights.
9. TALL TREES GROVE LOOP TRAIL
Redwood National Park in California
Redwood National Park always tops the list for those who are looking for the best running destination in the world. There are trails and pathways for all fitness levels.
Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail measures 3.6 miles (5.8km) in length and requires a trail permit. This can be obtained by applying for it a few days before (1). Tourists will receive a code for the gate to allow them to enter the road leading to the trailhead. This is about six miles away. All the effort, it is said, will be worth it.
The Redwood River is reached by runners and hikers who will pass through the groves of giant trees and the unique flora. You’ll find a mostly flat 1 mile (1.6km) loop that will make you feel like you are in the presence ancient giants.
There are many trails in Redwood National Park. You’re bound to find the best run in the world.
10. BLAHNUKUR AND MT. BRENNISTEINSALDA LOOP
Landmannalaugar in Iceland
This volcanic hike will stir up the heart of adventure seekers who are looking for a vacation. For the adventure seeker, two routes can be combined to create a single route. You’ll also want to take some amazing photos.
You will reach both the Mt. Blahnukur and Mt. Brennisteinsalda. The views are unique due to the volcanic ash and rhyolite rocks that provide eerie colors, as well as lava fields and hot springs. This route is one the best in the world.
After the hike, you can relax in the hot springs at People’s Pool located near the Laugahraun Lava Field.
11. Four Pass Loop
Aspen, Colorado
The Four Pass Loop, a 28-mile (41.4-km) route could be the perfect fitness challenge for you! The scenic route is typically done over four days of hiking, but some people will do it in one day. It usually takes about 15 hours. That’s quite a run.
This hiking and running destination is not only a great place to challenge yourself, but also for the stunning scenery. The trail will take you through lush forests, alpine lakes and meadows.
The late summer is the best time to hike the loop, as the snow is likely to have melted and the weather will be warmer.
12. WADI SHAB
Muscat, Oman
This is not the most difficult hike on the list but it’s unique. This desert oasis hiking destination takes you on a journey through an oasis with narrow cliffs, turquoise water and palm-lined paths.
This 3.5-mile (5.6-km) out-and back trail is short and easy to navigate. However, be aware of the season, as summer temperatures can reach 100deg F. The trail ends in a cave that has a waterfall and requires a quick swim to cool off. Pack your water shoes and swimsuit!
Fun Fact: Wadi Sharb hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2012
13. TAGGART LAKE TRAIL
Jackson, Wyoming
Best running vacation destinations do not have to be extremely challenging. Taggart Lake Trail Loop is a great option for those who want a flat run. This easy-to run pathway loops around the aspen forest and takes runners through mountain streams and meadows.
The trail is located at the foothills of the Teton Range and offers access to campsites, lakeside views, and more difficult trails. The fall is especially beautiful because of the aspen color, but this destination is stunning at any time.
14. TONGARIRO ALPINE CROISSING
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
New Zealand is home to many of the world’s best hiking trails. It offers many choices for those seeking adventure. Tongariro’s Alpine Crossing is a one-day, challenging hike that takes you from point to point to an active volcanic cone. It takes about seven hours.
The impact of volcanic eruptions has created vibrant colors in the rock. You will hike to three craters and see emerald-colored lakes, steam vents and colorful rocks. It’s common to come across loose rocks, snow and ice, depending on the season.
Tongariro’s Alpine Crossing will look familiar to many as the barren landscape and volcanic rock formations can be seen in the Lord of the Rings movies, where they are referred to by the name ‘Mt. Doom’. It’s common for rapid weather changes to affect treks. Be prepared by packing layers of clothing, and lots of water.