If you are an outdoors lover and like to hike this blog is for you! Check out the best hikes in the world right now for spring!
Navajo Loop Trail, United States
One of the best hikes in the world right now for spring is the Navajo Loop Trail; in Bryce Canyon National Park. This is a moderate trail that takes about one to two hours to complete; as the total loop is just 1.5 miles. However, don’t let that short length fool you; there are lots of switchbacks throughout the trail that can make it seem like a lot of work! It’s totally worth it though. The trail includes some of the most popular spots in Bryce Canyon National Park; including Wall Street, Thor’s Hammer, and Two Bridges.
There are so many opportunities to take photos of the magical hoodoos that Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for. You definitely won’t want to forget your camera. Be sure to also bring hiking boots and lots of water; a lot of this trail has no shade, so you want to be prepared. The trail starts right at Sunset Point. Hiking this loop is one of the best things to do in Bryce Canyon. The best time of day to hike the trail is right in the morning or in the evening; right before the sun starts to go down. The trail is busiest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.!
Recommended by: Krystianna at Volumes & Voyages
Cathedrals Rock Hike, United States
Sedona is such a beautiful part of Arizona! It is a destination you do not want to miss. The unique rock formations and stunning cliffs are just a few things this destination has to offer. Sedona has some wonderful shops and restaurants to try. However, if you are an outdoors lover, Sedona has some of the top-rated hikes in Arizona.
Cathedrals Rock – My favorite is Cathedral Rock. It is a short hike (1.2 miles), but the climb up is steep. The trailhead begins at the Back of Beyond Road. There are two main parking lots, but get there early as the parking lot tends to fill up quickly (especially towards sunset)! The reason this hike is strenuous is because of the rapid incline and lack of paths on your way up to the viewpoint. You will be climbing up the rocky cliff and one section should be taken one person at a time. In the end, you are rewarded with the most epic views perfect for your Instagram! Not to mention an energy vortex!
Easy Breezy Trail – The Easy Breezy trail is an alternative hike if you are not up for the strenuous Cathedrals Rock. Parking is available on the Back of Beyond Road. However, instead of taking the Cathedral Rock trail, take the path to the left. This hike stays in the valley, but you still will have great views of the rock formations! It is around 2.1 miles one way. But you can turn around at any time. This is the perfect hike for families with pets or children.
French Valley, Chile
The hike up French Valley is one of the most spectacular hikes in Torres del Paine National Park. ‘The jewel of Patagonia’. Many people do this as part of the multi-day ‘W’ and ‘O’ hikes. But it can easily be done as a day hike, too. The day hike is 12 miles round trip and it’s strenuous. There is significant elevation change when you are in the valley itself.
The hike starts with a 30-minute ferry ride across Pehoe Lake from Pudeto, where there is parking, to Paine Grande. Be sure to take the first ferry of the day, so you have enough time for the full hike. From Paine Grande, the trail heads towards the stunning Cuernos del Paine. The beginning section is up and down low rolling hills and easy. The trail skirts around Skőttsverg Lake with the Cuernos peaks towering behind it.
When you cross over the French River, the trail turns left and heads into French Valley, following the river. And starts to climb. The first major viewpoint is the French Glacier Lookout which has the first uninterrupted views of French Glacier. From there, the trail becomes even steeper as it heads up to French Valley Lookout. There are 360-degree jaw-dropping views of the glacier, mountain peaks, and in the distance, bright blue alpine lakes. It is one of the most stunning scenes you’ll ever see.
The trail continues uphill to the Britannico Viewpoint, but that is too far for the day trip hike. Instead, you’ll turn back so you can get back to the last ferry in time. The views on the return hike are equally stunning and very different since you are facing in the opposite direction. March-May is fall in the southern hemisphere. This season sees a lot fewer visitors than the busy summer months, and the fall foliage is beautiful. However, the southern winter comes early to Patagonia, so the hike is best done in March or April.
Recommended by: James Ian at Travel Collecting
Vereda de la Estrella, Spain
One of the best hikes to do in the spring is Spain’s Sierra Nevada’s classical hike, Vereda de la Estrella. It is not possible to hike in winter due to the snow. And in summer it is too hot, so spring makes it a perfect time. A 22-kilometer return hike along a beautiful ravine following the glittering river far below you. Opening up to mesmerizing views of the 3000-meter peaks of Sierra Nevada, among them Mulhacen and Alcazaba.
On top of the views, that surprise with new beauty around every bend. Vereda de la Estrella surprises with caves, old mines, and a long tunnel; finding its way into the unknown inner mountain. The trail winds down to cross the river at one point. Where you can refill water if you need, though you’ll need to filter it before drinking. It is recommended to bring at least 3 liters of water per person for this hike; as it is long and the sun can be harsh.
You should not be surprised if you meet cows along the trail. Sometimes even blocking the way so you might have to walk around – where it is possible.
Vereda de la Estrella is an easy hike to follow and the elevation is not too steep. But the length of it makes it strenuous unless you are used to hiking. It is important to wear proper hiking shoes or boots and bring extra layers of clothes. Plus a headlamp if you plan on exploring the tunnel that once was used for mining.
The hike starts past the village Güejar Sierra in Granada, by Restaurante Barranco San Juan. There is parking outside the restaurant and before you get there.
Recommended by: Linn Haglund at Andalucia Hiking
The Fishermen’s Trail, Portugal
The Fishermen’s Trail in the south of Portugal is a stunning multi-day hiking route. On several occasions, it’s been named one of the most beautiful trails in the world. The route goes along the western coast of southern Portugal offering incredible views; pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, dramatic drops, hidden bays, and charming towns.
The Fishermen’s Trail is an easy to moderate hike. It starts at San Torpez Beach, Alentejo, and finishes in Lagos, Algarve. The total distance of the trek is 226 km. It takes 12-13 days to complete the route. It’s possible to walk every section of the trail as a separate day hike. The beginning and the end of every stage can be reached by car. There are free parking spaces along the coast with access to the beaches and the trail.
Spring, April, and May, in particular, is the best time for walking the Fishermen’s trail for several reasons. First of all, the weather is warm and sunny but not too hot like in the summer. Second, it’s far less touristy compared to the summer months. You can enjoy beaches and the coast without tourist crowds. Third, the fields along the coast are covered in spring flowers. Finally, many birds including storks come to the region for nesting. You can see hundreds of storks’ nests with little chicks on the edges of the cliffs along the trail.
Recommended by: Alya at Stingy Nomads
Reinebringen, Norway
Lofoten is known for its sub-polar oceanic climate, which results in very mild winters, due to the Gulf Stream and its extensions: The North Atlantic Current & Norwegian Current. This makes it the perfect location to do an amazing spring hike that will show you the most beautiful natural scenery that you can imagine!
The Reinebringen is a steep hike right next to the small town of Reine and one of the most popular hike trails of the Lofoten islands. Once you are at the top you have an amazing view over the fjords, seas, and famous little red fishing cabins that Reine is well known for. The hike itself is not very long, but the steepness and difficult terrain does not come without any danger.
Reinebringen facts
Parking: Click here for Google Maps
Duration: 1.5 hours up and 1 hour down.
Length: 1 kilometer
Terrain: Steep, loose rocks and slippery at times
Water: Not available
Once you have started your hike, you will encounter a stairway of flat rocks 200 meters from the parking location. Go right at the “First Emergency Response Box” (orange colored) that is available next to the path. Do not go straight and take another path as these are much more dangerous and not suitable for beginners.
Recommended by: Niels Thomas at Tromso Dog Sledding
Skandagiri, India
Skandagiri hills are located at a distance of 62 km from Bangalore. And are one of the best trekking experiences here. At an elevation of 4757 feet above sea level, the view from the peak is just magical. During the winter season, all you can see is a blanket of fog, which is just mesmerizing.
Skandagiri is popular for its night/sunrise trek that starts early in the morning around 3:15 am. It is compulsory to book your trek through the official website; since permission from the Forest Department of Karnataka is necessary. You can also book through different travel websites. The trek starts from the Papagni Temple near the Kalavara village. And you can find parking near the start of the trail. There is no well laid out trail and it is quite dusty and dry most of the time.
The treks are organized in groups and you will also have guides who will help you throughout the trek. Apart from an amazing sunrise, the hilltop also houses the ruins of a temple. Dedicated to Lord Siva and the Tipu Sultan Fort. The descent may feel more difficult than the climb due to the steep nature of the trek. It will be good to carry some trekking essentials like flashlights, good-quality shoes, and first aid kits for this trek. The trek time is around 3 hours and is of moderate difficulty.
Recommended by: Athul at Your Backpack Tales
Chopta Tungnath Trek, India
Spring in the Himalayas (March-April) naturally means rhododendron blossoms. One of the best yet not too difficult treks to enjoy the same is the Chopta-Tungnath Trek, which can be done throughout the year but is the best during the spring when the rhododendron blossoms turn the hills sanguine.
The trek starts from Chopta, a small settlement by the side of the road around 210 KMs from Rishikesh (a hub of yoga and spiritual tourism at the foothills). The main trek is steep but around only 5-6 KMs and at the end of it you reach Tungnath (3600 meters), an ancient Shiva Shrine. You can find some lodges here or camp in the alpine meadows. You can for further from here to Chandrashila peak (4000 meters), which offers panoramic views.
It’s an easy to moderate trek that most people with basic fitness can do and yet enjoy some of the best views of Himalayan spring. The locals also make juice out of rhododendron flowers that you can find at various shops along the way. It’s also a great place to spot rare Himalayan Monals, the state bird of Uttarakhand.
The road leading to the starting point of full of camping sites and Homestays where you can stay and find parking. There are many other treks in the region such as Deoria Tal and Kartik Swami Trek that you can climb with this visit.
Recommended by: Travelling Slacker
Penang Hill, Malaysia
Soaring in the midst of the northwestern Malaysian island of Penang, 830-metres-high Penang Hill is a fantastic place to hike. It’s not only a few minutes drive from UNESCO World Heritage site George Town. But since September 2021, it is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Thanks to the rainforest and endemic wildlife that include; Sunda flying lemurs, slow lorises, giant squirrels, and hundreds of species of birds.
Founded in 1787, Penang Hill was the first British Hill Station in colonial Malaya. Most tourists take the famous funicular railway up to enjoy the fresher climate and colonial bungalows around the Upper Station. But the best way is to hike up from one of the trails that crisscross the flanks of Penang Hill. The most popular starting point is the Moon Gate archway. Close to which are two free (albeit often packed) parking lots. Drive a bike here if possible — and the trails going up from Penang Botanical Gardens.
Either way, you choose, there are several different trails, some equipped with staircases, other pure jungle tracks. All that lead up the hill stopping at some rest stops for hikers. Popular are Station 5, 46, and 39, which most often provide water refills and sometimes tea and coffee. Cendana Hill, with its popular viewpoint and rainbow-colored rock, is a good mid-point. It takes about 3 hours roundtrip to visit. From here, the most hardened hikers take up to Station 84. And from there follow the old Moniot Road built by the British to reach the Upper Station.
From here, one can turn back. Or continue along other trails until Bukit Laksamana, Penang’s second-highest peak at 808 meters of height. And from there down to the coast of Teluk Bahang. This circuit can take up to nine hours and require bringing all the water and food you’ll need.
Recommended by: Marco Ferrarese at Penang Insider
Purling Brook Falls Hike, Australia
Purling Brook Falls is in Springbrook National Park in South East Queensland, about 60 minutes from the Gold Coast. The hike to Purling Brook falls takes you deep into the ancient rainforest. And does a circuit from the top of the falls to the base then back up again. It is a 4-6 kilometer, grade 3 hike that takes 2-3 hours. Spring is the perfect time to hike Purling Brook Falls.
The days are longer so you can spend more time in the forest and it’s not as hot and humid as summer. So walking is more pleasant. You miss the wettest months when the track can get muddy or close altogether. There is also enough water to make the 108m high falls look spectacular. The walk negotiates the steep canyon through a series of switchbacks. At the start, there are great views of the falls from the top. As you descend into the rainforest, you’ll pass smaller waterfalls, hear a chorus of forest birds, duck under thick vines and step over enormous buttress roots.
Look out for lyrebirds, carpet pythons, little forest wallabies, and giant black skinks. The roar of the water and the spray and breeze at the base is an amazing sight. There are more great views of the falls from the suspension bridge as you wind your way back to the top. There’s parking, picnic areas, and lookouts at the trailhead at the Gwongorella Picnic Grounds.
Recommended by: Natalie and Steve at the Curious Campers
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
No Comments