Best Hikes & Climbs
Here's a list of all the best day hikes, climbs, and backpacks that I've ever done. If you're hungry for an exceptional destination, you can't go wrong with any of these. Note that many of these destinations are extremely popular, so crowds may be an issue, but in my opinion the scenic beauty and uniqueness of these classic destinations more than makes up for that.
Click states to view photos of US hikes & climbs, or jump to:
Canada    Mexico    Australia     Europe     South America     Hawaii
Arizona
Grand Canyon, South Rim - South Kaibab to Bright Angel (~16 miles, 4,500ft total vertical)
Brave the 100+ degree heat because this hike is worth every drop of sweat. Down the South Kaibab, hike along the river, and up the Bright Angel. Bring plenty of water! Despite the numerous warnings, a reasonably fit hiker can do this in a long day.
More info: Epic Day Hikes
scaruffi.com
The Flatiron, Superstition Wilderness
Great day hike in the Phoenix area to the top of the "Flatiron"... although short, definitely a challenge: the rough Siphon Draw Trail climbs almost 3,000 ft in the last mile. Intense heat so avoid in the summer.
More info: summitpost.org
California
Alamere Falls, Point Reyes National Seashore
One of the best hikes in the Bay Area... a waterfall into the ocean and a great swimming lake complete with rope swing. Just watch out for Poison Oak.
More info: Waterfallswest.com
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park (8,842ft)
Famous rock pinnacle ascessible via cables... classic 16 mile day hike
Mt. Baldy (aka San Antonio, 10,064ft)
Only 60 miles due east of downtown LA lies the skree-topped monarch of the San Gabriel range... went up the Baldy Notch/Devil's Backbone Trail and down the Baldy Bowl/Sierra Club Hut route.
Mt. San Jacinto (16 miles, 10,804ft, 4,400ft total vertical)
Best hike in Southern California? Start in Idyllwild, up Devil's Slide Trail. Very lush in sections, incredible summit views of desert floor 9,000 ft below.
More info: haughey.com
Mt. Shasta (14,162ft)
Huge vertical and a great weekend warrior mountaineering playground.
First attempt, at 13,000 feet I fell down on my pack and passed out in under 30 seconds. Worst altitude sickness I've ever experienced.
Other photos: Dave Mason and me on summit, June 2003
More info: Mt. Shasta backcountry skiing
Lee Bouyea's account of his climb up Avalanche Gulch on booreview.com
Mt. Whitney (14,495ft)
Highest peak in the lower 48, home of the fabled "99 Switchbacks"... watch out for marmots.
More info: tahoebackcountry.net
Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Massive sand dunes juxtaposed with snowy mountains - incredible. Hike up to Star Dune, the highest dune at 750 ft above the valley floor.
More info: NPS dune trails info
Kendall Mountain(13,066ft)
Towers above Silverton, CO and makes for a lot of pain in the annual Kendall Mountain Run
Other photos: Me & Josh at the starting line, July 2005
More info:Account of the 2005 Kendall Mountain Run
summitpost.org
Most of the Colorado 14,000 foot peaks I've hiked so far deserve a place on this list of best hikes:
Elk Range
Castle Peak (14,265ft)
Aptly named summit offers perfect views of the Elks; although the highest in the range this is one of the easiest... go mid-summer for some great glissading
North Maroon Peak (14,014ft)
One of the famed Maroon Bells...hardest Fourteener I've done to date, rotten rock and a Class 4 route that easily disappears to reveal Class 5 moves... a great adventure but be mindful of the risks
Front Range
Pikes Peak (14,115ft)
Despite the nonsense at the top, the Barr Trail is a classic... its RT 25 miles and 7500 vertical feet make for a long hike... or try running it in the annual Pikes Peak marathon in August
Sawatch Range
Mt. of the Holy Cross (14,005ft)
The most northern Sawatch fourteener, known for the signature "cross" snow couloir
Mt. Princeton (14,204ft)
Commanding skree-covered 14er in the Collegiate Range; a few feet higher than Mt. Yale
Mt. Massive (14,421ft)
Yes, it is massive. Most above 14,000 acreage of any mountain in Colorado. Took the standard route starting on the Colorado Trail before an often gradual ascent through wide alpine meadows to the summit ridge. Long thought to be the highest 14er in Colorado before net-door neighbor Elbert took that crown.
Sangre de Cristo Range
Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle (14,294ft and 14,197ft)
The awe-inspiring Crestones tower above the surrounding Sangres and exude a palpable sense of adventure. The standard routes up these peaks require considerable scrambling, with the Crestone Needle the tougher. Routefinding is essential, especially on the Needle with its couloir-hopping standard route. Wrong ways here quickly become class 5. The summits are both fully panoramic with a sense of extreme airiness and excellent views of the Great Sand Dunes off to the south. A hard day hike from South Colony Lake, over Broken Hand Pass, and up and down the south sides of both peaks. Traversing the ridge between the two peaks is a more difficult option.
San Juan Range
Chicago Basin: Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak (14,059ft and 14,087ft)
The summit block. After taking the Silverton train, backpacking in to the idyllic Chicago Basin, and climbing through tough terrain to above the 14,000 foot mark, you face what you knew you would have to face all along, and it's mentally not any easier. The famous summit block on Sunlight requires an awkward "leap of faith" move across a gap to a tiny perch of dizzying exposure. While some may have done headstands here in the past, I only managed to hug the rock for a moment before willing myself down. Windom, definitely not as epic as Sunlight, is a tough boulder-hopping climb with perfect views to add on after Sunlight. The remoteness of these peaks and views into the heart of the jagged Weminuche Wilderness (the largest in Colorado) make this a top 14er experience in Colorado. Not to be missed; also see my thoughts on Mt. Eolus.
Chicago Basin: Mt. Eolus (14,083ft)
Mt. Eolus, the highest peak in the Weminuche Wilderness, is a tough climb that shouldn't be underestimated. On the approach, you must cross a narrow, exposed section called the Catwalk. Then, once across the ridge, the final climb is an interesting puzzle of routefinding among grassy ledges and rock blocks. The summit is broad and flat, and the views from here are the best in the entire area. If I were to climb one peak from the Chicago Basin, this would be it.
Hawaii
Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (~ 40 miles RT up to 13,677ft summit)
Most massive mountain in the world and one of the most active volcanoes... stay in huts on plains of frozen lava... like backpacking on the moon.
More info:NPS hike info
New Hampshire
Presidential Traverse, Presidential Range (22 miles, 9,000ft total vertical)
A time-honored test-piece for Northeastern hikers, the typical route hits all 8 of the High Presidential summits including 6,288ft Mt. Washington, the highest in the Northeast. The full traverse entails 9,000 vertical feet of climbing amidst 22 miles of rough, twist-your-ankle rock-hopping. Add to that the finicky weather and you’ve got yourself an epic day hike.
More info: Epic Day Hikes
"Extreme Day Hiking the Presi Traverse", Oct 2004
Tuckerman Ravine, Mt. Washington
Scenic bowl is one of the top hikes in the White Mountains, but even better skiing
More info: Tuckerman Ravine backcountry skiing
Franconia Ridge Traverse (9 miles)
Many consider this the best day hike in the Northeast: a counterclockwise loop from Franconia Notch that ascends Little Haystack and traverses the Franconia ridge over Mt. Lincoln and 5,260ft Mt. Lafayette. The above-treeline Franconia Ridge section of the hike is one of the most exciting stretches of trail in the White Mountains, with full-frontal views of the Notch and the Kinsmans on one side and untainted views dropping into the gulf of the Pemigewasset Wilderness on the other. Do this hike (and prepare to see "a few people" up there).
More info: summitpost.org
Traverse of the Bonds (20 miles)
This NH hiking classic takes you over the most remote 4,000 footers in the White Mountains. Above treeline ridge walking nestled in the geographic center of the Pemi Wilderness. Easiest to do the traverse north to south to end with miles of flat railroad grade (bonus points for running this part). Obligatory Bondcliff shot at left.
More info: summitpost.org
New Mexico
Hamilton Mesa, Pecos Wilderness
Scenic mountain meadows surrounded by the southern Sangre de Cristo range
New York
Adirondacks
Mt. Marcy (5,344ft)
The highest point in the Daks with an awesome treeless summit cone... combine with 7 other of the high peaks in the Great Range to do a "Great Traverse" aka the Solstice Hike
Algonquin (5,144ft)
The broad, rock-covered summit of this second highest in the range offers great views of Mt. Colden and Marcy. Makes for a great ski ascent... combine with Wright Peak (4,580 ft) to descend the classic Wright Peak Ski Trail.
Giant Mt. (4,627ft) & Rocky Peak Ridge (4,420ft)
The Ridge Trail up Giant couples sheer vert with great views, climbing over 3,000ft in 3 miles. Add on a drop to Gusty Gap and ascent of Rocky Peak Ridge for awesome views of Giant's east slides and Lake Champlain.
Ampersand (3,352ft)
A classic high bang-for-your-buck hike with an exposed rocky summit with 360 degree views into the western high peaks region. Amazing views of Lake Saranac and Ampersand Lake.
Noonmark (3,556ft)
Like Ampersand, this is a high bang-for-your-buck endeavor to a 360 degree view from the broad rock summit. However, the incredible pano view is of a different character -- not of lakes but instead an up-close vantage point into the heart of the Great Range. The views of Dix and Giant Mtn. also loom massively nearby.
Hudson Highlands
Breakneck Ridge
Escape from NYC and head to this rocky ridge scramble in the Hudson Highlands... no joke, this is well worth the ~50 mile drive.... the trail climbs 1,000 ft in the first 0.4 miles.
North Carolina
Sam Knob 6,050ft
This short hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway access is relatively unknown compared to other hikes off the Parkway, yet is one of the best summits in the land. The dual summits have grassy areas and rock ledges for plenty of picnic spots, and the views of the surrounding mountains are all encompassing. An easy jaunt up to one of the best 6,000 foot summits in the South.
More info: summitpost.org
Utah
Paria Canyon, Utah/Arizona border (38 miles, 4 days)
One-way backpack from White House to Lee's Ferry. Quicksand, scorpions, 100 degree heat - this place has it all
Other photos: Stuck in Paria quicksand, Aug 1993
More info: BLM Paria website
Vermont
The Long Trail, (268 miles, 23 days)
Backpack end-to-end from Massachusetts to Canada along this "rugged footpath in the wilderness"
More info: End-to-End Summary submitted to the Green Mountain Club, Nov 2002
Virginia
Shenandoah
Old Rag Mountain
Although by no means the highest mountain in the area, Old Rag is far-and-away the hiking gem of Shenandoah... the classic scramble up Old Rag's craggy granite Ridge Trail holds many surprises including one crux section of class 3+ scrambling.
Washington
Seven Lakes Basin, Olympic National Park (2-3 days)
Backpack the Seven Lakes Basin/High Divide Loop. Highlights include wildflower meadows and full-frontal views of Mt. Olympus. Can be done in one really long day. Watch out for mosquitos at Hoh Lake!
Pasayten Wilderness Loop, Washington Cascades (~25 days)
A massive area of remote Cascade wilderness. Devil's Dome Loop to Lightning Creek Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail to Hart's Pass.
More info: gorp.com
Wyoming
Grand Teton, Grand Teton National Park (13,770 ft)
A classic by any route. The Grand Teton forms the centerpiece of one of the West's most dramatic ranges. 7 miles and 5,000 vert of hiking bring you to the Lower Saddle of the Grand, a breathtaking perch for a campsite, but don't expect much sleep once the evening wind kicks in. The easier routes, including the Owen-Spaulding and the Upper Exum, offer great adventure value for the inexperienced climber to second (behind an experienced leader preferably). The hardest part for my friend and I was routefinding on the hike up to the Upper Saddle... we lost about an hour taking wrong turns and circling around in the dark. But once on the ropes, the route's straightforward and soon you're cresting onto the summit for an exhilarating 360 view. Jackson Hole looks like a molehill from up here.
More info: summitpost.org
Lake Solitude Loop, Grand Teton National Park (19.2 miles, 3845ft total vertical)
Outstanding day hike to Lake Solitude up through the heart of the Tetons. Go up Paintbrush Canyon and down Cascade Canyon for a great loop.
More info: NPS Grand Teton Day Hikes Brochure
Mount Washburn, Yellowstone National Park (10,423ft)
Easy day hike with great views of the park.
More info: summitpost.org
Canada
British Columbia
Stawamus Chief, Squamish, British Columbia (2,303 ft)
Known simply as "The Chief" by locals, this enormous granite monolith is a center of Canadian big wall climbing. While hundreds of routes climb its sheer front faces, there's also a high bang-for-buck hiking loop on the backside. A classic lollipop loop doesn't waste any time climbing and crests the Chief's 2 highest summits. The Norway-like fjord views dropping away to Howe Sound 2,000 feet below are astounding. An extremely popular day hike, so be prepared for crowds on big summer weekends.
More info: summitpost.org
Quebec
Mont Jacques Cartier, Gaspesie National Park, Gaspe Peninsula (4,160 ft)
The highest in the McGerrigle Range and one of the last caribou herds south of the St. Lawrence... follow huge cairns across a broad summit skree field to an observation tower
More info: summitpost.org
Official SEPAQ hiking map of the park
Mont Albert, Gaspesie National Park, Gaspe Peninsula (3,786 ft)
Crown jewel day hike of the Gaspe Peninsula... do an amazing loop over the vast summit plateau and through Western-style terrain... it's hard to believe that this place is East Coast.
More info: summitpost.org
Official SEPAQ hiking map of the park
Mexico
Various day hikes, Copper Canyon
Deeper than the Grand Canyon and four times bigger... many areas to explore.
Other photos: Cascada de Basaseachi (812ft, highest year-round waterfall in Mexico)
More info: The 3 Amigos
Australia
Ayers Rock (Uluru), Northern Territory
The most famous, sacred, and biggest rock monolith in the continent. Well worth the trip, pictures just don't convey the grandiose weirdness of this place.
The Olgas (Kata Tjuta), Northern Territory
This collection of huge rock domes seem to be from another world... close to Ayer's Rock, the short hike through the Olgas is a gem not to be missed.
Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, Katoomba (Photo courtesy Rob Penner, 2003)
Climbed all three of the Sisters; has since been closed to climbing and turned into a national monument
Europe
France
Mont Blanc, France (~15,771ft)
The highest peak in the Alps; a 17-hour ski ascent and descent. Went up The Three Monts route and down the Grand Mulets route.
Other photos: Token summit photo, May 2005
More info: Skiing Mount Blanc, May 2005
Ireland
Carrauntoohil, Ireland (3,409 ft)
At just 3,409ft, this peak, the highest in Ireland, seems much grander than its elevation. Steep sided and rugged, Carrauntoohil and the rest of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks have a unique beauty that I haven't seen anywhere else... rocky and grassy with lots of sheep. The MacGillycuddy's Reeks Ridge Traverse is a great challenge... hitting all 11 of the Irish Munros (>3,000ft) in one day would be an epic day hike.
More info: summitpost.org
Mt. Brandon, Ireland (3,123 ft)
The second highest mountain in Ireland rises from the coast of the incredible Dingle peninsula. A clear day at the summit is a rarity; be mindful that strong winds and incessant rain are frequent visitors of the broad, exposed summit. The best route is from the east and requires a bit of scrambling; the pilgrim route marked by white posts is easier and is best for low visibility conditions.
More info: summitpost.org
Peakbagging map of the Irish 900m peaks: the 14 peaks above 900 meters in Ireland
Slovenia
Triglav, Slovenia (9,395 ft)
Highest peak in Slovenia offers several routes for ambitious day hikes. A classic loop starts in the Vrata Valley, ascends the exposed and cabled Tominskova Pot trail, and descends the less exposed Prag route. The North Face of Triglav, the Stena, at 1200m is one of the highest vertical walls in the Alps.
More info: Extensive page on summitpost.org
Map of Triglav National Park, mappery.com
Switzerland
Various day hikes, Zermatt, Switzerland
Home of the Matterhorn
Great day hike to the Mettelhorn
Various day hikes, Grindelwald, Switzerland
Home of the Eiger
Hike to the Schreckhornhut is exceptional
South America
Brazil
El Morrão (El Monte de Tabor), Chapada Diamantina National Park
Nearly cylindrical mountain surrounded by vast expanse of lush tropical vegetation
Read the account of my climb (July 2003)Morrao Brasil
Pico da Tijuca, Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro
Easy hike through rainforest to a panoramic view of "the most beautiful city in the world"