They’re also geographically diverse, bringing adventurers to some of the most spectacular corners of the planet.
Many trails have incomparable views; others are so tough that you’ll earn bragging rights by conquering them.
Use this list to get inspired, then lace up your boots and shoulder your pack.
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you’re free to complete the route in roughly three weeks, or opt to do shorter segments.
Along the way, swim in crystal-clear waters and visit charming towns.
To do the entire route usually takes three days.
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Youll cross through five different ecological zones and climates, ranging from lush rainforests to arctic ice fields.
The summit is as mentally demanding as it is rewarding.
Laugavegur trail traverses 34 miles ofIcelandssouthern highlands and is incredible in its otherworldliness.
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The trail is about 40 miles long, depending on where you begin and end.
This is another long-distance adventure to do the approximately 500-mile route in full may take 30 days or more.
It is 293 miles long, stretching from north Lebanon toward its southern border.
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It starts at the US-Mexicoborder in California, and ends at the US-Canada border in Washington.
Highlights along the way include Crater Lake, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Cascade Range.
This magnificent temple carved into a sandstone cliff dates back to the 1st century CE.
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To conquer the wildly steep slope here, hikers keep a tight grip on the granite trails cable system.
you could attack the Narrows from the bottom up or from the top down.
The former is the popular choice since it takes four to eight hours or so.
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If you hike it from the top down, expect a 10- to 13-hour journey.
Prepare for panoramic views of the surrounding rocky peaks, plus lush green valleys filled with wildflowers.
Go in the summer months if you’re especially keen on seeing colorful blooms.
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Doing so lets you experience the unique geological formations and diverse ecosystem of the Grand Canyon up close.
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