Hiking is no fun at all if you cannot challenge your limits. Challenging your limits translates to finding hardest hikes that beat your previous hiking trails. Fortunately, even the experienced hikers with the best hiking shoes find different hikes hard and challenging.
Below are some of the hardest hikes in the world reviewed based on various factors such as physical difficulties, uncontrollable environmental considerations, risk, and dangers, among others.
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1. Kalalau Trail
Kalalau is one of the most breathtaking hikes in the US. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most challenging hikes you will encounter. If you are looking for the best hiking places near me in Hawaii (Kauai), the Kalalau Trail is a challenge you would not want to miss.
It has treacherous conditions such as plummeting cliffs and slippery inclines that are hard to tackle. It is 17.7 kilometers (11 miles) long, only one way. It would make sense that you armed yourself with quality, comfortable hiking boots, such as, Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot.
Why this Boot is suitable for Trekking the Hardest Hikes
- It has a well-built rubber sole that allows you to enjoy a slip-free movement
- Its mid-sole gives you superior cushioning for comfortable and long-time wearing
- The boot is lightweight, enabling easy trekking for long hours
- You will not sweat courtesy of the mesh bootie construction which allows breathability
- Waterproof-grain leather ensures your feet don’t get wet from dew or splashing water
- Lace-up closure enables adjustability and secure fit
- Stylish and durable courtesy of its soft mesh exterior
2. Everest’s Base Camp, Nepal
Everest’s daunting 17,590-foot summit is among the most challenging hikes in the world. Rarely will you miss it on every beginner or professional hiker’s bucket list due to the superb camping and hiking experience it offers.
Depending on your preferred tour, a hike on Everest can take anywhere from 13-16 days, beginning in Lukla, Nepal, and ending at base camp.
Obstacles that make the hike hard include snow-packed mountains, icy trails, uneven climbs, up steeps, and rushing river rapids.
Fortunately, there is sufficient downtime and night stays in strange Nepalese villages, such as Kathmandu, where you can change your snow-filled hiking pants while gazing at the stars above the Himalayan peaks.
What is the Best Boot for this Hike?
<li>The superior cushioning and lightweight design will guarantee you ultimate comfort</li>
<li>Your feet will never get wet because of the waterproof upper leather</li>
<li>Improved traction rubber sole provides non-slip movement on different surfaces</li>
<li>It has a dual-zone winter tread pattern that give you strong footing on snow and ice surfaces</li>
<li>Secure lacing allows you to adjust the boot to your level of comfort.</li>
3. The Snowman Trek, Bhutan
It is one of the most dangerous and hardest hikes globally. You are lucky to make the hike only in the summers. Unfortunately, it is impossible to complete this challenging hike in the winter. The mountain pass is usually closed due to excessive snow accumulation. Allegedly, half of the population of hikers who embark on this hike are unable to complete it.
What is the Best Boot for this Hike?
- The leather mesh upper provides maximum breathability and keeps your feet sweat-free
- It uses a heavy-duty outsole that provides stability and traction on different surfaces
- Targeted heel cushioning helps improve the overall comfort by reducing stress on your foot
- Your feet will always have a perfect fit because of simple lacing that is easy to adjust
- The interior well-padded to prevent your feet from blisters.
4. South Kaibab/ Bright Angel Trail
The South Kaibab and Bright Angel trail resemble a descent into a massive hole that you have to climb back out of again. It is in the heart of the Great Canyon.
The hike offers an up-close and person camping and hiking experience with the canyon few tourists and hikers can say they have experienced. Most hikers believe it is dangerously difficult, owing to the apparent lack of water, the trail length, and boiling temperatures.
This 28 kilometers (17 miles) hike is for hardcore hikers who can withstand excessive heat, possible dehydration, and exhaustion.
What is the Best Boot for this Hike?
NORTIV 8 Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots
<li>The superior cushioning and lightweight design will guarantee you ultimate comfort</li>
<li>Your feet will never get wet because of the waterproof upper leather</li>
<li>Improved traction rubber sole provides non-slip movement on different surfaces</li>
<li>It has a dual-zone winter tread pattern that give you strong footing on snow and ice surfaces</li>
<li>Secure lacing allows you to adjust the boot to your level of comfort.</li>
5. Paint Circuit Trek, Torres del Paine, Chile
The Paine Circuit (also known as “the loop”) spans over 75 miles via some of the world’s prettiest scenery and through the most iconic valleys, mountains, and Torres del Paine Park peaks in Chilean Patagonia.
A hike through this challenge will take you roughly seven days to finish, with rest days in between. Although the hike appears attractive, it is a very steep, almost 90-degree uphill climb on rocky footpaths.
The obstacles include icy river crossings, unpredictable weather, and slippery snow covers.
The paint Circuit Trek does not easily fall under the best camping and hiking trail near me category, making it an adventure to go on with friends.
What is the Best Boot for this Hike?
Merrell Men’s 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
<li>The superior cushioning and lightweight design will guarantee you ultimate comfort</li>
<li>Your feet will never get wet because of the waterproof upper leather</li>
<li>Improved traction rubber sole provides non-slip movement on different surfaces</li>
<li>It has a dual-zone winter tread pattern that give you strong footing on snow and ice surfaces</li>
<li>Secure lacing allows you to adjust the boot to your level of comfort.</li>
6. Muir Snowfield Trail
This is considered the hardest hikes because of the freezing temperatures and unforgiving arctic landscape. However, if you want to accomplish the challenge, you should be experienced in alpine climbing.
Unfortunately, even the most experienced hikers with the best industry-leading hiking pants and boots have frozen or slipped trying to summit the nearly 4.4km (14,435 foot) tall giant.
The starting trail is easy for almost anyone to accomplish. However, it gets tricky once you begin the mountain’s vertical climb.
What is the Best Boot for this Hike?
Columbia Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boot
<li>The superior cushioning and lightweight design will guarantee you ultimate comfort</li>
<li>Your feet will never get wet because of the waterproof upper leather</li>
<li>Improved traction rubber sole provides non-slip movement on different surfaces</li>
<li>It has a dual-zone winter tread pattern that give you strong footing on snow and ice surfaces</li>
<li>Secure lacing allows you to adjust the boot to your level of comfort.</li>
Conclusion
What you consider the hardest hikes trail in the world may be a walk in the park for someone else. It is never a bad idea to try out something new and challenging. However, you should exercise precaution when attempting the above hikes. As much as you want to challenge their difficulty, you should also invest in a hiking partner or guide and, most importantly, quality hiking gear.