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15 Jaw-Dropping One-Day Bucket List Hikes Around the Globe
I'm a travel-loving mom, wife, and firm believer that fresh air fixes (almost) everything. Whether we're hiking an active volcano, wandering through a sleepy seaside town, or enjoying a picnic in the mountain wilderness of Sedona, I'm all about getting my family out into the world and soaking up every bit of its jaw-dropping beauty.
But let me be clear: I love a good adventure, not chaos. As long as what we're doing doesn't require a Sherpa or a week off from my busy schedule as a working mom, I'm all in.
So I've made it my mission to explore smarter. That means finding the kinds of experiences that are big on wonder, low on stress. Think memorable one-day hikes, charming small towns that don't need an itinerary, and family adventures that fill your camera roll and your heart – but not your suitcase with unnecessary gear.
Because travel should inspire, not exhaust. And yes, you can have a wild, beautiful adventure, without losing your mind in the process. So here are 13 epic one-day hikes that all the family will appreciate…
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You can't actually hike up to the sign itself. The closest you'll get is the overlook behind it, which still offers a stellar panoramic views. The sign is fenced off and heavily secured to prevent up-close visits but don't fret, it's thrilling to be so close to such an iconic sign.
Super cheat: If you want someone else to handle the logistics join a guided hike, and simply follow along as you noodle your way through the Hollywood Hills, towards the peak. Tour companies like have a 1 hour hike which is the most efficient way to reach the sign. To reach the top of the sign and view it from behind, pick a longer tour and allow 2.5 hours.
More info: Hollywood Sign.
Why it's epic: These jagged limestone peaks look like a backdrop from The Sound of Music – but with better coffee. The Dolomites offer jaw-dropping panoramas, rugged beauty, and trails rich with history. Cortina d'Ampezzo, dubbed "The Queen of the Dolomites," is a Best of the Alps destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to do it: Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop, a six-mile, family-friendly trail with unforgettable Alpine views. Arrive early to snag a parking spot at the trailhead or hop on a public bus. For more adventure, take the Lagazuoi cable car and explore WWI-era tunnels or via ferrata trails with a licensed mountain guide.
Super cheat: We booked with Gruppo Guide Alpine Cortina – and honestly, I wouldn't have done it without our expert guide, David. He made it safer, smoother, and far more memorable (meaning mom could enjoy the day too!). In the Dolomites, an expert guide enabled us to go further and higher faster than I would have ever endeavored on our own.
More info:Cortina Tourism | Best of the Alps | Cortin Trekking Experience
Why it's epic: Skip the full Inca Trail and opt for this equally rewarding (and shorter) climb. Machu Picchu Mountain offers a heart-pounding ascent and panoramic views over the Sacred Valley that feel straight out of an ancient dream.
How to do it: You need to buy a Circuit 1 + Machu Picchu Mountain ticket in advance from the Peruvian Government website. The trail takes about three to four hours in total, and is steep, but the views at nearly 10,000 feet are breathtaking. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water and sunscreen and aim to catch the sunrise if you can.
Super cheat: We took the train from Ollantaytambo, followed by a wild switchback bus ride to the ruins. It's a long journey so build in at least two days on-site for this expedition. I was immediately struck by its ancient history. Having a guide, Mario, was invaluable – he really brought the 15th-century citadel to life and we left feeling more educated and entertained.
More info: Machu Picchu Official Site | Mountain Trail Guide
Why it's epic: They call it "The Chief" for a reason. This granite behemoth offers jaw-dropping views of Howe Sound and the surrounding forests.
How to do it: The Stawamus Chief is the distinctive towering mountain that overlooks the town of Squamish about halfway between Whistler and the moderate nine-mile out-and-back trail. There are three peaks to choose from, each one more stunning than the last. Bring layers because it can get chilly.
Super cheat: If this hike is too much,take the Sea to Sky Gondola (which starts near the Chief trailhead) to a different spot and walk any number of short loops and trails. You can also sign up for the Via Ferrata route at the top of the gondola with Mountain Skills Academy. Note that "The Chief" trailhead and Sea to Sky trail only intersect about a quarter of the way up either.
More info: Whistler Sea to Sky Gondola | Satwamus Chief Trail | Mountain Skills Academy
Why it's epic: Wandering through a storybook gorge of crashing waterfalls, glowing blue pools, and misty cliffs, is like stepping into a Brothers Grimm tale.
How to do it: The Partnach Gorge trail is just under two miles, making it a breeze for kids or low-effort adventurers. Want a little more? Continue up to Eckbauerbahn for classic Bavarian Alps views. You'll stroll along narrow limestone pathways as waterfalls and rapids roar beside you. It's dramatic, magical, and completely unforgettable.
Super charge your adventure: Don't skip Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak. Hop on the cable car for a swift ride to 9,700 feet, where you'll find sweeping alpine views from a huge observation deck. We felt like we were walking through the clouds as we were elevated in every way. There are a few hiking trails (short but steep, hiking boots essential) to make you feel like you've ventured to the top of the world.
More info: Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Zugspitze Info | Partnach Gorge
Why it's epic: Hike the warm-weather version of one of the world's most iconic ski runs. With postcard-worthy views, mountain air, and rustic huts serving schnitzel and apple strudel, it's peak Austria in every sense.
How to do it: Start in Kitzbühel and take the Hahnenkamm gondola up to the mountaintop station. From there, follow the Panoramaweg trail, a scenic, well-marked three-hour hike with sweeping Alpine views and plenty of photo ops. The area boasts more than 1,000 km of trails and was the first in the Alps to receive a European hiking quality seal.
Super cheat: Break up the day with a meal at Hahnenkammstüberl, a cozy mountain hut serving hearty Austrian fare. At a spectacular lunch with a view we watched paragliders launch as we sipped coffee.
More info: Visit Kitzbühel | Panoramaweg Trail
Why it's epic: Climbing Mount Fuji is the ultimate bucket-list experience. It's Japan's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering an awe-inspiring journey above the clouds. Watching the sunrise from the summit (called Goraiko) is magical.
How to do it: The Yoshida Trail is the most popular and beginner-friendly of Fuji's four routes. The 8.1-mile climb begins at the 5th Station and winds its way up with several mountain huts and rest stops. Open from early July to mid-September, the trail can get busy, especially during the Obon holiday or on weekends. It's recommended to stay in a mountain hut overnight and summit at dawn.
Super cheat: Buy a wooden walking stick at the base and get it stamped at each station – an unforgettable souvenir. Book buses in advance from Tokyo for a seamless start.
More info: Climbing Mt. Fuji | Express Buses
Why it's epic: With 275 thundering waterfalls straddling Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is a full-sensory experience – think rainbows, toucans, and misty jungle magic. The raw power of the Devil's Throat will leave you speechless – and drenched!
How to do it: Take the Circuito Superior trail, a 1.5-mile elevated walkway with epic views of the upper falls. For a deeper adventure, ride the Rainforest Ecological Train to Devil's Throat first thing in the morning as wait times soar later. Add the lower circuit (1.8 miles) for views of smaller cascades and access to boat tours.
Super cheat: Book the speedboat tour for an adrenaline rush and close-up views. Yes, you'll get soaked, but it's unforgettable – most memorably, our captain drove us straight under the falls!
More info: Argentina Travel | Iguazú National Park
Why it's epic: A true icon, Table Mountain is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature; once you see the panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and Robben Island, you'll understand why. It's wild, dramatic, and incredibly photogenic.
How to do it: Prefer fewer edges? This is your trail. Platteklip Gorge, at just 1.8 miles one-way, is the most direct route to the summit. This may not be the laziest hike – it can get steep with significant elevation gain – but it's not technical and is essentially a giant rocky staircase. You can do the climb in about two to three hours and glide back down via cable car (book in advance).
Super cheat: For the laziest route to the top, take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway both ways for the summit experience without breaking a sweat. Or, try the more scenic (but tougher) India Venster route, if you're feeling bold.
More info:Table Mountain Cableway | Hike Table Mountain
Why it's epic: It's the shot you've seen a hundred times on Instagram but trust us, the real thing blows the filters out of the water. Roy's Peak serves up jaw-dropping views over Lake Wānaka and the snow-dusted Southern Alps that feel almost too perfect to be real.
How to do it: Start from the Roy's Peak Track carpark on Mt Aspiring Road and prepare for a leg-burning 9.9-mile (16km) out-and-back hike. With no shade and relentless incline, this six hour trek isn't for the faint-hearted but the summit makes every sweaty step and sheep encounter worth it. Pack sunscreen, water, and a hat. No technical skills needed, just sheer grit.
Super cheat: Get there early because parking fills up fast. Also, avoid 1 Oct-10 Nov (when they're closed for lambing), and be ready for crowds. If you're an early bird, plan a sunrise mission for fewer people and next-level views.
More info: Roy's Peak Track – DOC
Why it's epic: There's nothing like standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon to make you feel very, very small. Carved over millions of years by the Colorado River, this mile-deep marvel is pure geological theatre. With towering red rock walls, surreal desert light, and sweeping views that shift with every step, hiking here feels like wandering through the Earth's most dramatic open-air museum.
How to do it: Day hikers have plenty of choices, from scenic strolls to calf-burning canyon descents. For a relaxed option, stick to the Rim Trail, a mostly flat, 13-mile paved path with shuttle stops every mile or so. Want a challenge? Tackle a section of the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point or descend the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa for bigger payoffs and fewer crowds.
Super cheat: For less effort, use the free park shuttle to pick and choose sections of the Rim Trail. Head out early for magical lighting and cooler temps.
More info: Rim Trail – Grand Canyon Trust | Grand Canyon National Park
Why it's epic: The Bright Angel Trail is the Grand Canyon's celebrity hike for a reason. Hugging the canyon's cliffside with jaw-dropping views the entire way down, it's a classic for first-timers and return visitors alike. This well-maintained trail lets you truly descend into the heart of the canyon, passing through layers of time, sandstone, and unreal scenery.
How to do it: Start at the South Rim trailhead and hike down to the 3-Mile Resthouse, which gives you a solid 6-mile round trip and over 2,000 feet of elevation change. Expect four to six hours round-trip. Feeling strong? Continue to Havasupai Gardens (formerly Indian Garden) for a full nine-mile adventure.
Super cheat: Pressed for time or energy? Turn around at the 1st Tunnel, 2nd Tunnel, or 1.5-Mile Resthouse for a shorter, still spectacular hike. Watch your step as mules use this trail too – and let's just say they leave behind souvenirs!
More info:Bright Angel Trail – NPS
Why it's epic: It's not every day you hike near an active volcano through rainforest alive with wildlife. With views of the Arenal Volcano and encounters with sloths, colourful frogs, and tropical birds, this hike is part National Geographic special, part nature therapy. A bonus is that it includes meaningful cultural immersion with Costa Rica's Indigenous Maleku community.
How to do it: Two great trails offer different vibes. Firstly, the Arenal Volcano Trail is around three miles there and back through jungle paths to a volcano viewpoint. Expect to hike for around 90 minutes. Or head to the Ecocentro Danaus Ecological Reserve, for a short but rewarding half-mile loop through a private biological preserve, packed with wildlife sightings and cultural insight. Perfect for slow walkers and those who are less fit.
Super cheat: Stick to Ecocentro Danaus for a laid-back loop with major wildlife payoffs. Combine both trails in one day to satisfy your inner explorer without overdoing it.
More info: Visit Costa Rica | Ecocentro Danaus
Why it's epic: This 5.5-mile, three to four hour hike delivers pure alpine magic; think crystal-clear lakes, wildflowers, and iconic views of the Matterhorn reflected in its still waters. The Five Lakes Walk is a moderately easy trail that feels anything but ordinary, winding through meadows and forests with dramatic peaks always in sight. It's a dream for photographers and casual hikers alike.
How to do it: From Zermatt, take the Sunneggabahn funicular to Blauherd, where the trail begins. Follow the 5-Seenweg signs past five scenic lakes: Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. Three offer perfect Matterhorn mirror moments, especially on calm days. The trail has gentle inclines and plenty of places to stop, rest, or picnic with a view.
Super cheat: If you have children, head to the small alpine lake, The Leisee, for a barbecue and swim stop. It's a magical experience – kids love jumping off the lake's raft.
More info: Sunneggabahn to Blauherd | Zermatt Tourism
Why it's epic: A true alpine adventure in one of Europe's smallest (and most overlooked) countries, this 7.5-mile loop rewards hikers with panoramic views of both the Swiss and Austrian Alps. From the ridgeline, drink in the sight of the dramatic Falknis chain, the Schesaplanastock, and deep valleys stretching into Malbun, Gamperdona, and Valüna. It's a breathtaking way to explore a country that some people cross on foot in one day.
How to do it: Start in Malbun and follow the Fürstin-Gina-Weg trail, a moderate-to-challenging five hour loop that ascends to the Augstenberg summit, skirting the Austrian border. The route is well-marked and scenic, but there's significant half mile elevation, so not for beginners or tiny children.
Super cheat: Take the chairlift to Sareis, then hike from Sareiserjoch to skip around 1,000 feet of climb and save about 45 minutes. Feeling lazy? Book an e-bike instead of hiking, via the website below.
More info:Liechtenstein Tourism
From rainforest volcanoes to canyon-carving trails, these 15 epic bucket-list hikes deliver a serious wow factor, with varying degrees of effort. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Argentina, altitude in Japan, or postcard-perfect views in Austria and South Africa, each trail has its own magic. You don't have to be an elite trekker to enjoy them either as clever shortcuts, cable cars, and scenic turnarounds make most of these adventures accessible.
Just pack your boots, water, and a sense of awe. Because no matter how far you go, the views, wildlife, and wild stories you'll collect along the way are what make each trail totally unforgettable.
Happy hiking!
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