My Most Favorite Hike in the Whole Wide World

Picking my favorite hike in the entire world isn’t an easy task. After hiking in over 60 countries and all 50 US states, I don’t make the choice lightly.

I’ve hiked and camped the Appalacahian Trail for weekends at a time, enjoyed multi-day trails in Romania and Portugal, biked across Turkey and Spain, walked around Denver’s 75+ neighborhoods, jaunted up and down major mountain chains in Mexico, and embraced the Three Capes in Tasmania. I’ve even hiked all 50 states.

Who Doesn’t Love the Iconic Hiking Trails of the World

Of course there are the iconic trails of the world like

• the fabulous volcanic trek of Tongariro -Alpine Crossing in New Zealand
• the multi-veined Camino de Santiago in Spain
• the rigorous climb up Mt Fitz Roy in Patagonia
• the luscious highlands climb of the Great Glen Way
• the treacherous Samaria Gorge on Crete, Greece

Really, who wouldn’t love these award-winning adventures? And I do. But for me, what makes a good trail isn’t necessarily its iconic beauty, magnificant vistas, or breathtaking challenges. It’s the intimacy, the smells, and the experience that make a hike rank high.

Or These Spectacular Shorter Day Hikes?

I love a short hike too. While usually not as famous as the grandmommas above, short hikes give quick jolts to the need for chi. These hikes can stand on their own, or they can be parts of a bigger trail. My favorite shorties often take you from a parking area to a ridge, but they’re just as glorious. My favorites have been:

• The verdant hike to the Cliffs of Mohr of Ireland
• The circular Torrey Pines Nature Preserve and Broken Hill Loop overlooking the Pacific
• The sunset-perfect Denver-area hike at South Valley
• The luxurious Cliff Walk in Newport, RI
• The Ancient Grecian Trail to the Lighthouse in Poros, Greece

Bring Water When You Hike, Always

Regardless of where I hike, I always make sure I’m carrying enough water. Depending on the length of the hike, I might have a water bottle in my hiking belt, a canteen in my backpack, or a water bladder in my multi-day pack. If I’m hiking long distance, I might even have purifying tabs or a Steri-pen to clean the water.

Wear the Right Hiking Shoes: My Favorites

In the past, I had a closet full of hiking shoes. They ranged from the ever-popular Keen hiking sandal to hefty Salomon boots. If I had a closet now, I’d still have a suite of choices for my feet. But since I travel the world full-time as a nomad carrying everything I own with me in my Osprey, I can only have space for two pairs of shoes.

Which do I choose? My everyday shoe that I use for errands, touristing and life is my fabulous Hoka Hopara 2. When I’m going hiking beyond an urban meander, I throw on my newest favorite, the Altra Olympus 6 GTX.

And Finally, My Favorite Hike in the Whole Wide World

I’ve teased you with some of the best hikes in the world. I’ve been through jungles, deserts, volcanos, marshes, swamps, beaches, woods, savannahs, red rocks, outbacks, and even shell beds. I’ve been absolutely blessed.

But the hike I recommend over and over again is right back in the USA.

Snugged up along the northwestern edge of California in Redwoods State Park, you’ll find towering Redwoods inviting you into the Damnation Creek Trail. The best time to hike Damnation is in May/June as the rhododendron start to bloom, mixed in with the giant 15-foot tall huckleberries. Shrouding mist circulates between the terrific Redwoods as you begin your descent to the Pacific.

One side of the Redwoods blushes its firey rust, while the other side dulls from the brisk moisture banging into the forest days on end. Ferns pop up in iridescent chartruese. A thick coffee-colored duff pads the way as you descend from the tops of the trees to their bases, the trunks getting wider and thicker as you pass the Tsunami Escape Route signs.

While the forest air smells moist with life, you’ll start catching sniffs of the Pacific waters. About 2 miles after starting, you’ll reach the beach, which is only accessible by foot or boat. Time your hike for low tide and enjoy tidepooling giant Pacific star fish, Californian anemones, and popcorn kelp. Plenty of driftwood washes ashore, creating giant Jenga piles to play.

As you return the trail whence you came, don’t fret. The view up drastically differs from the trip down. The Redwoods grow taller and taller, the colors of the forest show muted, making the rare Coast Fawn Lilly popping up from a downed branch glow pink. Listen for pileated woodpeckers hunting their lunch.

And take one more fresh-air breath before hopping in your car to continue on.