Dougald MacDonald

The only thing better than experiencing some of Italy and Switzerland's finest scenery—and huts—on the Tour de Monte Rosa? Taking first-timers with you on one of the best beginner hikes in the Alps.

The underappreciated Bighorn Mountains hide some of the Lower 48’s best alpine scenery.

Wander the famed Scottish Highlands by day and enjoy refined, trailside B&Bs by night on the West Highland Way in the British Isles.

Here are the stories behind 10 of North America’s most impressive trail-building feats—and how to see them yourself.

Alpine meets Caribbean on this Idaho gem.

Test yourself in the Ouachita Mountains.

Hike to the best views in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Find solitude in Yellowstone's mountainous northwest corner.

Explore redrock canyons and ancient ruins.

See colorful wildflowers and big views on the Appalachian Trail.

Summit nine peaks and graze on trailside blueberries in Maine.

Circle the Rockies on this high-alpine route.

Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight.

Take an up-and-down tour of Ontario's lake district.

These loops set the gold standard for circular hikes. Yes, they’re popular, but with very, very good reason.

Someday the Manaslu Loop will be just as famous as the Annapurna Circuit. Hike it now.

Get the story behind the Plover River Segment, Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin—and how to see it yourself.

Get the story behind the Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain State Park, New York—and how to see it yourself.

Get the story behind the High Peaks–Balconies Caves Loop, Pinnacles National Park, California—and how to see it yourself.

Get the story behind the Lake Oesa-Opabin Lake Loop, Yoho National Park, British Columbia—and how to see it yourself.