Seven Exceptional Multi-Day Mountain Trails Spanning Globally Stunning Landscapes
Exploring the world's breathtaking landscapes hasn't been this easy. For over a century, AMC has been providing adventurers with the perfect blend of nature and comfort through its renowned high-altitude huts, nestled in New Hampshire's rugged wilderness. But AMC's not the only player in this exciting game. Across the globe, hut-to-hut hiking systems invite explorers to traverse some of the planet's most famous outdoor destinations.
Crafted by the hands of intrepid travelers, these hut networks provide refuge and camaraderie for hikers uniting their passion for adventure. The AMC hut system, America's pioneering venture, took inspiration from similar European alpine huts. Today, you can find hut-to-hut lodging options atop peaks from Annapurna to the Andes, and even Canada's scenic coastline. Each system offers a unique flair, showcasing local culture while supplying the essentials for an unforgettable journey.
Eager for a hut adventure? Start with AMC's high-mountain huts, where you'll spend the days trekking the Appalachian Trail and nights snuggling in warm bunks and savoring delicious meals prepared by the "Hut Croo." To sample the tastes and techniques of our globetrotting peers, consider exploring these incredible hut-to-hut systems:
Walker's Haute Route, France and Switzerland- Length: 132 miles- Start/End Points: Chamonix, France / Zermatt, Switzerland- Best Time: July-September- Days to Complete: 9-15
Inspired by the French for "high road," the Haute Route takes hikers above 11 mountain passes, culminating at just shy of 10,000 feet. Originally forged in the 1800s, the path offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc Massif and the Matterhorn, without requiring specialized mountaineering equipment. Each night, rest your feet in mountain huts, teeming with character and boasting stunning vistas.
Laugavegur Trail, Iceland- Length: 33.6 miles- Start/End Points: Landmannalaugar / Thorsmork- Best Time: Late June-Early September- Days to Complete: 4-5
Prepare to witness lava fields, glaciers, rivers, and even the possibility of encountering trolls and fairies on Iceland's longest hiking trail. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, this trek will leave you in awe of its desolate, yet stunning landscapes. Rest your head in mountain huts, each offering meals, showers, and geothermal heat. Pack clothes for all weather as Iceland is known for its swift weather changes.
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal- Length: 143 miles- Start/End Points: Besisahar / Pokhara- Best Time: October-November or April-May- Days to Complete: 15-20
One of the most famous hikes in the world, the Annapurna Circuit takes hikers on a 100-mile loop around Annapurna, the world's tenth-highest mountain. The trek exposes hikers to a variety of terrain, climates, and cultures, providing a unique and challenging experience. Each night stay in "tea houses," traditional Nepalese lodgings, where amenities vary from hot water to communal dining areas.
Kumano Kodo, Japan- Length: 43.5 miles- Start/End Points: Takijiri-oji / Kumano Nachi Taisha- Best Time: March-June or October-November- Days to Complete: 4-6
A less-known sister to Spain's Camino de Santiago, the Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage trails linking three breathtaking shrines in Japan's Kii peninsula. Sleep in traditional inns, or "ryokans," each night, dine on delicious Japanese cuisine, soak in geothermal onsens, and marvel at Japan's magnificent waterfalls along this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sunshine Coast Trail, Canada- Length: 112 miles- Start/End Points: Sarah Point in Desolation Sound / Saltery Bay- Best Time: June-September- Days to Complete: 9-10
Stretch your legs along the shores of the George Strait and admire the fast-rising Coast Mountains on Canada's longest hut-to-hut hiking trail. Huts along the route are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a rustic, yet incredible wilderness experience. Campsites are also available near most huts.
The "W" Trek, Chile- Length: 50 miles- Start/End Points: Torres del Paine National Park- Best Time: November-March- Days to Complete: 4-5 days
Experience the breathtaking peaks, clear blue lakes, and rugged terrain of Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park on foot. The "W" Trek creates a stunning circuit around the Paine massif, offering three out-and-back paths for unmatched views of the towering jagged peaks. While hiking, stay in "refugios," basic cabins with communal sleeping areas, showers, and kitchens.
Overland Track, Australia- Length: 40-51 miles, depending on route- Start/End Points: Cradle Mountain / Lake St Clair- Best Time: December-February (or during the shoulder seasons in March-May or September-November)- Days to Complete: 6
Bounded by the Tasmanian devil, the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park offers a rugged, world-class hiking experience. Highlights include Mount Ossa, the island's tallest peak, Harnett Falls, and abundant wildlife found nowhere else. Choose from seven huts, each with nearby tent sites to rest after a day of bushwalking.
Ready to embark on your own hut-to-hut adventure? These generous trails promise breathtaking sights, friendly company, and unforgettable experiences atop some of the world's most renowned peaks. So, grab your gear, and let the great outdoors be your playground!
At the heart of these exhilarating experiences lies a unique blend of 'lifestyle' and 'home-and-garden', as the cozy mountain huts along these trails offer comfort and camaraderie after a day of exploration. As you plan your 'travel' itinerary, don't forget to include these renowned hut-to-hut systems, each offering distinct cultural flavors and breathtaking vistas. Whether it's the Walker's Haute Route in France and Switzerland, the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland, or the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, each trail promises an unforgettable journey that will captivate your senses and enrich your sporting experiences.
