12 Best New Hikes for 2020

By: Heather Howard

Heather Howard has a passion for travel writing and marketing and loves inspiring people to explore new places. She has laced up her boots for many rugged hikes, from the Scottish Highlands to Alaska, Provence to Peru. She loves the fun of group travel and her top US travel tip is to explore Idaho's River of No Return Wilderness.

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May 28, 2019 | Adventure Experts

We’ve scoured the planet to bring you the finest hiking experiences for 2020. From K2 Base Camp to Australia’s Kakadu National Park, we present a hiker’s masterclass—led by the very best guides, including well-known names such as Sergio Fitch Watkins (K2 Base Camp) and Laurent Langoisseur (Hiking Corsica). We’re also thrilled to be returning to China’s Pamir Mountains, Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, and Peru’s Cordillera Carabaya on expertly revamped itineraries. Reach the end of the trail with a glowing sense of accomplishment on one, or more, of these 12 incredible hikes.

Hiking the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia

Join us in UNESCO-listed Simien Mountain National Park for an epic lodge-to-lodge hike along rugged escarpments and through deep valleys—terrain that is home to rare wildlife such as the Gelada baboon, Simien fox and Walia ibex. As you journey through Ethiopia, you’ll also discover its ancient past as a “cradle of humanity” and be amazed by the castles of Gondar and Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Total Days: 10 // Activity Level: 3

Trekking the Pamir Mountains in China

Ancient Silk Road outposts and truly authentic cultural experiences await you in Xinjiang’s Pamir Mountains, located in China’s remote western corner. Over 13 days, with 8 on the trail, you’ll enjoy challenging high-altitude hikes and wilderness camping—supported by a team of guides and camel drivers. Experience striking mountain scenery, massive glaciers, and beautiful grasslands. Total Days: 13 // Activity Level: 4

K2 Base Camp Trek with Sergio Fitch Watkins

Join pro mountain guide Sergio Fitch Watkins on this extreme adventure to K2 Advance Base Camp (ABC) at 16,929 feet elevation. Begin your journey in Kashgar, take the Silk Road past shifting deserts and towering peaks, and then embark on your tough but incredibly rewarding 14-day trek. Hike remote mountain terrain amidst Karakorum giants as you complete an epic bucket-list challenge. Total Days: 21 // Activity Level: 5

Hiking Corsica with Laurent Langoisseur

With the leadership of top MT Sobek mountain guide Laurent Langoisseur, hike four of the most stunning stages of Corsica’s mythical GR20 trail. Explore iconic natural wonders, including the Calanques de Piana and the Aiguilles de Bavella, and wander through the historic towns of Bonifacio and Corte. Fuel your journey with fresh farm-to-table cuisine and relax in charming hotels along the way. This is the perfect Mediterranean experience for active adventurers. Total Days: 11 // Activity Level: 4

Hiking the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco

Spend five days on an extraordinary trek through Morocco’s majestic High Atlas range, camping in comfortable mobile camps in the mountains. Climb the imposing Mount M’goun, Morocco’s second highest peak at 13,356′ feet, and discover lush oases, age-old kasbahs, and traditional Berber villages. Total Days: 9 // Activity Level: 4

A Walk in Coastal Puglia

Discover Puglia’s Salentina Peninsula as you hike hidden trails through bucolic landscapes of sun-drenched olive groves, fields of wildflowers, sweeping canyons, and natural grottos. Explore Brindisi, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, and Gallipoli, and visit Alberobello—known for its trulli, the region’s charming stone huts. Total Days: 8 // Activity Level: 3

Trekking in Chile’s Lake District

With its freshwater lakes, temperate rainforests, active volcanoes, and ancient forests of ‘monkey puzzle’ conifers, La Araucania region is one of Chile’s most stunning yet off-the-radar wilderness areas. Discover central Chile’s adventure playground, the scenic town of Pucon, and set out to hike two national parks—Villarrica and Huerquehue—and the private nature reserve of El Cañi. Total Days: 9 // Activity Level: 4

Explore Romania: Bucharest to Transylvania

Starting in the medieval city of Bucharest, you’ll travel to Piatra Craiului National Park in the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. Hike mystical meadows beneath snow-capped peaks and then explore castles, ancient fortifications, and the Transylvanian towns of Viscri and Sibiu. This great new trip mixes days on the trail with cultural encounters, and a chance to experience Transylvanian country life up close. Total Days: 8 // Activity Level: 3
Experience the magic of UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park on this brand-new active journey. Take sunset cruises along croc-filled billabongs, experience incredible ancient Aboriginal rock art,  share a meal and stories with an Aboriginal elder, and cool off in natural swimming holes, and go on a two-day wilderness hike to spectacular falls and gorges. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Australia’s Northern Territory. Total Days: 9 // Activity Level: 3

Trekking in Peru’s Cordillera Carabaya

Experience the beauty of Lake Titicaca and the incredible Colca Canyon, then tackle the legendary Cordillera Carabaya on a multi-day high-altitude trek, camping along the way supported by our experienced team of mountain guides. Marvel at this remote and wild Andean dreamscape of golden pampas, turquoise lakes, and large herds of llamas, alpacas and vicunas all framed by a stunning backdrop of knife-edged, 18,000-foot ice peaks. Total Days: 12 // Activity Level: 5

Hiking New Zealand’s South Island

With its glorious fjords, glaciers, mountains, lakes, rivers, and tracks that crisscross it all, New Zealand’s rugged South Island is a trekker’s dream. On this amazing journey, hike in Abel Tasman, Paparoa, and Fiordland National Parks, along the famous Queen Charlotte Track, to Franz Josef Glacier, and sections of two Great Walks. Explore the remote, beautiful Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area by helicopter, hiking, and jetboat—and get a taste of world-class wine along the way! Total Days: 13 // Activity Level: 3

Interested in one of these hikes? Click on the images to learn more or check out our full range of Hiking & Trekking adventures here.