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100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Scenic Trails
From the world's expert in outdoor adventure, here is the ultimate hiker's bucket list, with 100 breathtaking experiences for beginners to experts around the globe--from the celebrated Appalachian Trail to the off-the-beaten path (but not to be missed!) Six Waterfalls Hike in Micronesia.
Filled with beautiful National Geographic photography, wisdom from expert hikers like Andrew Skurka, need-to-know travel information, and practical wildlife-spotting tips, this inspirational guide offers the planet's best experiences for hikers and sightseers. From short day hikes--California's Sierra High Route, Lake Agnes Teahouse in Alberta, Norway's Mt. Skala--to multiday excursions like Mt. Meru in Tanzania and multi-week treks (Egypt's Sinai Trail, Bhutan's Snowman Trek, and the Bibbulum Track in Australia), you'll find a hike that matches your interests and skill level. Crossing all continents and climates (from the jungles of Costa Rica to the ice fields in Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Parks), as well as experiences (a wine route through Switzerland or moose spotting on the Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming,) there is a trail for everyone in these pages. So pack your gear and lace your boots: this comprehensive and innovative guide will lead you to experience the best hikes of your life!
Filled with beautiful National Geographic photography, wisdom from expert hikers like Andrew Skurka, need-to-know travel information, and practical wildlife-spotting tips, this inspirational guide offers the planet's best experiences for hikers and sightseers. From short day hikes--California's Sierra High Route, Lake Agnes Teahouse in Alberta, Norway's Mt. Skala--to multiday excursions like Mt. Meru in Tanzania and multi-week treks (Egypt's Sinai Trail, Bhutan's Snowman Trek, and the Bibbulum Track in Australia), you'll find a hike that matches your interests and skill level. Crossing all continents and climates (from the jungles of Costa Rica to the ice fields in Alaska's Kenai Fjords National Parks), as well as experiences (a wine route through Switzerland or moose spotting on the Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming,) there is a trail for everyone in these pages. So pack your gear and lace your boots: this comprehensive and innovative guide will lead you to experience the best hikes of your life!
400 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2020
24 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Kate Siber
9 books24 followersKate Siber is a freelance journalist and a correspondent for Outside magazine living in Durango, Colorado. Her writing has also been featured in National Geographic Traveler, National Parks, Preservation, Men’s Journal, The New York Times, and many other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 20, 2020
I Love this book "100 Hikes of a Lifetime" by National Geographic!! This book has Hikes from all over the world…. Europe, Africa, Australia, you name it!!.
This book has the best National Geographic photography, and it includes an Essential Gear Guide for the hikes, along with prices included! Each trail has a length and time estimate, the distance, and difficulty level listed. Also what kind of wildlife you can expect to see. From beginners, to experienced hikers, this has it all. Waterfall hikes, the Appalachian trail, wine routes through Switzerland!! It has wisdom from expert hikers including Andrew Skurka!
I absolutely LOVE this book and would recommend it if you love nature and hiking, or just want to relax at home and arm chair travel!
Thank you @tlcbooktours and @natgeo for this copy to review. All opinions are my own!
This book has the best National Geographic photography, and it includes an Essential Gear Guide for the hikes, along with prices included! Each trail has a length and time estimate, the distance, and difficulty level listed. Also what kind of wildlife you can expect to see. From beginners, to experienced hikers, this has it all. Waterfall hikes, the Appalachian trail, wine routes through Switzerland!! It has wisdom from expert hikers including Andrew Skurka!
I absolutely LOVE this book and would recommend it if you love nature and hiking, or just want to relax at home and arm chair travel!
Thank you @tlcbooktours and @natgeo for this copy to review. All opinions are my own!
January 2, 2022
This book gave me a serious case of wanderlust. Seriously incredible! I can't believe how lucky we are to live in such an incredible world to explore. I have completed one hike in this book. Only 99 more to go!
February 21, 2020
In 100 Hikes of a Lifetime, Kate Siber has put together an amazing list of hiking trails from all over the world to satisfy every type of hiker.
The book is arranged by continent, and for each hike, the distance, length of trip, best time to go, and difficulty level are included. Siber then includes a blurb (varying from one page to several) describing the trek, the surrounding area, where to stay, and who you'll meet (both people and animals!). Of course, since this is National Geographic, there are tons of incredible photographs, which really served to fuel my wanderlust!
The best thing about this book is how comprehensive it is. Since the 100 hikes span all seven continents, there really is something for everyone. Almost every type of terrain imaginable is included - jungles, forests, deserts, mountains, and beaches. While there were many hikes at the difficult or expert-only levels, there were also several easy and moderate ones. Distances vary from one mile to several hundred, with trip lengths from a couple hours to several weeks or even months. If you're looking for remote places to enjoy the solitude, this book has it. If you're looking for something closer to civilization, this book has that, too.
Sometimes I plan trips that revolve around hiking, and for other trips, hiking might be something we only spend one day doing, and a guide like this can help in both instances. Whether you want to see waterfalls, castles, or ruins, or even drink some wine while you walk, you'll find something here to enjoy. These trails were chosen because they offer something memorable and you're guaranteed to have a pretty unique experience on any of them.
Although I'd heard of some of these trails (and even hiked parts of them myself), most of them were new to me. I think maps or websites (if available) would have been helpful for me in envisioning where the trails were or pointing me in the direction of obtaining more information. Despite that one quibble, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime drove home the point of how vast and beautiful this world is - there is so much to see and do, more than I could ever imagine. It was really inspiring!
4.5 stars
The book is arranged by continent, and for each hike, the distance, length of trip, best time to go, and difficulty level are included. Siber then includes a blurb (varying from one page to several) describing the trek, the surrounding area, where to stay, and who you'll meet (both people and animals!). Of course, since this is National Geographic, there are tons of incredible photographs, which really served to fuel my wanderlust!
The best thing about this book is how comprehensive it is. Since the 100 hikes span all seven continents, there really is something for everyone. Almost every type of terrain imaginable is included - jungles, forests, deserts, mountains, and beaches. While there were many hikes at the difficult or expert-only levels, there were also several easy and moderate ones. Distances vary from one mile to several hundred, with trip lengths from a couple hours to several weeks or even months. If you're looking for remote places to enjoy the solitude, this book has it. If you're looking for something closer to civilization, this book has that, too.
Sometimes I plan trips that revolve around hiking, and for other trips, hiking might be something we only spend one day doing, and a guide like this can help in both instances. Whether you want to see waterfalls, castles, or ruins, or even drink some wine while you walk, you'll find something here to enjoy. These trails were chosen because they offer something memorable and you're guaranteed to have a pretty unique experience on any of them.
Although I'd heard of some of these trails (and even hiked parts of them myself), most of them were new to me. I think maps or websites (if available) would have been helpful for me in envisioning where the trails were or pointing me in the direction of obtaining more information. Despite that one quibble, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime drove home the point of how vast and beautiful this world is - there is so much to see and do, more than I could ever imagine. It was really inspiring!
4.5 stars
May 7, 2022
I would like my own personal copy of this book, this one was borrowed from the library. So many beautiful hikes and it was organized well with length and approximate time to complete each one. I would have given it a 5 but I didn't love the order the trails were in, it didn't seem to be by region or length or difficulty to me.
November 7, 2021
I was a bit disappointed with this. It's not as detailed as I was looking for - this is a list of hikes with minimal information and photos and I thought it would be more of a guidebook. I still had to google each hike still, and there are no maps.
May 21, 2020
Beautiful photos and good info! Now, I want to go to Canada and hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House. 😊
June 18, 2021
I love to hike, love the wilderness, love to travel and love books, so I’m always a sucker for a beautiful coffee table hiking book! This is especially true when it says 100 hikes of a lifetime! So many to hike and so little time!
May 21, 2022
I can only dream!
February 24, 2020
If you like to hike or want to start hiking this book is for you. Even if you just want to dream about hiking looking through this book will find ever more dreams to want to fulfill. Like any National Geographic book the photographs are stunning. Just looking through them is enough to spark travel envy.
The book offers all manner of hikes from easy to expert on all of the continents. Some involve some serious climbing that I will never, ever do. But I did thoroughly enjoy looking through the photos and reading about things other people will do.
The book offers a forward, introduction and then a very useful gear guide. After that the hikes are broken down by North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceana, Australia and Antarctica. A short chapter on hiking conservation ends the book.
The marvel of the book is learning about the wide variety of hiking opportunities if you are just beginning to explore the world of hiking or to expand your knowledge if you have only hiked on one continent. Each hike lists the distance, the amount of time it should take, the best time of year to go, and the difficulty. You will find a well written descrption and a “what you’ll find” on the hike. And those photos. It’s those photos that truly bring the descriptions alive.
I’ve paged through the book several times since I’ve received it and each time I’ve seen something new. It’s a real joy to explore – even to just read about a hike or two now and then. My husband and found a few he wants to try! My only complaint with the book and it’s a small one is that beyond the main section there is little rhyme or reason as to how the hikes are presented. Not by difficulty level, not by location on the continent or country or state or who knows what. There is a glossary in the back but still, in paging through the book it’s a bit hard to find your way. Again, a minor, minor complaint in a book full of so much beauty.
The book offers all manner of hikes from easy to expert on all of the continents. Some involve some serious climbing that I will never, ever do. But I did thoroughly enjoy looking through the photos and reading about things other people will do.
The book offers a forward, introduction and then a very useful gear guide. After that the hikes are broken down by North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceana, Australia and Antarctica. A short chapter on hiking conservation ends the book.
The marvel of the book is learning about the wide variety of hiking opportunities if you are just beginning to explore the world of hiking or to expand your knowledge if you have only hiked on one continent. Each hike lists the distance, the amount of time it should take, the best time of year to go, and the difficulty. You will find a well written descrption and a “what you’ll find” on the hike. And those photos. It’s those photos that truly bring the descriptions alive.
I’ve paged through the book several times since I’ve received it and each time I’ve seen something new. It’s a real joy to explore – even to just read about a hike or two now and then. My husband and found a few he wants to try! My only complaint with the book and it’s a small one is that beyond the main section there is little rhyme or reason as to how the hikes are presented. Not by difficulty level, not by location on the continent or country or state or who knows what. There is a glossary in the back but still, in paging through the book it’s a bit hard to find your way. Again, a minor, minor complaint in a book full of so much beauty.
March 21, 2024
A good book to get your wanderlust going. This book features 100 different hikes from all over the world ranging from a couple hour day hike to multiweek treks and everything in between. For each hike there are some key details: distance, length of time to complete, best time to go, difficulty and what you'll see coupled with a short description of the hike ranging from 2-6 paragraphs and some gorgeous full page photos. Its more a coffee table book of pretty photos and the descriptions are definitely on the sparse side so you'd need a lot more research to actually do any of the hikes listed but if you want to see some pretty photos and get a feel for some cool hikes out in the world it fits the bill for that.
October 29, 2020
An absolutely beautiful book full of breathtaking pictures. The books breaks the hikes down by continent, and provides the distance of each hike point-to-point, the length of the trip, the best time of year to go, and the level of difficulty. Alternate routes are provided on occasion, as well as lists for what you will see during your hike, and suggestions for post-hike activities. The book also includes an essential gear guide, hiking conservation ideas, and a list of hiking destinations by location.
The world is not conducive to travel right now, but you can see the world sitting at home through this beautiful book.
The world is not conducive to travel right now, but you can see the world sitting at home through this beautiful book.
June 8, 2021
This book is my post-pandemic bucket list. If I could do even 25 of these hikes, I'd consider myself grateful for the chance to walk through so many of the beautiful spots that our world has to offer. The book is sensibly laid out, with concise and useful information about the hikes, level of difficulty, equipment needed, and so on. Not to mention the gorgeous National Geographic photography which induces FOMO on every page. There's even a practical foreword by a world-class hiker with his list of clothing and footwear to consider bringing. I'm ready! Now, if the world would only just open back up again....
August 26, 2023
While I have not read this book in its entirety, I'm excited to browse through the varied destinations at leisure. I would like more pictures! Less up-close shots of biscuits or a building, and more, much more of nature please.
Some of the many pictures that are provided are breathtaking though. I just wish each hike was represented as well as those.
It is also a bit of a survey course of hikes. It would be nice to have separate mini books of each hike with maps and other hiking necessities for a more rounded and functional purpose.
Some of the many pictures that are provided are breathtaking though. I just wish each hike was represented as well as those.
It is also a bit of a survey course of hikes. It would be nice to have separate mini books of each hike with maps and other hiking necessities for a more rounded and functional purpose.
June 23, 2021
3.5 (rounded up)
I get that this is essentially a coffee table book BUT in a time where we can't really travel, it was fun to read about such a wide variety of places I could hypothetically travel to. Plus, I got to add some hikes to my trip list, and it was overall a fun read - even for the hikes I have no intention going on, it was neat to hear about what those adventures entail and google those hikes, their history, and their wilderness and wildlife.
I get that this is essentially a coffee table book BUT in a time where we can't really travel, it was fun to read about such a wide variety of places I could hypothetically travel to. Plus, I got to add some hikes to my trip list, and it was overall a fun read - even for the hikes I have no intention going on, it was neat to hear about what those adventures entail and google those hikes, their history, and their wilderness and wildlife.
May 24, 2020
I want to do them all. The pictures are great, there is a run down of activities and attractions. Each trail lists the length, how many days or weeks, and the activity level like easy to expert. All of the hikes are listed by region.
March 12, 2023
SPECTACULAR PHOTOGRAPHY. As it should be coz it’s National Geographic!
Bit surprised about some of the choices of hikes and lack of some. Was hoping more for australia. But there was some I’ve never heard of so always good to learn more.
Bit surprised about some of the choices of hikes and lack of some. Was hoping more for australia. But there was some I’ve never heard of so always good to learn more.
July 15, 2025
Excellent summaries of select treks around the world, with the terrific photography we've come to expect from National Geographic publications. While there were many hikes not included, the author does a very good job of describing each trail and why it was chosen.
July 8, 2021
Wonderful book full of pictures, advice. Gives me aspirations.
July 24, 2021
Great pictures and lots of inspiration
March 6, 2022
Good for daydreaming.
June 6, 2022
Very inspiring…makes me want to go do all of these!
August 28, 2022
Didn't expect to read this book from cover to cover, but it was like going on my own adventure through these beautiful trails.
December 9, 2022
A beautiful book. And because of it, I now know that carnivorous snails exist on this planet.
February 5, 2023
Very enjoyable of a bucket list that I will never complete. Now to pick the best one from a large list …..
July 11, 2023
Eye candy.
August 21, 2024
Amazing book with great photos, tips and information. I can’t help but dreaming of hiking in one of those places!
Read
March 3, 2025Beautiful photography making me want to hike all the hikes. One day!
April 6, 2025
Read this book. Ended up doing the Colorado 14er and Hawaii’s most famous stairs hike.
April 19, 2025
Some bangers but also some not as accessible or notable that I would’ve guessed for some places! Super interesting read and inspiring!
May 8, 2021
Another “coffee book” Trevor and I read together, this one explores literally 100 hikes from all 7 continents, from short to the longest, from easy to expert only, we learned a lot about tons of hikes that are now on our Bucket List 🥾💚 Loved the photography and we watched a YouTube video for each one! Shout out to my cousin Brigit for this one!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews