When you love both walking and traveling, it’s fun to read about memorable hikes. Often, the articles I’ve read describe superlatives: “The Five Best Hikes in the World” or “The Five Most Dangerous Trails in the Country” or “The Five Most Beautiful Walks in the State.”
My post today is not about superlatives. I can’t promise these are the best or most beautiful walks in the world. (And I certainly hope they are not the most dangerous!) Instead, they are five trails in different parts of the world that were especially memorable for me. I hope you enjoy reading about them!
The Walk Through Petra, Jordan
I first became aware of the magnificent archaeological site at Petra because of — you guessed it — the Indiana Jones movies. But until I visited Petra, I did not realize that the trail leading down to the central part of the site is also remarkable.
The pathway winds down a narrow canyon with steep, rocky walls on both sides. At times, only a thin band of sky appears overhead between the clifftops above. The trail contains numerous points of interest, such as stone carvings and interesting rock formations. The canyon ends abruptly, and through a gap in the high walls you first catch a view of the famous “Treasury” carved in the rose-red rock. It is a triumphal end to a wonderful hike.
One word of warning if you visit there — what goes down must come back up. The trail returning from the Treasury to the park entrance is a long, uphill climb through the heat of the day. Be prepared! (Or hire a horse cart or mule to carry you back up.)
First Cliff Walk at Grindelwald First, Switzerland
When our tour guide in Switzerland gave us time to take the First Cliff Walk trail, the name immediately made me think of the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. The Newport Cliff Walk is a pleasant stroll that winds along the ocean bluffs, with great views of both the water and the impressive mansions of the area.
As soon as I started the First Cliff Walk, I discovered that what constitutes a “cliff” in Switzerland is very different from a “cliff” in Rhode Island. The First Cliff Walk was literally that — a metal walkway attached to the cliff face and suspended over the incredible view below. It was amazing, thrilling, and a little terrifying all at the same time. I highly recommend it (unless you have acrophobia).
The Skywalk at Tamborine Mountain, Australia
A trail that winds beneath a tropical forest is great, but one near the level of the treetops is extraordinary. There are many fine “skywalks” in the world, but one of the most memorable for me is the Skywalk at Tamborine Mountain in Australia.
I think what really made the day for me was the lush beauty surrounding the elevated walkway. One the day we visited the place, the weather was perfect, the tropical setting was rich and green, and the metal bridges that formed the trail were high enough to give a great view of the surroundings. An altogether enjoyable walk.
The Sacred Way Near the Ming Tombs, China
During our trip to China in 2007, we had a chance to trek through some spectacular locations, such as a hike along part of the Great Wall.
But one of my favorite walks during the trip took me completely by surprise. In fact, I almost skipped the afternoon sightseeing that day because my allergies were bothering me.
The Sacred Way is a processional road near the historic Ming Tombs, dating back to at least the 15th Century. Stone statues of people and animals line both sides of the road with a thick backdrop of leafy trees behind them. The day we walked the road, it was nearly empty of tourists, and a strong sense of peace and serenity filled the air.
The animal statues were delightful. Each animal came in two pairs — the first pair standing and the second sitting or lying down. Our tour guide explained that the arrangement was intended to honor the emperor as he went by. The idea of all those stone animals — including the elephants — bowing to the emperor tickled my imagination, and the quiet beauty of the place was refreshing. It all combined into a wonderful experience.
The Grand Canyon, U.S.A.: When I was 13 years old, my dad took my brother and me backpacking down the Grand Canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. It was my first backpacking trip, and one of the most memorable.
As a child, I was amazed that the weather could start off cold at the top and then become so hot at the bottom of the canyon that you could sleep outside your sleeping bag. I was fascinated when the mule trains went by, and shocked at how close the animals sometimes went to the edge of the trail where the sheer cliff dropped away.
But the most surprising part of the hike occurred on the second day, when we made the long trek back up to the top of the canyon. I had expected the climb to be exhausting and difficult, but it really was not that bad. My dad started us early, before the day got hot, and in some ways, it seemed easier than the hike down. (Of course, I was 13 at the time and had boundless energy. I doubt if it would be that easy now!)
Thank you for walking with me through these fond memories. I hope you all get a chance for some great hikes of your own this year.
Talk to you again in June!
-Susan 5/3/2024
Susan and John Ruff, Fantasy Authors 
Leave a comment