For travelers who love the combination of adventure, natural beauty, and the perfect photo opportunity, hiking offers a unique chance to capture some of the world’s most breathtaking views. With the rise of social media, hikers and adventurers alike are not only seeking trails that challenge and inspire them, but also those that offer unforgettable visuals. From mountain peaks above the clouds to dramatic coastlines that seem to fall off into the abyss, the world is full of spectacular hikes that provide both an incredible experience and those coveted Instagram moments.
This guide will take you through some of the most Instagrammable hiking spots across the globe, each offering jaw-dropping scenery that’s sure to make your followers envious. Get ready to explore stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, and hidden trails that deliver the perfect backdrop for your next adventure.
1. Trolltunga, Norway: The Ultimate Cliffhanger
Trolltunga, which translates to “Troll’s Tongue,” is one of Norway’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. This spectacular rock formation juts out horizontally over the Ringedalsvatnet Lake, creating a dramatic and seemingly precarious perch that hikers love to capture on camera. The view from Trolltunga, over the blue lake and surrounded by towering mountains, is one of the most stunning sights in Scandinavia.
The hike to Trolltunga is not for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging 17-mile round trip that takes around 10 to 12 hours, with steep ascents and rocky terrain. However, the effort is worth it for that ultimate cliff-edge shot. For the best lighting, many hikers start early in the morning or even camp overnight near the top to catch the sunrise as it paints the landscape in hues of pink and orange.
2. The Enchantments, Washington, USA: Alpine Paradise
The Enchantments, located in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, is often described as an alpine wonderland. This high-altitude basin is dotted with glacial lakes, granite peaks, and lush meadows, creating endless opportunities for breathtaking photos. One of the highlights of the hike is the view over Colchuck Lake, a turquoise gem that perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks on a calm day.
The Enchantments can be accessed through a difficult hike that requires careful planning, as permits are required for overnight camping in the core area. However, for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are magnificent. Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit when the larch trees turn golden and add a brilliant contrast to the vivid blue lakes.
3. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway: A Natural Platform Above the Fjord
Another of Norway’s impressive rock formations, Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Europe. Sitting 1,982 feet above Lysefjord, Preikestolen offers a flat, cliff-edge surface that serves as a natural viewing platform. The view over the fjord is majestic, and the sheer drop makes for dramatic, heart-stopping photos.
The hike to Pulpit Rock is moderate, taking roughly four hours round trip. The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons in spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer. Many adventurers like to pose close to the edge to give the illusion of danger, though safety should always be a priority.
4. Mount Bromo, Indonesia: Alien Landscapes and Fiery Sunrises
Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia, is one of the most surreal and otherworldly landscapes you can experience. The active volcano, set within a vast plain known as the “Sea of Sand,” provides an incredible view, especially during sunrise when the landscape is painted in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The combination of the smoking crater, the rugged terrain, and the expansive skies make this one of the most photogenic spots in Southeast Asia.
Most hikers start their journey in the early hours to reach a nearby viewpoint for sunrise. The trek is relatively easy, but the rewards are out of this world. For those looking to capture the quintessential shot, consider visiting during the dry season when visibility is at its best, and the colors are the most vibrant.
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: Cascading Waterfalls
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s largest and most popular park, and for good reason. The park features a series of terraced lakes connected by waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery. The vibrant colors of the water, which range from turquoise to deep blue, make this park a paradise for photographers.
Wooden boardwalks wind through the lakes, offering plenty of opportunities to capture the cascading waterfalls from different angles. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the park is less crowded, and the natural colors are most vivid. The combination of crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and a maze of boardwalks makes every angle a picture-perfect moment.
6. The Narrows, Zion National Park, USA: Walking Through a River Canyon
The Narrows in Zion National Park, Utah, is one of the most unique and Instagrammable hikes in the United States. This hike takes you directly through the Virgin River, with towering canyon walls rising on either side. The hike itself is an adventure, requiring wading and sometimes swimming through the river as you navigate the slot canyon.
Photographers love the Narrows for its dramatic rock formations and the soft light that filters down through the narrow canyon, casting a warm glow on the river. The best time to visit is during the summer months when water levels are manageable, and the weather is warm. A dry bag is essential for keeping your camera gear safe as you capture the beauty of this one-of-a-kind hike.
7. Roy’s Peak, New Zealand: Panoramic Views of Lakes and Mountains
Roy’s Peak, located in Wanaka, New Zealand, has become a must-visit spot for hikers seeking that iconic Instagram photo. The trail offers panoramic views of Lake Wanaka, framed by snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. The most famous viewpoint, which features a winding ridge leading to the lake below, has become incredibly popular due to the stunning composition it offers.
The hike to the summit is challenging, with a steep incline that takes around five to six hours round trip. However, the effort is well rewarded by the spectacular views. For the best lighting and fewer crowds, consider hiking early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the Southern Alps or later in the afternoon for golden hour.
8. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland: A Rainbow of Landscapes
The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland is famous for its diverse and colorful landscapes. This multi-day trek takes hikers through fields of vibrant rhyolite mountains, black sand deserts, lush green valleys, and geothermal hot springs. The ever-changing scenery makes it one of the most visually stunning hikes in the world, providing countless photo opportunities.
The Laugavegur Trail is typically done over four days, with each section revealing new, dramatic landscapes that look like they belong on another planet. Photographers will love the contrast of colors—reds, greens, blacks, and blues—that define the Icelandic highlands. The best time to hike is during the summer months when the trail is open, and the midnight sun allows for extended daylight hours.
9. Tiger Leaping Gorge, China: A Hike With Majestic Views
Tiger Leaping Gorge in China is one of the deepest gorges in the world, with towering mountains on either side of the Jinsha River. The hike along the gorge offers stunning views of the river far below, flanked by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The dramatic cliffs and rushing river create a powerful visual experience that’s perfect for photography.
The hike is moderately difficult, taking two to three days to complete, with several guesthouses along the way providing accommodation and food. The best views can be captured during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the mountains take on a golden hue.
10. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, USA: Iconic Granite Monolith
Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is one of the most recognizable and Instagrammed hiking spots in the United States. The massive granite dome rises nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, providing a stunning view of the park’s rugged landscape. The hike to Half Dome is challenging, involving steep switchbacks and a final ascent up the famous cable route, but the reward is an unparalleled panoramic view of Yosemite.
To get that iconic photo at the top, it’s essential to start early and be prepared for a strenuous climb. Many hikers aim to be at the summit for sunrise or sunset, when the lighting is most dramatic, and the crowds are fewer. The view from the top, with the valley spread out below and the surrounding granite peaks bathed in soft light, is truly unforgettable.
Capturing the Moment
Hiking to these incredible locations is about more than just getting the perfect photo—it’s about experiencing some of the most beautiful places on earth firsthand. Each of these trails offers a unique blend of natural beauty, physical challenge, and a chance to connect with the environment in a meaningful way. While the photos you capture will undoubtedly be stunning, the memories of standing on the edge of a fjord, walking through a river canyon, or watching the sun rise over a volcanic crater are what will truly stay with you.
If you’re planning your next hiking adventure, consider these scenic spots as your destination. Not only will they provide a feast for your camera, but they will also offer the kind of experience that goes beyond the lens—immersing you in the awe-inspiring beauty that our world has to offer.
