21 Hiking Trails Around the World So Exclusive You Need a Permit to Enter
There are so many fantastic trails on offer for keen hikers. Just be aware that some trails require a permit which is usually to limit the amount of people. These often need to be booked months in advance to secure a spot. Here are 21 fantastic hikes around the world that will require a permit.
The Inca Trail, Peru
The Inca Trail is a popular 4-day hiking route that takes you through some of Peru’s most dramatic landscapes and then finishes at the iconic Machu Picchu. The classic route covers 26 miles (43 km), but you’ll need a permit to hike it. Only 500 people are allowed on the trail each day (including porters and guides).
Grizzly Lake Trail, Yukon
Grizzly Lake Trail is one of the more underrated hikes on this list. It winds through alpine meadows, and you’ll get fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. Distances vary depending on where you start, but generally, the hike is around 13.6 miles (21.8 km). For this hike, you’ll need an overnight camping permit to stay out in the backcountry.
The Wave, Coyote Buttes North, Arizona/Utah, U.S.
Straddling the border between Arizona and Utah, the Wave is a popular hiking route boasting undulating rocky cliffs streaked with multiple hues. However, the Coyote Buttes North route is typically under-shadowed by most of the trail, mainly because this specific route only gives out 64 permits per day, obtained through a competitive lottery system.
Caminito Del Rey, Spain
Caminito Del Rey is a popular hiking destination in Spain. The 4.8-mile (7.7 km) narrow walkway will take you along a sheer cliff face for part of the route, through a scenic gorge. The full hike takes 3-4 hours but there are restrictions in place. Only 50 people can start the hike every 30 minutes, with 400 people in total being allowed on the trail.
Mount Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
With an elevation of 13,435 feet (4,095 meters), Mount Kinabalu is one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. The hike is typically done over two days and you’ll need a permit, as only 165 climbers are allowed on the mountain per day. It’s also mandatory to have a licensed mountain guide.
Overland Track, Tasmania
The Overland Track is a popular hiking trail in the Australian state of Tasmania. At 40 miles (65 km), this 6-day trek offers quite the challenge. An Overland Track Permit is required between October and May. As this is the peak season, only 34 independent hikers are permitted per day.
Mount Teide, Spain
Mount Teide is an impressive volcano located on the island of Tenerife (the Canary Islands). At 12,188 ft (3,715 meters) tall, it’s the highest peak in Spain so offers quite the challenge for hikers. To reach the volcano’s peak, you’ll need a specific permit. These can be difficult to come by as only 200 people are allowed on the trail per day.
Thorsborne Trail, Australia
The Thorsborne Trail covers a distance of nearly 20 miles (32 km) and typically takes 4 days to complete. To minimize the impact on the environment, only 40 people are allowed on the trail at any one time. Camping permits are also required to stay overnight but these can be difficult to get!
Kilimanjaro, Africa
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, at an impressive 19,340 feet (5,895 meters) tall. It’s also the world’s largest free-standing mountain so is quite the hiking destination. A permit is required to hike Kilimanjaro and it can only be obtained by a registered tour operator. As such, you can’t hike independently.
Torres del Paine, Chile
To hike within Torres del Paine National Park, you’ll need a CONAF Permit. You can purchase this permit online in advance, and you’ll require one, regardless of your chosen hike’s length and difficulty. During the summer, the trails can get very busy so just keep this in mind.
Havasupai and Havasu Falls, Arizona, U.S.
A stunning sheen of turquoise cascading below, the Havasupai and Havasu Falls hiking trail in Arizona is one of the most majestic you’ll ever see. Although it makes for a stunning hike, the area is closed off for the safety of the local Havusupai tribe, which lives nearby. To hike the area, tourists must make reservations months in advance and secure a permit to visit. Once secured, hikers can make their way to a 10-mile-long journey, which offers a stunning view.
Half Dome, Yosemite, U.S.
One of the most thrilling hikes in the U.S., Half Dome stands out amid the heart of Yosemite National Park and witnesses an incredible crowd eager to reach it. The climb requires access to the Half Dome cables, which have a strict limit of 300 hikers daily. This number didn’t materialize out of thin air; it was purposely constructed to preserve the area and ensure it remained secure. Tourists must enter a lottery months in advance to acquire permits to explore the area.
Taroko Gorge, Taiwan
Taroko Gorge is located in Taroko National Park, and you don’t need a permit to visit the viewpoints. However, some of the nearby hiking trails do require a permit. This includes the Zhuilu Old Road, which also has a restriction on how many people can hike it each day.
The Milford Track, New Zealand
The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This 33-mile (53.5 km) hike takes 4 days and will see you explore the beautiful Fiordland National Park. Although there is no entry permit, only 40 independent hikers can start the trek each day. Camping isn’t permitted, so you’ll also need to book the DOC huts in advance for accommodation.
The West Coast Trail, Canada
The West Coast Trail (WCT) offers the adventure of a lifetime. This 47-mile (75 km) hike shows you the best of Vancouver Island, as you trek through the rainforests of British Colombia. The full trail takes between 6-8 days and you’ll need to pay a reservation fee, a national park entrance fee, and a West Coast Trail overnight use permit. There are restrictions on the number of people hiking too.
Colca Canyon, Peru
Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s most iconic landmarks and the world’s second-deepest canyon. To enter the canyon, you’ll need to purchase a permit, whether you’re trekking independently or with a guide. The permit lasts for 5 days so you can do a multi-day trek if you wish.
Ghandruk Loop, Nepal
Although the Ghandruk Loop is one of the lesser-known hikes in Nepal, it’s certainly worth doing. This trek is around 25 miles (40 km) and is usually completed in 4-5 days. Before heading on this trail, you’ll need an Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) permit. After that, you can either hike independently or go with a guide.
Subway, Utah, U.S.
Yet another stunning route in Zion National Park, Subway is a tunnel-like canyon forged by centuries of water erosion. The road is understandably narrow with challenging terrain, coupled with its delicate ecosystem, and it becomes one of the most exclusive hikes in the U.S. The route is so fragile that it only allows tourists with a raffle-distributed permit and sends them back should they lack it.
Mount Bisoke, Africa
Mount Bisoke is an active volcano located in Tanzania, standing at 12,175 feet (3,711 meters) high. To hike this volcano, you’ll need to purchase a tourist permit fee. A guide is also required to access the volcano, and a maximum of 16 hikers are permitted per group.
Santa Cruz Trek, Peru
The Santa Cruz Trek is a 4-day hike that covers a distance of 31 miles (50 km). For this hike, you need to purchase a trekking permit; either in advance from Huaraz or from the Huascarán National Park Office. Alternatively, you can get one from the ranger station in Cashapampa village.
The Chilkoot Trail, Canada
The Chilkoot Trail runs between the United States and Canada, covering a distance of 33 miles (53 km). Between June 1 and September 13, every person requires a permit and you can reserve these in advance. Conditions may vary depending on which side of the trail you’re starting from (USA or Canada), so it’s vital to research this first.
15 European Hikes So Exclusive You Need a Permit to Enter
15 European Hikes So Exclusive You Need a Permit to Enter
16 U.S. Hikes You Can Only Dream Of Unless You Can Get a Permit
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.