10 Trails Every Man Should Hike Before He’s 50
10 Trails Every Man Should Hike Before He’s 50
Hitting the trails is one of the best ways to stay fit, clear your head, and feel like a badass while soaking in nature’s glory. Whether you’re chasing epic views or just want to unplug from the daily grind, these hikes are must-dos for any guy before he hits the big 5-0. From sweaty climbs to chill strolls, this list has something for everyone. Lace up your boots, grab some water, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories on these killer paths.
Appalachian Trail, Georgia to Maine
This beast of a trail stretches over 2,190 miles, and you don’t have to do it all to feel like a champ. Pick a section—like the Smoky Mountains—and soak in misty forests and killer views. It’s a grind, but the bragging rights are worth it.
Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
If you’re down for a heart-pounding adventure, this 5-mile hike is your jam. The last stretch has chains to grip while you climb a narrow ridge with 1,000-foot drops. I tackled it last summer, and man, my legs were jelly, but the view from the top? Straight-up unreal.
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California
This 14-mile round-trip hike is no joke, with a cable climb at the end that’ll test your guts. The payoff is a 360-degree view of Yosemite’s granite giants. Bring gloves for the cables, and don’t wuss out—you’ll regret it.
Pacific Crest Trail, Section J, Washington
The PCT is a bucket-list trek, and Section J in Washington gives you alpine meadows and glacier views without committing to the whole 2,650 miles. It’s a solid weekend vibe with campsites that make you wanna ditch your phone for good.
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, Arizona
Hiking from one rim to the other is a 24-mile beast that drops you into the canyon’s belly. You’ll feel tiny next to those red rock walls. Pro tip: train hard, ‘cause the climb out will wreck you if you’re not ready.
Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Maine
This 10-mile loop to Maine’s highest peak is a rugged slog with boulders and epic winds at the summit. It’s the Appalachian Trail’s grand finale, and the views make you feel like you’re king of the friggin’ world.
Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
This 11-mile coastal trail is pure paradise, with cliffs, waterfalls, and beaches that look like a postcard. It’s a bit sketchy in spots, so watch your step, but dude, swimming at the end feels like winning life.
Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
A 14-mile scramble to this 14,259-foot summit will leave you gassed but stoked. The Keyhole route has dizzying drops and a final push that’s a total rush. Go early to dodge storms—learned that the hard way.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
This 12-mile hike feels like walking on Mars, with volcanic craters and neon lakes. It’s a long way to travel, but if you’re anywhere near New Zealand, don’t sleep on this one—it’s next-level awesome.
John Muir Trail, California
This 211-mile Sierra Nevada gem is a life-changer, but even a short chunk—like around Tuolumne Meadows—gives you alpine lakes and peaks galore. It’s the kinda place that makes you wanna grow a beard and live in the woods.
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