Virtual hikes that you do from home are a great alternative when you can’t be on the trail. You’ll be able to “travel” and “hike” in a variety of destinations from the comfort of your living room.
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It may not be the same, but watching a virtual hike helps get over that feeling of missing out, especially if you are an avid hiker. Hikers, trekkers, and hardcore nature lovers will get my point. So get comfy, and use some of your spare time to travel through magical places without leaving home.
The Benefits of Virtual Hikes
You may not have known this but there are some great benefits to virtual hiking. But, like all types of hiking, there is so much that you can come away with, besides an incredible view of course.
Virtual Hikes give you the opportunity to explore places that you have never been to before, from anywhere. A safe experience that can still give you goosebumps and take you to breathtaking destinations.
It encourages hikers and non-hikers to try out new trails. And the best part is trying out that new trail doesn’t have to cost you a thing. Virtual experiences can even help you plan your next adventure by making sure you are prepared for what a certain trail has to offer.
I know as a hiker I love to be prepared, especially on a longer trail or when you plan on taking a backpacking trip to your favorite trail.
If you are unable to get out on to a trail, because sometimes life can throw you curveballs, then virtual hiking is a great way to still get that boot on gravel feeling from wherever you are. I also consider this one of the best ways to take a moment and de-stress.
Virtual hikes are great ways to forget about everything, especially in trying times. You can enjoy some of the most spectacular hikes in the world with no crowds at your own pace and on your own time.
No pressure.
But the truly great thing about virtual hikes is that it is the perfect way to make workouts fun. You can use it not only to enhance your mental health but your physical health as well. Who says that you can’t prepare for a great hike at home?
Virtual hiking gives you the opportunity to not only enjoy the trail but train for it by walking the trail from anywhere. Whether its the Mountain Peaks, Bryce Canyon, Juan De Fuca Trail or the Olympic National Park you want to visit, virtual experiences can be your safe bet before actually going. So make sure to have your water bottle ready!
Play them while you are on the treadmill if you have one. You can also walk around the area that you have while watching a virtual hike or jog/walk in place. If you have any type of indoor trainer, whether a bike or even a rowing machine, you can use it while watching your virtual hike and enjoying a bit of nature.
You can even do your daily yoga or HIIT training while watching. The sky is the limit when it comes to the activities you can do while taking a virtual hike.
Personally I like playing them on my TV while walking around my dining room table. For elevations, I use a tension band around my ankles to try simulating a harder walk. So in times when going out on a hike is just not possible.
Why not enjoy a virtual hike and still reap the many benefits that hiking has to offer from anywhere. Enjoy dazzling views, blue waters, and acres of forests while on your couch.
Here are 13 virtual hikes I really enjoyed:
Redwood National Park, USA
Home to some of the tallest trees on earth, Redwood National Park is located in California. It consists of several areas of protected forests, beaches and grasslands.
There are some exceptional hiking opportunities to be found in this beautiful park, which you can discover in the virtual hike.
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Mercantour Park, France
Located in the Alpe-de-Haute-Provence of France, Mercantour Park sees over 800 000 visitors per year. The park has 600km of well-marked footpaths that even run through beautiful villages.
This virtual hike will give you the opportunity to enjoy one of the gems of France from anywhere. Discover a mountain vista in France and experience panoramic views.
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Grand Canyon National Park, USA
The Grand Canyon National Park is probably one of the most famous parks in the world. It is almost every hiker’s dream to visit this US icon and now you can do it from anywhere. Enjoy this epic virtual hike and get to see one of the most important landmarks in the USA.
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Mount Baker, USA
Located in Washington State, USA, Mount Baker offers some of the best hikes of the region. This virtual hiking video will give you the opportunity to explore the forestry, moss-covered trees and riverside of this fantastic area. This is one you don’t want to miss.
Kuliouou Ridge, USA
Ever wanted to go hiking in Honolulu? Well, this virtual hike is all you need to do it from the comfort of your home. Kuliouou Ridge is one of the most beautiful and popular hikes in Honolulu and offers stunning views that you will witness in this video.
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Mannlichen, Switzerland
Mannlichen is a 2 343 meter high mountain in the Swiss Alps within the Canton of Berne. Easily reached from Wengen, it is a popular hiking spot with some of the best views in Europe. Take this beautiful trail virtually to experience one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland.
Kodiak Island, USA
This relatively short virtual hike in the Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is the perfect way to experience one of the USA’s most remote and beautiful parts. Enjoy the incredible views of Kodiak Island.
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Trakai Trails, Lithuania
Explore Lithuania stunning forests, lakes and unique sand dunes. You will be stunned to discover the hidden beauty of this small country in Europe in this virtual hiking trail. This virtual hiking tour is a great way to explore a new and exciting place.
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Juan de Fuca, Canada
Juan de Fuca Provincial Park is located on Vancouver Island, this 40-minute virtual hike will give you a great experience that you won’t get anywhere else. It is a great way to get acquainted with the unique beauty that Canada has to offer from anywhere in the world. Its an easy to moderate trail sure to keep you coming back for more.
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Cayo Guillermo, Cuba
More a scenic walk than a hike, this virtual tour lets you explore one of the most wonderful beaches in Cuba while kitesurfers make their way into the ocean. This is a wonderful way to get to the beach when you aren’t anywhere near one. It is refreshing and relaxing.
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Yellowstone National Park, USA
Known for the largest geysers on earth and its plentiful hot springs, Yellowstone National Park is a hiker’s dream destination. This virtual hike is set in winter and displays the beautiful landscape that you can only find here. Enjoy one of the best hiking experiences on earth from the comfort of your home.
Totthummeln, Sweden
This wonderful hike in Sweden is located near the border to Norway. This beautiful hike is popular during winter and summer. This virtual hiking video is the perfect way to experience a part of Sweden you have probably never thought of hiking in.
Banff, Canada
Banff is one of the most popular destinations in Canada, and it’s no wonder. With everything from crystal clear lakes, mountains and some of the most unique wildlife in the world, Banff is the perfect hiking spot, not to mention its beautiful path. Virtual hiking will give you an opportunity to explore this wonderful area which is super exciting..
