top of page
Enlightened Adventures
Thru-Hiking
Thru-hiking is the most challenging and rewarding adventure that I have ever experienced. It's a demanding endeavor that requires planning, physical preparation, and determination. The hikes can range from a few days to a few weeks or even months depending on you and the trails you choose to take on. The sense of accomplishment felt when you complete a thru-hike is unlike any other. Not only have you conquered mountains and trekked countless miles, but you have also passed through towns and villages, interacted with people of different cultures and ate new and amazing food. The length of the hikes allow time for introspection, new ideas and promotes self-growth all while demanding the very best of yourself physically. They are truly life changing experiences.
Below is a list of Thru-hikes we've completed and brief description of each. Click on the links to learn more or see videos about each one.
Camino de Santiago
Spain
The Camino de Santiago (Frances Route) is a world famous pilgrimage route that traverses across the entire country of Spain. This was the first real long distance trek I completed and it changed my view of travel forever. For 30 days (or as many as you would like to do) I simply walked without another care in the world. The freedom I found in this journey allowed for much needed introspection and reflection. Meeting fellow travelers was an unexpected bonus and created bonds that I still hold today. As if this was not enough, I was also in Spain. I walked through vineyards, quaint villages, small cities, mountains and ate and drank like a king. What an adventure! Click below to learn more.
Saint Olav's Way
Norway
Saint Olav's Way is a Norwegian pilgrimage route connecting Oslo to Trondheim. It's 649 kilometers of raw Norway. The trail leads through a wide variety of stunning landscapes, lakes, rivers and is encapsulated in a peaceful beauty. The route is long and sparsely populated. Careful planning is a must from gear to accommodation. (bring a tent) If you are looking to up your pilgrimage game after the Camino, this is a trail for you!
Alta Via 1
Dolomites, Italy
The Alta Via 1 is a legendary, long-distance hiking trail that winds through the breathtaking Dolomites mountain range in northern Italy. Hands down one of the most spectacular trails I've completed. The beauty is so astounding I really didn't know where to look. Too many options, it was sensory overload. Combine that with challenging terrain and amazing food and wine at the lodges, you've got yourself a trip to remember. Put it on your list!
The GR 20
Corsica
The GR20 is a legendary long-distance hiking trail that traverses the heart of Corsica. Renowned for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain the GR20 is considered one of the hardest long distance hikes in Europe. While the GR20 is not for the faint of heart, the rewards are well worth the effort. You can see for miles out over the Mediterranean, eat Corsican foods, drink Corsican wine (pro tip, its Corsican not French, you'll make more friends acknowledging that) and leave with a great sense of accomplishment having conquered this beastly trail.
Kungsleden
Sweden
The Kungsleden is Sweden's most famous hiking trail, stretching approximately 440 kilometers (273 miles) through the country's northern wilderness. If you want to experience true isolation and a leisurely hike, this is the trail for you. No phones, no social media, a total digital detox with nothing to distract you from the tranquility. The silence and vastness of Lapland has to be experienced first hand to truly be felt. Now add in roaming reindeer, vibrant blue lakes, ice cold rivers and crisp fresh air, the Kungsleden makes for an amazing adventure you won't soon forget.
Tour Du Mont Blanc
France - Italy - Switzerland
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a legendary hiking trail that circumnavigates Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe. Spanning approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles), this incredible trail takes you through parts of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Experience three distinct cultures and cuisines as you hike through one of the most scenic places on earth. The trail is challenging, but nothing you can't handle. TMB is a must if you happen to like Awesomeness.
Laugavegur
Iceland
The Laugavegur Trail is an otherworldly hiking route in Iceland. The trail offers a journey through volcanic craters, lava fields, and glacial rivers. Its like nothing I've ever seen before. Billows of steam rising up from the ground, vibrant colors covering the hills and an everchanging landscape make for an unforgettable hike. Prepare well for this one as Iceland's weather is as dramatic as its scenery. If you want something really different, this is it!
Camino San Salvador
Leon - Oviedo, Spain
The Camino San Salvador is a much more secluded path than its Camino Frances cousin. The trail winds from Leon to Oviedo through dry, arid and mountainous landscape. Dramatic views of open lands and constantly changing terrain keep your senses engaged as you make your way. The trail finishes in Oviedo, which is a very fun little city, full of great restaurants, rich in culture and an endless supply of Sidre. If your looking for solitude or a variant from the traditional Camino, this may be the trail for you.
Camino Norte
Spain
The Camino Norte is a pilgrimage route in Spain that stretches along the country's northern coast offering a journey with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. This quieter path allows for a more intimate experience than the popular Camino Francés. Some sections of the trail lead you directly to the ocean, which of course, beckons you for a swim. In addition to the surrounding beauty, I cannot speak highly enough about the food. Local eateries provide their regions traditional food and the small fishing villages will satisfy your palate with the freshest delicacies from the sea. If the ocean calls to you, answer and hike this trail!
Grande Traversée des Alpes
GR 5 Sothern Section
Lake Geneva - Nice
The GR 5, my greatest accomplishment thus far in the hiking world. I completed the French section, also known as the Grande Traversée des Alpes, from Lake Geneva to Nice in one shot. The hike lasted 30 days, 317 miles and 95,833 ft in elevation gained. It was absolutely amazing! The transformation of the mountains, the scenery, the challenge, the food and wine, I'm ready to back. Train, then train some more and this hike might be for you!
The Fisherman's Trail
Portugal
The Fisherman's Trail is a scenic coastal trail that stretches along the southern coast of Portugal. As you walk, the ocean is almost always in sight and the views are spectacular. The brightest blue water crashing into the cliffs below, secluded golden sand beaches, it's a true paradise. To top things off, the food in Portugal is phenomenal. The small fishing villages along this trail have the freshest seafood of anywhere I have traveled to. Its absolutely outstanding. For an outside the box hike that's not in the mountains, this one is a top pick.
Alpe Adria Trail
Austria -Slovenia - Italy
The Alpe Adria Trail is a long-distance hiking route that spans across Austria, Italy, and Slovenia. It starts in the Austrian Alps, "Alpe" and ends in Italy on the Adriatic Sea, "Adria." This trail runs through every imaginable landscape offering so many different experiences along the way. From giant mountains to peaceful lakes and rivers, through wine country and finishing at the sea, what an adventure! If you want to have a very varied thru-hike you can find it all on this trail.
bottom of page