Best Long Distance Hikes for Your Zodiac Sign

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With so many incredible long distance hiking trails around the world, how’s an outdoors enthusiast to choose? First, consider the more pertinent information in my long distance hiking planner, such as your physical ability, mental preparedness, the time of year, and permit availability. Then, if you’re still having trouble pinpointing what sort of terrain inspires you, evaluating the options based on your zodiac sign and personality traits could be a fun exercise! After all, hiking brings us back to the elements of the zodiac: fire, earth, air, and water. I never feel more “in my element” than when I’m hiking.

Fire Signs

Fire signs are passionate, enthusiastic, and bold. They might be confident enough to take on an ambitious or technical hiking trail, or lean towards dramatic desert landscapes.

Aries

Aries is brave, competitive, headstrong, and ready to dive in headfirst, but they can become frustrated when there are too many small details and minutia to sort out. They may act impulsively and be distracted by the most interesting aspects of their endeavors, letting more immediate concerns fall to the wayside. They’re not sticklers about the itinerary and may take many detours.

The best hiking trails for Aries pack a punch. Every mile should be compelling; it’s important not to let them get bored. Another good idea is for their route to include both long and short variations, so they have options depending on how they’re feeling.

Trail Suggestions:

The 85 mile O Circuit is a world-class trek in Torres Del Paine National Park in Patagonia that hits you over the head with constant jaw-dropping views and varied terrain, and it can be shortened by taking the 46 mile W Trek instead. There are also some optional side hikes off the main route. The 400 mile Jordan Trail is an ambitious undertaking, but can be made concise by doing only the famous Dana to Petra 52 mile section.

Leo

Leo is dramatic, vivacious, charming, and extravagant. While they are generous and enjoy making others happy, they also tend to make choices influenced by a desire for admiration, praise, and “feathering their cap”. Leo likes to go big.

The best hiking trails for Leo will look great on Instagram and make their peers pat them on the back to say “wow!” They should require Leo to showcase at least one daring feat, whether it be completing a long distance, reaching a high summit, or using a technical skill such as crossing creeks/rivers or climbing ladders.

Trail Suggestions:

The Arizona Trail is a long 800 mile thru-hike from Mexico to Utah which includes crossing the width of the Grand Canyon. For those uninterested in such a long commitment, the Rim to Rim (21 miles; or Rim to Rim to Rim, 45 miles) is a shorter option that covers the most dramatic portion of the trail. Also in the Southwest, the 812 mile Hayduke Trail in Utah is an undertaking for experienced hikers who aren’t afraid of some off-trail route-finding and rock scrambles. A shorter trail that scratches the itch to experience the impressive canyon country of Utah would be the Zion Traverse (47 miles).

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is spontaneous and loves to explore far and wide, both geographically and philosophically. They’re inspired by topics of spirituality and science, and love to trade ideas with people who think differently from them. They want to experience new things, although they may jump around quite often between interests instead of mastering one thing.

The best hiking trails for Sagittarius will include a lot of variation and introduce them to unfamiliar customs. They may prefer a trail that goes through villages or temples, rather than a remote wilderness trail that’s all about solitude.

Trail Suggestions:

The 250 mile Trans Bhutan Trail in Bhutan “passes through 27 gewogs (villages), four dzongs (fortressed monasteries), 21 temples, and 12 mountain passes.” Monks and pilgrims have used the footpaths dating back to the 16th century. Sagittarius may also enjoy the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (750 miles), Kumano Kodō (40-50 miles), or Basho Trail (100 miles) in Japan.

Earth Signs

Earth signs are grounded, pragmatic, and hardworking. They may have the discipline to take on longer mileage, and lean towards forest and mountain landscapes.

Taurus

Taurus is dependable, astute, and enjoys partaking in the finer things in life. They are inspired by peaceful, pastoral environments, divine scents and flavors, and luxury, though they are not spoiled or weak. They may be slow to start, but have great stamina once they get moving.

The best hiking trails for Taurus will be hut-to-hut or offer quaint Bed & Breakfast accommodations at night rather than rustic camping. The trail should go through towns/countries that are known for world class cuisine.

Trail Suggestions:

The 105 mile Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland can be completed carrying day packs instead of backpacking packs, and hikers can stay at huts or hotels at the end of each stage. Taurus can try fondu in Switzerland, pasta in Italy, and pastries in France while listening to the idyllic sound of cowbells in distant alpine pastures. Taurus may also enjoy the Alta Via Haute Routes in the Italian Dolomites or the 466 mile Alpe-Adria Trail through Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.

Virgo

Virgo is a sensible and detail-oriented perfectionist. Since they are largely meticulous and systematic, they may be accused of being inflexible, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. They are actually quite good with change because they exercise great judgement; they just tend to prefer planning things out and embarking on journeys with a well thought out itinerary in mind.

The best hiking trails for Virgo should be well-worn paths where others have come before. That way, research can be done in advance of the trip and there shouldn’t be too many unexpected surprises when it comes to the route itself. Virgo could even plan some side hikes and detours into their itinerary, since they do their due diligence to find out what opportunities lie ahead. That said, they will be able to roll with the punches if there are unforeseen weather-related hiccups.

Trail Suggestions:

The 133 mile Kerry Way in Ireland is a pretty straightforward trail, but it has a lot of fun “extras” you can plan into a trip, such as taking a boat out to the Skellig Islands or stopping off to visit the town of Kells (of the Book of Kells fame). Ireland gets a lot of rain, especially the coastal County Kerry, but Virgo will make good decisions about how to handle things safely if the weather turns. Virgo might also enjoy Hadrian’s Wall (84 miles) in England, West Highland Way (96 miles) in Scotland, or Kungsleden (270 miles) in Sweden for similar reasons. Since they are great at planning ahead, they’d do well with St. Cuthbert’s Way (62 miles) or St. Oswald’s Way (97 miles) to the Holy Island Lindisfarne, which require timing your walk with the tides.

Capricorn

Capricorn is a phenomenal hiker. They are resilient, persistent, determined, realistic, and disciplined leaders. “They don’t care how long it takes them to get to the top of the mountain, they will get there. Capricorn is concerned with the long-game, always looking to the future and not deterred by how long something will take, they have the patience.” They may become stubborn when it comes to tradition.

The best hiking trails for Capricorn are thru-hikes that have a “dirtbag” culture around them. Thru-hikers are purists who pride themselves on hiking every single mile of the trail and never “cheating” by taking too many “zero days” (rest days) or missing miles by taking public transportation or hitchhiking. Thru-hiking trails are the longest type of long distance trails, sometimes thousands of miles, but Capricorn will keep their eye on the prize and are unlikely to give up.

Trail Suggestions:

Capricorn is predisposed to being successful at completing American thru-hiking trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail (2650 miles), Appalachian Trail (2190 miles), Continental Divide Trail (3100 miles), the Florida Trail (1500 miles), or Colorado Trail (486 miles). Shorter routes they might enjoy include the John Muir Trail (211 miles), Vermont Long Trail (273 miles), Sierra High Route (195 miles), or Teton Crest Trail (40 miles). They would also be troopers at trudging over the Alps on something like the Tour du Mont Blanc (105 miles), where every single day you must steel yourself against the prospect of going up, up, up over an alpine pass (a “col”) and then down again into a valley. Very experienced Capricorns might take on the notoriously technical GR20 in Corsica (112 miles).

Air Signs

Air signs are intellectual thinkers and are very good with people. They may feel comfortable on popular hiking trails where they’ll interact with walkers from around the world, or lean towards routes that are full of history and culture.

Gemini

Gemini is enthusiastic, extroverted, talkative, clever, and amicable. They get along well with others and are adaptable to different situations and personalities, though they can be scatterbrained and uncertain. In an outdoor adventure context, one of their greatest attributes is their unyielding curiosity.

The best hiking trails for Gemini will give them the opportunity to interact with other hikers and meet people from all over the world. They may not want to have to make any navigational decisions, so a trail with good waymarking is ideal.

Trail Suggestions:

The 500 mile Camino de Santiago is a very sociable trail where Gemini will be totally in their element. There are actually 7 very well established Camino routes plus other lesser known routes, but Gemini should go with the most famous French Way. Of all the American long distance thru-hikes, Gemini may prefer the camaraderie of the 2190 mile Appalachian Trail. A shorter option is the popular 93 mile Wonderland Trail in Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park.

Libra

Libra is a diplomat. They are great at keeping the peace and value harmony, balance, and friendship, which makes them a great team player. They prefer to avoid conflict and their self-sacrificing nature can leave them feeling burnt out, which may frustrate those who prefer more heavy handed leadership, but their steadiness makes them the ideal expedition or climbing partner.

The best hiking trails for Libra will allow them to collaborate with others and utilize their great listening skills. They are unlikely to become frustrated with deviations from an intended route and can handle a bit of uncertainty. Libra may also resonate with Buddhist ideas about balance and nature.

Trail Suggestions:

The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal could be between 100-145 miles depending on which route variations are chosen. Libra will thrive by chatting with other hikers about which routes are their favorites in order to gather an informed opinion about how they’d like to proceed. They will excel at respecting and diving into the local culture. Libra may also be drawn to Everest Base Camp (80 miles) or the Mount Kailash Pilgrimage (32 miles) in Tibet.

Aquarius

Aquarius is quirky, innovative, unique, and independent. They are not particularly emotional, don’t seek validation, and will doggedly follow their own vision despite dissenting opinions. People may be surprised to find that they are also true humanitarians who care for the wellbeing of others and want to make the world a better place.

The best hiking trails for Aquarius are off the beaten path and will allow them to follow their own muse. They will choose a trail that inspires them based on some obscure historical context or a specific landmark that’s of personal interest, rather than suggestions from friends or social media (or a writer like myself). That said…

Trail Suggestions:

There are many ways to hike the Golden Path of Bohemian Paradise in the Czech Republic, so Aquarius can choose their own adventure (one 75 mile recommendation is here). Crazy rock formations (which remind me of Chiricahua National Monument) and the ruins of Trosky castle are some of the highlights. Egypt’s 105 mile Red Sea Mountain Trail is another unique option that will take hikers away from the typical tourist haunts to traverse ancient paths used by local Bedouin tribes. Turkey’s coastal 335 mile Lycian Way passes through 25 historical sites, including the ancient cities of Xanthos and Letoon. If Aquarius is interested in American thru-hiking, they should shy away from the overrun Triple Crown trails and check out the many alternative National Historic or National Scenic trails instead.

Water Signs

Water signs are intuitive and in touch with their emotions. They may feel most comfortable on a remote hiking trail where they can be alone with their thoughts, or lean towards moody, mystical landscapes.

Cancer

Cancer is nurturing, warm, caring, intuitive, and protective of others – as well as emotionally protective of themselves, which can create moodiness. They value coziness and are happy sitting around a fire surrounded by family and eating hearty food. That said, it can be difficult to get past their outer shell to learn the “real them” and establish trust.

The best hiking trails for Cancer demonstrate the concept of “hygge” and are more remote, allowing some privacy away from potentially questionable new people. Hiking allows Cancer to be one with their thoughts and emotions and take stock of their lives in a rejuvenating and judgment-free setting.

Trail Suggestions:

The 102 or 124 mile Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland is one of the most remote trails in the world. You may not see other hikers for days at a time, so there should be very little emotional burden to bear (though you still need to protect yourself physically from changing weather patterns and polar bears). Cancer may also enjoy Norway’s secluded 310 mile Nordlandsruta or Iceland’s 340 mile North to South Traverse. For a shorter but much more populated Iceland trek, there’s the iconic 50 mile Laugavegurinn/Fimmvörðuháls Pass.

Scorpio

Scorpio is mysterious, intense, ambitious, magnetic, and perhaps prone to obsession and secrecy. They’re always plotting several steps ahead, which makes them great at preparing for long distance treks. They don’t need approval from others; they are confident that they’ll always come out on top after trials or periods of transformation. Yet, they may also be suspicious, expecting that more hurdles await around the next bend.

The best hiking trails for Scorpio will wind through mystical, moody landscapes that will take hold of their imagination. They may also be captivated by hiking trails that are associated with some sort of legend or ancient mythology.

Trail Suggestions:

The 26 mile Inca Trail in Peru brings hikers to the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. Archaeologists are uncertain whether the citadel was built for religious reasons, or perhaps as a royal residence. In Scotland, the 96 mile West Highland Way is alternately shrouded in mist or bursting with vibrant color. The reflective surface of Loch Lomond and the lush forest overgrowth attempt to hide Scotland’s storied past from hikers, who will visit sites of Jacobite relevance and hear the sound of distant bagpipes over the highlands. Scorpio may also find inspiration among the misty black beaches and twisted trees of North America’s Pacific Northwest, where the 47 mile West Coast Trail traces Vancouver Island and the 37 mile North Coast Route borders Olympic National Park.

Pisces

Pisces is full of wisdom and empathy, and is simultaneously a dreamer who can get stuck in the clouds. They are very adaptable, perhaps impressionable, and may absorb the energy of the people around them without realizing it. They often feel pulled in two directions, between reality and fantasy, and are prone to escapism.

The best hiking trails for Pisces will bring them not just to another place, but also to another time or dimension. The climactic scenery used as filming locations in Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings will satisfy a search for the ethereal that they rarely find in every day life.

Trail Suggestions:

The 33 mile Milford Track in New Zealand features the tallest waterfall in the country and brings hikers through mountains, rainforest, and glacier-carved fiords. It’s very near Glenorchy and Lothlorien of Lord of the Rings fame. As a water sign, Pisces may also enjoy the 45 mile Queen Charlotte Track or Australia’s 65 mile Great Ocean Walk. The Slovenian portion of the Alpe Adria Trail features the turquoise Soča River, where Narnia was filmed. The 268 mile Pennine Way in England visits Peak District National Park, where scenes from movies such as The Princess Bride were filmed.

Please remember to take into account your hiking experience before choosing a trail, and read up on the obstacles (or political conflicts) you’ll encounter on each of these routes. I don’t want to get blamed if a brand new hiker attempts the exposed cliffs of GR20. These are simply ideas to help you focus in on a particular type of trail when it comes to terrain, layout, and overall “vibe”. Depending on the difficulty level you’re interested in, you should be able to find similar trails in each category.

Let me know – did the trails I chose for you actually fit your personality and preferences, or have I got you all wrong?

Looking for a guided hike? Check out Wildland Trekking for guided hikes around the world. You can also search their TripAdvisor presence for trips in national parks like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Death Valley, or Smoky Mountains.

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