Scenic Hikes Trending
Scenic hikes are trending worldwide—Gallup, NM, promotes the High Desert Trail System with art installations [https://x.com/i/status/2031126134566298010]. The West Coast Trail in Canada has 70+ ladders climbing cliffs into rainforests [https://x.com/coastalbliss/status/2031769835806330907].
The High Desert Trail System in Gallup, NM, features stacked loops with increasing difficulty, named after the Hopi mesas. Local artists have installed steel and asphalt animal art, a sundial, and rock trail markers along the routes. The West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island is known as a challenging multi-day backpacking trip even for experienced hikers. The 75-km trail includes ladders, cable cars, and river crossings. Parks Canada recommends that hikers on the West Coast Trail carry bear spray due to increased human-wildlife interactions. Winter storms in recent years have caused damage, making navigation more difficult, especially on the south end.
