When travelling, few moments compare to the awe of taking in a truly breathtaking view. Whether it’s peering out of the plane window as you descend into a new destination, pulling back hotel curtains to reveal a city skyline, or gazing across a mountain panorama, travelling allows you to see new views, and gives you a new appreciation for the world.
But for many travellers, reaching the world’s most iconic views isn’t always straightforward. Medical conditions, limited mobility, time constraints, or travelling with children can all make a more challenging hike a no-go.
Here at AllClear Travel Insurance, we’re passionate about enabling people of all ages and abilities to see the world, and its most beautiful places. So, we asked ourselves: which of the planet’s most awe-inspiring viewpoints are truly the easiest to access?
How we analysed the data
To find the best low-effort, high-reward viewpoints, we compiled a longlist of over 100 scenic hikes from global travel guides and expert recommendations. We then analysed three key exertion factors:
- Distance: the total kilometres walked to and from the viewpoint
- Elevation change: how steep the trail gets overall
- Average temperature: how hot the journey tends to be
Many of these viewpoints can be reached via more than one route – but for fairness, we selected only the shortest or most accessible walking trail for each. We excluded any routes that can be completed entirely by vehicle, cable car, or funicular.
Each factor was given a weighted score out of 33.3, proportionate to the hardest result in its category. These were then combined into a final Exertion Score out of 100, where the lower score = the easier the hike.
The world’s 25 most scenic walks requiring the least effort
|
Rank |
Viewpoint/Trail |
Country |
Distance (km) |
Elevation Gain (m) | Average Temp (°C) | Difficulty Score |
|
1 |
Artist Point |
United States of America |
0.3 |
5 | 11.3 | 11.9 |
|
2 |
Cadillac Summit Loop | United States of America |
0.8 |
17 | 13 | 14.7 |
|
3 |
Milford Sound Foreshore Walk | New Zealand |
1 |
14 | 15.8 | 17.7 |
|
4 |
Cape Flattery Trail | United States of America |
1.9 |
70 | 13.5 | 17.8 |
|
5 |
Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail | Canada |
3.7 |
96 | 10.8 | 18.5 |
|
6 |
Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore – Manarola | Italy |
1 |
38 | 18.9 | 21.3 |
|
7 |
Moro Rock | United States of America |
0.8 |
56 | 19.5 | 21.9 |
|
8 |
Grand Canyon South Rim | United States of America |
2.4 |
12 | 18 | 22.3 |
|
9 |
Bastei – Basteribrücke Bridge |
Germany |
3.5 | 229 | 13.1 | 22.6 |
| =10 | Porthdinllaen Circular | Wales | 5.8 | 54 | 12.3 | 22.8 |
| =10 |
Giant’s Causeway – Blue Trail |
Northern Ireland | 4.3 | 145 | 13.3 | 22.8 |
| =10 | Bryce Point Trail | United States of America | 0.3 | 8 | 22.1 | 22.2 |
| 13 | Old Man of Storr | Scotland | 3.9 | 282 | 11.9 | 23 |
| 14 | The Panorama Trail: Männlichen – Kleine Scheidegg | Switzerland | 4.7 | 59 | 14.4 | 23.2 |
| 15 | Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular | England | 4.2 | 170 | 13.8 | 23.6 |
| 16 | Inca Trail Segment 4: Wiñay Wayna Machu Picchu | Peru | 4.8 | 291 | 11 | 23.7 |
| 17 | Monte Brè Viewpoint | Switzerland | 2.6 | 146 | 17.2 | 23.9 |
| 18 | Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail | United States of America | 1.6 | 54 | 20.6 | 24.2 |
| 19 | Arthur’s Seat and Saint Anthony’s Chapel | Scotland | 4 | 311 | 12.6 | 24.3 |
| =20 | Ben A’an | Scotland | 3.7 | 347 | 12.8 | 24.6 |
| =20 | Bear Lake to Nymph Lake Viewpoint | United States of America | 2.7 | 91 | 18.6 | 24.6 |
| 22 | Mount Victoria Loop | New Zealand | 2.4 | 217 | 17.2 | 24.8 |
| 23 | Bombo Headland Geological Site Walk | Australia | 2.3 | 16 | 21.6 | 25.8 |
| =24 | Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track | New Zealand | 3.4 | 140 | 18.1 | 26.1 |
| =24 | Reinebringen | Norway | 5.8 | 521 | 8.1 | 26.1 |
| 25 | Stac Pollaidh Circular | Scotland | 4 | 456 | 12.1 | 26.2 |
1. Artist Point – Yellowstone National Park, USA
Difficulty Score: 11.9/100
Yellowstone National Park has seen a surge in interest in recent years, thanks in part to the hit namesake TV show that spotlighted the natural beauty of this iconic landscape. Artist Point offers one of the park’s most majestic views: a postcard-perfect panorama of the iconic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its powerful Lower Falls. It’s just a short 200-yard stroll from the car park, making it easily accessible for most visitors. Reviewers often say, “Photos do not do the scenery justice!”, and recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset for the most magical light.
2. Cadillac Summit Loop – Acadia National Park, USA
Difficulty Score: 14.7/100
This 0.8 km loop is the park’s most accessible trail around Cadillac Mountain, offering sweeping views of Frenchman Bay, the Porcupine Islands, and Maine’s rocky coastline. While the spot is known for being breezy, especially at sunrise, visitors praise the well-maintained path and recommend autumn for its colourful foliage.
3. Milford Sound Foreshore Walk – Fiordland, New Zealand
Difficulty Score: 17.7/100
This short, flat boardwalk near the Milford Sound car park rewards walkers with one of the most iconic views in New Zealand. Look across the still waters of the sound toward the towering peak of Mitre Peak, often framed by mist, cascading waterfalls, and even rainbows if you’re lucky. Reviewers describe the scenery as “amazingly beautiful”, and the trail as a must-do.
4. Cape Flattery Trail – Washington, USA
Difficulty Score: 17.8/100
Known for its impressive sunsets, this 2 km forested trail leads to several viewing platforms at the northwestern-most point in the contiguous U.S. You might spot seabirds, whales, or even Vancouver Island on a clear day.
5. Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail – Banff National Park, Canada
Difficulty Score: 18.5/100
This hour-long walk takes visitors to the shimmering, glacier-fed, turquoise waters of Moraine Lake, which also happens to be one of the most photographed spots in all of Canada. Snow-capped peaks frame the stunning lake, and a shuttle service takes visitors from Banff or Lake Louise to the trailhead itself.
6. Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore to Manarola – Cinque Terre, Italy
Difficulty Score: 21.3/100
Cinque Terre’s famous Sentiero Azzurro is one of the world’s most famous hiking trails, connecting the five picturesque villages of the region. The Via dell’Amore (translating to the path of love) is one of the easiest sections, connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola and offering cliff-top views over the glistening Ligurian Sea. To hike this section, visitors must pay a fee – but if you’re willing to try a more challenging route, you can take the free Via Beccara trail instead.
7. Moro Rock – Sequoia National Park, USA
Difficulty Score: 21.9/100
This short but steep hike takes climbers up 350 stone steps and offers a mind-blowing 360° view over Sequoia National Park from the top. It’s an especially striking viewpoint at sunset or under a full moon, though visitors should be aware that the high altitude and inclement weather can make it feel more strenuous than it looks.
8. Grand Canyon South Rim – Arizona, USA
Difficulty Score: 22.3/100
Easily accessible stretches of the Rim Trail between Yavapai Geology Museum and Verkamp’s Visitor Center showcase the Grand Canyon’s dramatic scale without requiring a major hike. At nearly 7,000 ft above sea level, the altitude can definitely be felt – but the trail itself is mostly flat and accessible to people of all different fitness levels.
9. Bastei Bridge – Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Difficulty Score: 22.6/100
Bastei Bridge is one of the most picturesque spots in Germany, showcasing the region’s towering sandstone formations and dense pine forest. Accessible via well-marked trails or a short ferry from Rathen, the hike is short and rewarding. Visitors praise the views as “breathtaking” but recommend arriving early to beat the crowds.
10. Porthdinllaen Circular – Llyn Peninsula, Wales;
Giant’s Causeway – Blue Trail, Northern Ireland and;
Bryce Point – Bryce Canyon National Park, USA
Difficulty Score: 22.8/100
From the grassy coastal headlands of North Wales to the basalt cliffs of Northern Ireland and the ethereal landscape of Bryce Canyon, these three trails all share a common strength: minimal effort, maximum view. Each is designed for most fitness levels, with minimal elevation gain as well as easy access from nearby car parks or visitor centres.
The world’s 10 most scenic walks requiring the most effort
|
Rank |
Viewpoint/Trail |
Country |
Distance (km) |
Elevation Gain (m) | Average Temp (°C) | Difficulty Score |
|
1 |
Mount Rinjani Crater Rim |
Indonesia |
19.6 |
2042 | 31.5 | 97.2 |
|
2 |
Mount Pulag Summit | Philippines | 14.6 | 830 | 32.1 | 69.8 |
|
3 |
Mount Sinai Summit | Egypt | 11.6 | 724 | 31.8 | 62.9 |
|
4 |
Roy’s Peak | New Zealand | 15.9 | 1284 | 15.75 | 62.9 |
|
5 |
Isthmus Peak | New Zealand | 15.8 | 1155 | 15.8 | 60.6 |
|
6 |
Mount Batur Sunrise Point | Indonesia | 8.9 | 676 | 33.1 | 58.9 |
|
=7 |
Trolltunga | Norway | 20.3 | 842 | 10.9 | 58 |
|
=7 |
Mount Kosciuszko Summit Track | Australia | 18.3 | 441 | 20.7 | 58 |
|
9 |
Ijen Volcano Crater | Indonesia | 9.8 | 604 | 30.6 | 56.7 |
| 10 | Volcán Villarrica Rim View | Chile | 8.4 | 1405 | 18.8 | 55.6 |
1. Mount Rinjani Crater Rim – Lombok, Indonesia
Difficulty Score: 97.2/100
Topping our list as the most difficult viewpoint to reach, Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani attracts thousands of climbers each year. The active volcano has an impressive turquoise crater lake, and the hike itself is steep and strenuous. Despite the challenge, those who take it on call it one of the most rewarding views in all of Indonesia.
2. Mount Pulag Summit – Luzon, Philippines
Difficulty Score: 69.9/100
The Ambangeg Trail leads to the summit of Mount Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon. Though it’s considered the easiest of Pulag’s routes, hikers often find it more strenuous than expected. The sunrise view, revealing a “sea of clouds” above lush mossy forest, makes the effort worthwhile for many.
3. Mount Sinai Summit – Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Difficulty Score: 62.9/100
A deeply spiritual and physically demanding experience, the climb to the top of Mount Sinai offers rugged desert scenery and tons of historical value. Most hikers begin in the early hours to reach the summit by sunrise, seeing a special panorama over the rugged desert peaks that surround it.
Feeling ready to give one of these low-effort, big-reward hikes a go on your next holiday?
Be sure to check weather conditions for the time of year you’re visiting, bring plenty of water, and make sure you’ve got comprehensive medical travel insurance before you set off on your adventures.
Methodology
Our research began with a list of widely recommended hikes from online travel sources, blogs and destination guides. For each hike, we collected:
- Round-trip walking distance
- Total elevation change
- Average daytime temperature (via timeanddate.com)
We chose the most accessible or shortest route to each viewpoint. Routes that rely entirely on motorised transport (like a funicular or cable car) were excluded. We also excluded hikes that require mountaineering experience.
Each factor was scored relative to the hardest result in its group using a weighted system (value ÷ max value × 33.3). These were then combined to create a total exertion score out of 100, where a lower score indicates easier access.
All data correct as of May 2025.
