Gyms and tracks are great for the body, but the mind could use so much more. Don’t confine yourself to the weights and cardio rooms at your gym when the world has so many spectacular workout spaces on offer. Here, we’ve put together a list of eight workouts with incredible views so that you can work up a sweat while taking in the breathtaking landscapes around you. Whether you hike, bike or climb, get off that treadmill and take your workout to the great outdoors.
Hiking
Upper Yosemite Falls, California
Breath-taking views. Photo: Felix Liu CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
This amazing hike is one of the oldest in Yosemite National Park. Covering 11.6 kilometres (km), or 7.2 miles (mi) round trip, you’ll pass magnificent views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. The upper half of the trail is the most strenuous, but well worth it as you end directly over Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.
From there you can turn back, but if you’re not quite ready to quit, you can also extend your hike to check out Eagle Peak, the highest point on the north rim of Yosemite Valley, or maybe head east to Yosemite Pointe where you’ll find views of Half Dome to rival those that you’ve already come across.
Amphitheatre, South Africa
Climbing to the Roof of Africa. Photo: Rick McCharles CC BY 2.0
The Amphitheatre, located in Royal Natal National Park in North Drakensberg, South Africa, is a dramatic rock wall that rises 1000 metres from the Tugela Valley in which it sits. Take a day tour and hike to the “Roof of Africa” while you enjoy incredible views and take in the second highest waterfall in the world, Tugela Falls.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the most popular hike spans 3 days, giving you ample time to enjoy your surroundings. With this option you can opt for comfort with tents, lodges, hot baths, and delicious food, or you can bring out your inner explorer and rough it in the caves.
Observation Point, Zion National Park, Utah
The path to Zion. Photo: Steve Dunleavy CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Zion National Park in Utah is home to one of the most beautiful views in the world. As you take this strenuous nearly 13 km (8 mi) hike, you will be able to look down past steep drop offs into the spectacular Zion Canyon. At the end of the trek you’ll be rewarded for your workout with the awe-inspiring stone sculptures of Echo Canyon, contrasted with the clear blue Utah sky.
Biking
The Death Road, Bolivia
Ready to get your adrenaline pumping? North Yungas Road, also known as the Death Road, is made up of 61 km (38 mi) of winding curves, deadly drops, spaces barely wide enough for one car, and little to no guard rails. It’s no wonder that it is widely held to be the world’s most dangerous road. However, for thousands of people every year, the treacherous ride is worth the risk, offering up stunning views of cloud tops, waterfalls, and the Amazon rainforest. This biking route is the dream of thrill seeking athletes everywhere.
Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, Taiwan
Where strenuous activity gives way to serene views. Photo: Eddy Tsai CC BY-SA 2.0
Dubbed by CNN as one of the most beautiful cycling trails in the world, the path around Sun Moon Lake is roughly 30 km (18.5 mi). The trail is not particularly strenuous, but it’s filled with picturesque moments as you cycle past beautiful lake views that reflect the surrounding hills and mountains. This workout may not be as challenging as some, but with these views, the light exercise is worth it.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park, BC
One for the thrill-seekers. Photo: Ruth Hartnup CC BY 2.0
Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Canada is renowned as the best bike park in the world. Stunning scenery year-round combined with unrivaled trails make Whistler a no-brainer on this list.
We highly recommend checking out the Top of the World alpine trail. Starting at the very top of Whistler Mountain, this track leads all the way to Whistler Village with countless jaw-dropping views of jagged peaks and pristine lakes along the way.
Climbing
San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily
Varying hues of a limestone rock wall. Photo: Tiff Leek CC BY-NC 2.0
Sicily, Italy’s largest island, is a beautiful place rich with thousands of years of culture. Famous for magnificent beaches and amazing food, Sicily’s charm doesn’t stop there. Rock climbing in Sicily offers a variety of options for an incredible workout with an even better view.
San Vito lo Capo, in particular, offers magnificent views and hundreds of quality limestone single-pitch sport routes. Enjoy seascapes combined with beautiful Italian rock walls as you work out with a view in Sicily.
Grande Grotta, Kalymnos
Limestone caves meet ocean views. Photo: Kalymnos77 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Kalymnos, a beautiful Greek Island, is widely regarded as one of the best sport climbing destinations in the world. Surrounded by gorgeous views, this island offers an abundance of both challenging and simple climbing routes. When you make your way to Kalymnos, we highly recommend that you don’t miss the extensively praised Grande Grotta.
Perhaps the crown jewel of the island, Grande Grotta is an impressive limestone cave that many climbers claim to be the highlight of their trip. A remarkable overhang with stunning ocean views, Grande Grotta acts as both a final destination and a stop-off for harder climbs.
Inspired to take your workout to the great outdoors? If the endless mountain biking trails of Whistler are calling, contact our helpful Whistler concierge services. With expert knowledge and local connections, we can book your ultimate fitness inspired vacation.
