The West Coast of the United States is a popular road trip destination among tourists and locals. Driving from South to North (or vice versa) will offer spectacular views, amazing national parks and vibrant cities. From Los Angeles to San Francisco you’ll either drive along the scenic and legendarily Highway 1, or along the faster inland route Highway 101. One of California’s most beautiful cities lies along the way: Santa Barbara.

It’s not for nothing that Santa Barbara is a fancied wedding destination and a popular weekend getaway for towners. There are plenty of reasons: the superb location along the ocean, the beautiful beaches of its surroundings, the European-Mediterranean architecture and of course the hiking trails. Santa Barbara offers some of the best day-hikes in California.

Beach Hikes In Santa Barbara.

A hike along Santa Barbara’s beautiful coastline is a must. Clifftop trails offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Harbor seals are a common sight and if you’re lucky, dolphins and even whales can be seen not far from shore. Some of the hikes are along the beach while others are on the top of beachside bluffs. Watch out for high tide through, because some of the beach trails can be inaccessible or your return trip can be cutoff during high tide.

Santa Barbara has some amazing beached along the Central California coastline with a Mediterranean feel.

The Golden State is the perfect getaway spot.

Watching the surfers while walking along the coastline of Santa Barbara can be really relaxing.

Mountain Hikes In Santa Barbara.

Just behind Santa Barbara County lie the beautiful Santa Ynez Mountains. This range forms a stunning green backdrop for the American Riviera as Santa Barbara is often referred to. There are many trails along these mountains, visiting quiet canyons & waterfalls, and several tranquil overlooks with stunning ocean views. Keep an eye out for poison oak and bring plenty of water!

An early morning hike in the mountains of Santa Barbara County is strongly recommended to soak up the atmosphere and to recharge your batteries.

Whether you’re experienced, or prefer shorter walks, Santa Barbara offers hikes for every fitness level.

From Vienna To Passo di Xomo.

From Vienna it’s an 800 km drive until you reach Passo di Xomo, which is the starting off point. The drive itself is a pleasure, because the scenery makes up for the hours of driving. Still, it’s a long way to go with a camper van and we only arrived far after lunch. Therefore we decided to spend the night at Rifugio Passo Xomo (approx. 50 € per room). Early the next morning we drove up the remaining 4 km to Bocchetta Campiglia from where the hike begins. You can park your car here for 6 € per day.

Tunnels 1 to 52.

The road of 52 tunnels is not just any hike; it’s a hike through history. This military mountain road was built during World War I. It was (and still is) a real masterpiece of military engineering and boldness, considering the conditions back then. It was constructed in just 10 months (!) from February to November 1917 under the guidance of Lieutenant Joseph Zappa. It’s hard to imagine how soldiers carried up supplies and minors built these mountain tunnels in the middle of winter.

The hike itself is rather easy, though enduring due to its length of 6.5 kilometres and the elevation gain (with an average 12% grade). There are plenty of rocks to rest and soak up the stunning views.

Every tunnel is special in a way, but one of the most well known and impressive ones is Nr. 20. This tunnel is carved out of a rock tower and is spiralling upwards for 87 meters! Nr. 47 is also amazing, because it’s the highest point from where you have an amazing view of the area.

What Do Bring:

• A (head)torch is essential, because some tunnels are quite long and pitch dark.
• And good hiking boots are recommended, because it can get quite slippery.

Finally: Pasta, Pasta!

It took us about three hours to reach the end of the trail, where you’ll immediately see Rifugio Achille Papa. We spoiled ourselves and ordered a well deserved Italian pasta. As already said, the hike itself is not too difficult, but we were pretty exhausted anyway. Oh and the Rigugio even has a few rooms, so if you feel too tired to walk back the same day, just spend the night. Be sure to make a reservation though (especially on weekends).

From up here, there are two ways back to the car park: you can either turn around and head right back down on the Strada delle 52 Gallerie or you can take the gently winding road. We went for the dirt road, which is used to transport supplies up to the Rifugio. After 17.5 kilometres, we finally reached the parking lot. Exhausted but also exited to have just walked in the footsteps of history.

Hiking through the Strada delle 52 Gallerie is a walk through history.

The entrance of tunnel Nr. 1.

The Strada delle 52 Gallerie trail alternates between a dirt track and tunnels dug out of the mountain.

The longest tunnel is Nr. 19, with 318 m length.

Strada delle 52 Gallerie starts at Bocchetta di Campiglia (altitude of 1216 m) and ends at the Porte del Pasubio (altitude of 1928 m).

Strada delle 52 Gallerie was originally built as a supply line for Italian troops who were defending against Austrian and Hungarian forces. The path was made to accommodate the soldiers and their mules.

Strada delle 52 Gallerie is located approx. 30km from Lake Garda, one of the most beautiful areas in northern Italy.

Hiking along the Strada delle 52 Gallerie is an amazing experience – also because of the stunning views!

Rifugio Achille Papa is located right at the end of Strada delle 52 Gallerie and a perfect spot for a nice lunch.

Key Facts, Milford Track Day 3.

• Length: 21 km
• Time: 6-8 hours
• Highlight: Mackay Falls & taking a dip in the ice-cold water at the Giant Gate Falls

You’ll reach Mackay Falls (the most photographed place in all of New Zealand) and Lake Ada before hiking past the last waterfall on the track, the Giant Gate Falls. I couldn’t help myself and went in for a little swim. The water was ice-cold and I felt like a million needles pinched me, but afterwards I was re-born with superwomen powers and ready to finish the track. From here it took about one and a half hours to Sandfly Point. It’s a well deserved name, so be sure your have enough insect repellent ready.

Once you reach the accommodation at Milford Sound you’ll have a superb view of Mitre Peak (again, if the weather allows it).

Milford Track, Day By Day Itinerary.

• Day 0: Queenstown to Glade House.
• Day 1: Glade House to Pompolona Lodge.
• Day 2: Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge via Mackinnon Pass.
• Day 3: Quintin Lodge to Mitre Peak Lodge via Sandfly Point (you’re here right now).
• Day 4: Mitre Peak Lodge to Milford Sound.

The landscape you’ll experience during Milford Track reminded me of the one in Jurassic Park.

The Mackay Falls are a wishbone-shaped waterfall on Milford Track. While lacking in height and power, it’s a welcome sight after going for a long stretch without seeing a major waterfall in Arthur Valley.

The fog lifted just after we started walking and what we got was one one of the most amazing landscape we’ve come across so far.

Day 3 of Milford Track meant the crossing of several suspension bridges.

One minute we walked through open fields, the next through a moss covered rain forest.

Key Facts, Milford Track Day 2.

• Length: 15 km
• Time: 6-8 hours (add 60-90 minutes for Sutherland Falls)
• Highlight: Hot shower, comfy bed and naturally, Mackinnon Pass was kinda cool even with crappy weather.

Starting from Pompolona Lodge, the track first lead to Lake Mintaro, before we started climbing Mackinnon Pass in a series of zig-zags. At the top you’d normally be rewarded with spectacular panorama – in case the weather allows it. Unfortunately we weren’t that lucky and Mackinnon Memorial greeted us with thick fog, pouring rain and temperatures just above the freezing point. We couldn’t wait getting away from the plateau fast enough and continued to Pass Hut, where we stopped for a short lunch break.

The way down was a complete change of scenery again: from wide openness to thick rain forest. After the rocky 1.000 metre descent into the Arthur Valley, I reached Quintin Lodge as the first one, so I decided to continue to the Sutherland Falls, the world’s fifth highest waterfall. It would have been an amazing experience, yet sandflies and rain were enough for me to immediately turn around. The though of a hot shower, drying room and warm bed gave me wings and I was back at Quintin Lodge in no time. I’m really not a sissy, but I wouldn’t have wanted to slip back into my wet shoes the next day, so thanks again for the luxury Ultimate Hikes!

Milford Track, Day By Day Itinerary.

• Day 0: Queenstown to Glade House.
• Day 1: Glade House to Pompolona Lodge.
• Day 2: Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge via Mackinnon Pass (you’re here right now).
• Day 3: Quintin Lodge to Mitre Peak Lodge via Sandfly Point.
• Day 4: Mitre Peak Lodge to Milford Sound.

At the beginning od Day 2, you’ll come across excellent views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Valley.

Before arriving at the top of Mackinnen Pass, the walk begins to follow a series of switchbacks out of the bush and into the alpine sections of the route.

The track then reaches the large memorial cairn that honours the discovery of this scenic spot by Quintin Mackinnon and Ernest Mitchell, in 1888.

If the weather is fair, there are impressive views all around of the Clinton and Arthur valleys and several nearby peaks. In this case, trampers like to spend some extra time at the pass; if it isn’t, they can’t get off it fast enough – which was exactly what we did.

The track crosses beneath Mount Balloon and the Jervois Glacier to the Moraine Creek Bridge.

After the Moraine Creek Bridge, it then follows a boardwalk and staircase beside the Roaring Burn River, with its numerous waterfalls.

Key Facts, Milford Track Day 1.

• Length: 16 km
• Time: 5-7 hours
• Highlight: Wetlands

After crossing the emerald green Clinton River over the first of about 400 bridges (I unfortunately forgot the exact number Kelly mentioned), we walked up the valley of beech forest, passing Quintin Mackinnon’s first shelter hut built back in 1889.

A bit further was a little side track to the wetland area, which is definitely worth checking out! Wetland made me think of an area near a rivers or lake, however, this one was in the middle of a valley with no water in sight! Shrub brush and moss is all that grows here, due to a iron pan below the soil. But the beech trees are slowly taking over and will eventually convert the area to a dry land.

From here the walk continued pretty flat, before it climbed as it entered the Clinton Valley. Walking through the lush beech forest, you’ll cross a huge landslide from the 80’s which blocked the river and created a Dead Lake.

After approx. 11 kilometres, we reached the Hirere Falls. If you’re lucky and the weather allows it, you can get a sneak preview of Mackinnon Pass in the distance. After re-entering the forest, the surrounding opened up again. Since it was raining a lot in the last couple of days, countless waterfalls embellished the steep rock walls, which was really impressive. From here, it’s was just a short climb to Pompolona Lodge, where we were greeted with a nice warm cup of tea.

Milford Track, Day By Day Itinerary.

• Day 0: Queenstown to Glade House.
• Day 1: Glade House to Pompolona Lodge (you’re here right now).
• Day 2: Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge via Mackinnon Pass.
• Day 3: Quintin Lodge to Mitre Peak Lodge via Sandfly Point.
• Day 4: Mitre Peak Lodge to Milford Sound.

View of the emerald green Clinton River while passing the suspension bridge on Milford Track.

The walk along Clinton river makes you feel like you’re so far away from civilisation (which is the case anyway).

A short side track to the wetland area. The lack of nutrients in the soil have stunted the growth of these Beech trees . The result is a Bonsai forest.

Although you continue on a flat walk, the area is not any less interesting…

Clinton Valley looks like out of Jurassic Park.

It had rained for many days before we started the track, which was perfect for all the waterfalls in the Clinton Valley.

Unfortunately, all huts were booked and I had no other choice but to go with a guided tour. And I did not regret it.

Milford Track With Ultimate Hikes.

When booking the hike, I was a bit skeptical about the value vs. the costs, because it’s definitely not inexpensive, yet it was worth every single cent! Walking Milford Track with Ultimate Hikes meant private lodges, (hot) showers, amazing 3-course meals, comfortable beds, drying rooms and also meeting some of the best people during my entire New Zealand adventure! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not very high-maintenance, but when passing some of the free walkers on the fourth day, I really started appreciating that hot shower even more!

Our guides Kelly, Adie and Melissa knew every step of the way and did an amazing job preparing us for the trek. They were a great part of one of my best travel experiences ever!

What To Bring When Walking Milford Track.

• Waterproof & breathable Reflex jacket (a good one will cost you, but you won’t regret it)
• Good walking boots/shoes
• Backpack & Waterproof Backpacker liner
• Thermal base layer (top & bottom)
• Headband
• Gloves
• Merino wool socks (good socks are absolutely essential)
• Insect Repellant (needed everywhere along the track, but especially Sutherland Falls & Sandfly Point)
• HikersWool (the best investment you’ll make – the lamb wool sucks away the moisture and you won’t get a single blister, promise!)

The weather in New Zealand can change instantly, therefore it’s really important to be prepared for any weather whilst on the track!

The History Of Milford Track.

Milford Track has a rich history almost as long as that of New Zealand itself. Donald Sutherland and John Mackay were the first European explorers who discovered the Sutherland and Mackay Falls in 1880. Sutherland started building a track up the Arthur Valley so visitors could see his falls. But access was limited by the rugged Fiordland coast and finding an overland route became necessary.

And Then Came Quintin McKinnon.

Quintin McKinnon was the trekker who began guiding tours along Milford Track. In 1887 McKinnon was employed by the Otago Survey Department to try and find a tourist route into Milford Sound. He was unsuccessful in this first attempt but gave it another go in 1888, this time with Ernest Mitchell in tow. They were instructed to cut a track up the river and to find a pass. McKinnon was successful and discovered a passage between the head of Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound, which was then named after him.

Day 0: Queenstown To Te Anau And Glade House.

Walking Distance: 1.6 kilometres / 15 minutes

Our adventure began at the Ultimate Hikes office in Queenstown. This is where my panic buying took its course and I found myself with some HikersWool and Merino wool socks for about 60 NZ$, which turned out to be the best investment I made in New Zealand (apart from my MacPac Waterproof jacket)!

We arrived in Te Anau after about one and a half hours just in time for lunch before continuing to the harbour where a launch brought us to the head of Lake Te Anau. From here it was just a short walk to the Glade House. After settling in, we went on a nature walk in the area and I gotta tell ya, it was a great advertisement for what we would expect the next couple of days! Milford Track is definitely more than just a physical journey; it’s one of those hikes you’ll never forget and tell your kids about.

Milford Track, Day By Day Itinerary.

• Day 0: Queenstown to Glade House (you’re here right now).
• Day 1: Glade House to Pompolona Lodge.
• Day 2: Pompolona Lodge to Quintin Lodge via Mackinnon Pass.
• Day 3: Quintin Lodge to Mitre Peak Lodge via Sandfly Point.
• Day 4: Mitre Peak Lodge to Milford Sound.

I couldn’t wait to start walking Milford Track, one of the finest walks in the world.

The coolest group of friends: The Hokey Pokey Club. And I was lucky to be a part of the club during the Milford Track :)

Ready, set, go! Take-off from Te Anau harbour.

It was a short walk from the jetty to Glade House, which lies right next to the Clinton River.

Sunlight filters onto the moss-covered wetland forest floor along Milford Track, creating soft sculptures.

The rain provides a mystical moss-draped forest along almost the entire way of Milford Track.

Even though we didn’t walk a lot on the first day of Milford Track, nature around Glade house was well worth staying there.

Since I flew into Auckland, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing would be my first hike in New Zealand as it lies on the North island. It’s supposed to be one of the (if not THE) best one-day-treks in NZ. And I have to say (so far I can only agree).

A Few Facts About The Tongariro Alpring Crossing.

The Tongariro National Park is actually New Zealand’s oldest national parks and a World Heritage site. The three peaks – Mt. Tongariro, Mt. Ruapehu and Mt. Ngaruhoe (aka ‘Mt. Doom’) form one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of New Zealand. Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngaruhoe are still active volcanoes so one has to check the volcanic activity before attempting the track. Also, be sure to check out the weather before, since this can change in an instance. Be prepared for any weather conditions. On the day I went I was luck to have sunshine almost all the way.

• Total Length: 19.4km (without any side trips)
• Time needed: 5-8 hours (depending on your fitness and not including stops or side trips)
• Altitude: Start at Magatepopo car park approx. 1.000 metres / Red Crater approx. 1.900 metres
• Tracks: Apart from the Crossing itself, there are three additional side tracks: Soda Springs, Mt. Ngaruhoe (approx. 2.300 metres / add another 3 hours) and Mt. Tongariro (approx. 2.000 metres / add another hour and a half)
• Fitness level required: The track runs over steep volcanic terrain, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. If you decide to hike up Mt. Ngaruhoe, you definitely be to be very fit!

Magatepopo Valley to Soda Springs (1 to 1 and a half hours).

You start your way through the Magatepopo Valley on even terrain. Then the track climbs alongside a steam and around edges of old lava flows.

Soda Springs to South Crater (1 hour).

The track climbs steadily. When gaining the 340metres to the South Crater, you’ll have  spectacular view on a clear day. Those wanting to climb up Mt. Ngaruhoe (including me), turn right at the top.

Mt. Ngaruhoe (add 3 hours).

After about one hour I got to the base of the volcano and decided to conquer ‘Mt. Doom’. So with about 20kg of camera equipment as well as water & food supplies, I went on my way with a few other crazy peeps. Oh and it was quite a way. There is no marked route up the top, so you just have to find your own way (which is not too difficult I might add). The first 30 minutes are not too difficult, but once you get to the steep way up, be sure to have both hands ready. The rocks are super sharp and lose and the way up very tough. About half-way in, I realised that this was also the way down, which made me a bit nervous. So after about 2 and a half hours, I reached the crater (which is not the top top yet) and had to rest for a while. I then continued to the top and have to admit that I was pretty proud of myself for doing this without any training before. The defend only took me about 30 minutes. You pretty much run down the loose scoria and hope for the best. I fell once and my leg looked pretty bad afterwards, so watch your step! Was is worth it? Heck yeah. Would I do it again? Yes, but with less equipment because those 20kg really killed me in the end.

Mt. Ngauruhoe on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand.

The view from the top of Mt. Ngauruhoe on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand.

Up on Mt. Ngauruhoe on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand.

South Crater to Red Crater (45 minutes to 1 hour).

You follow the route to a ridge leading put to the Red Crater. It’s not really a crater but basin. Looking in, you’ll see the very unusual formation. Yeah well, we all can guess what it reminds you of, but lets just leave it at that… From here, you can take the trip to the summit of Mt. Tongariro. I left that one out since my legs where already shaky at that point.

The Red Crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand.

Red Crater to Emerald Lakes (15 minutes).

The summit of the Red Crater is the highest point during the Crossing. From here, it continuously descends. From the Red Crater to the Emerald Lakes the terrain is very lose again and you really have to watch your step carefully.

Emerald Lakes on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand.

Emerald Lakes to Ketetahi Hut (1 hour to 1 and a half hour).

The Crossing continues to the Blue Lake and the track slides around the flanks of the North Crater and then defends to Ketetahi Hut. This is was the first time when my legs really started getting to me…

Blue Lake on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand.

Ketetahi Hut to Ketetahi Car Park (1 and a half to 2 hours).

Continue along the track which defends through tussock slopes to the forest bush line. You’ll be surprised by the quick scenery change, which is a lovely sight at the end of the track again. Still, these last 2 hours where the hardest ones for me. I just wanted it all to come to an end…

The walk down to Ketetahi Hut on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand.