These Spectacular Hiking Hotels Will Give You Epic Wanderlust

This fairytale hotel sits 2,750m (9,022ft) above the epic spires and green valleys of Northern Italy. You’ll be amazed by the panoramic views here, and you can relax in one of the highest saunas in the Dolomites. Rifugio Lagazuoi is run by the Pompanin family, so expect a warm Italian welcome. Take a pew on the outdoor terrace with an ice-cold Peroni and order the polenta topped with mushrooms, sausage and deer meat – a hearty meal after a long hike.

How to get there: You’ll find the hotel on the summit of Mount Lagazuoi, between the resorts of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Alta Badia. It’s a 120km (76 mi) trek along the Alta Via walking route, which runs through the Dolomites from the emerald-green Lake Braies to the historic city of Belluno.

You have to enter a lottery to nab a room at this lodge in the middle of the Grand Canyon. Why? Well, space is extremely limited. There are four dorms, each sleeping five people, plus a handful of cabins accommodating up to 10. Phantom Lodge is over 100 years old, built of rough-hewn wood and native stone, earning itself a place on the Historic Hotels of America list.

How to get there: You can either take the 12km (7.5mi) South Kaibab Trail (but note that there are very few spots of shade and few drinking fountains along this route) or hike the longer 16.5km (10mi) Bright Angel Trail. There are several buses that run to Grand Canyon National Park from Flagstaff, Phoenix or Las Vegas.

Follow in the footsteps of bank robbers and vigilantes on this old cowboy trail in northern Chilean Patagonia. It leads to the Refugio Cochamó, a bunkhouse owned by climbers Silvina and Daniel, who fell in love with the region in 2000. It’s easy to see why – from the dormitory, you’ll have a full-frontal view of Cerro Trinidad, an enormous granite peak that rises 1,000m (3281ft) from the jungle floor. Come nightfall, reward yourself with a home-brewed beer and pizza.

How to get there: Refugio Cochamó is in the hamlet of La Junta, a 10km (6.2mi) trek from the trailhead in Cochamó. You’ll have to forge through rivers and battle muddy rainforests to get there.

If you’ve ever pictured a snow-capped cabin in the Canadian wilderness, it probably resembles Skoki Lodge. Inside this traditional log cabin you’ll find black-and-red plaid quilts, stone fireplaces and walls dotted with vintage skis and snowshoes. It’s accessible via an 11km (7mi) trail that runs from the bewitching turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Come winter, backcountry ski trails depart from the front door. Note that it’s a back-to-basics experience here. There’s no electricity or running water, but the cabin is illuminated by kerosene lamps, and warm water is available for washing.

How to get there: Compared to the rest of the hikes on this list, it’s pretty easy. Walk along a moderate 11km (6.8mi) path through alpine terrain to the village of Lake Louise. Once you get there, check in at the Experience Lake Louise shop for a transfer that drives you the rest of the way.