Walking the World’s Most Beautiful Trails

Walked So Far: Trails & Landscapes I’ve Explored

Each trail has been a lesson in ecology and economy. Everywhere I walk, I see the same pattern: landscapes shaped by beauty and biology are being reshaped by our global economic system, a system that rewards extraction, masks true costs, and disconnects consumption from consequence. This journey is my way of tracing those links, to understand how our economic choices alter the living Earth.

Tropical & Subtropical Forests – Trails Hiked & Observations

These forests are Earth’s ancient lungs, holding half of the planet’s biodiversity. Across six continents, I’ve walked these landscapes to witness firsthand how growth-oriented economic systems externalize environmental costs. Every trail reveals how the benefits of resource extraction, commodity markets, and tourism are concentrated, while ecological and social costs are borne elsewhere.

Danum Valley Rainforest, Borneo

Trail Hiked: Field treks through lowland rainforest trails
Ecological Value: One of the oldest remaining tropical rainforests; extraordinary biodiversity; critical carbon storage.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Logging and palm oil expansion encroaching on protected areas.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Global commodity markets benefit from cheap palm oil. Costs—including deforestation, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, and displacement of Indigenous communities—are borne locally and globally by ecosystems and future generations.

Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra

Trail Hiked: Jungle treks across orangutan habitats
Ecological Value: Lowland rainforest refuge for Sumatran orangutans, tigers, and rhinos.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Illegal logging and agricultural expansion threaten wildlife corridors.
Externalized Environmental Costs: International demand for palm oil and rubber drives economic profit. Forest loss, species extinction risk, and social displacement fall on local communities and ecosystems.

Takayna / Tarkine Rainforest, Tasmania

Trail Hiked: Moss-covered river valleys and ancient myrtle groves
Ecological Value: Cool-temperate rainforest; some of the oldest temperate forests on Earth.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Logging and proposed mining in ecologically sensitive areas.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Resource extraction profits accrue to private and corporate actors. Environmental damage, including habitat destruction and carbon release, is absorbed by ecosystems and public stewardship agencies.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

Trail Hiked: Montane forest treks observing primate populations
Ecological Value: Rich biodiversity hotspot; home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and endemic plants.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Agricultural encroachment and poaching pressure from surrounding communities.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Global markets and local economic pressures prioritize land conversion. Ecosystem degradation, wildlife mortality, and community stress are externalized to forests and rural communities.

Costa Rica’s Cloud & Lowland Rainforests

Trail Hiked: Multi-day hikes through cloud forest reserves
Ecological Value: Lush tropical forests serving as model conservation landscapes.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Deforestation for agriculture, urban growth, and infrastructure.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism and development profits benefit operators and investors. Costs—including habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and water-cycle disruption—are carried by ecosystems and local communities.

Okavango Delta & Chobe, Botswana

Trail Hiked: Guided walks and water-based treks through delta channels
Ecological Value: Wetland and savanna mosaics supporting megafauna and local livelihoods.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Upstream water diversion, climate variability, and agriculture altering natural flood regimes.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Global agricultural markets and tourism revenue accrue to investors and operators. Environmental and social consequences—declining wetland health, species stress, and community vulnerability—fall downstream.

Upcoming: Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

Trail Hiked: Pending exploration of coastal temperate rainforest
Ecological Value: Habitat for spirit bears, towering cedars, and salmon-fed rivers.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Logging and climate change threaten ecological integrity.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Timber and energy markets capture financial benefit while ecosystem services, Indigenous stewardship, and biodiversity bear the environmental cost.

Mountains & Alpine Ecosystems – Trails Hiked & Observations

Mountain ecosystems are living archives of geological and ecological history. Hiking these landscapes reveals how tourism, agriculture, and climate pressures externalize environmental costs while generating economic benefits elsewhere.

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Trail Hiked: Full circuit through Himalayan valleys and alpine forests
Ecological Value: Sacred alpine forests, glaciers, and biodiversity-rich valleys.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Glacial retreat, overuse of trails, and unregulated tourism.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Trekking revenue flows internationally; climate impact, waste management, and trail erosion are borne locally and by ecosystems.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

Trail Hiked: Classic archaeological and ecological route
Ecological Value: Cloud forests and montane ecosystems; culturally sacred sites.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Trail erosion, over-tourism, and montane habitat shifts.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism benefits operators and investors; ecological stress, site degradation, and infrastructure burden are displaced onto local communities and landscapes.

Tour du Mont Blanc, France–Italy–Switzerland

Trail Hiked: Cross-border alpine trek
Ecological Value: Glacial alpine habitats supporting endemic flora and fauna.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Glacier loss and habitat alteration from recreation and climate change.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism profits benefit local economies and international markets; ecological degradation and climate impacts are borne by ecosystems and downstream communities.

Mt. Whitney & John Muir Trail, California

Trail Hiked: Iconic Sierra Nevada peaks
Ecological Value: Granite spines, ancient conifers, and alpine biodiversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Drought, wildfire risk, and trail overuse.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Recreation and real estate profits benefit urban populations; soil erosion, fire suppression costs, and biodiversity loss impact ecosystems and land managers.

Mt. Pico, Azores

Trail Hiked: Volcano summit and laurel forest trails
Ecological Value: Volcanic high point with endemic laurel forest and marine biodiversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Invasive species and climate instability threaten habitats.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Globalized tourism and agriculture yield economic benefit; ecological stress, habitat loss, and species vulnerability are borne by local ecosystems.

California Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, California

Trail Hiked: Alpine trails to ancient bristlecones
Ecological Value: Oldest living trees on Earth; extreme alpine survival strategies.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Climate warming, visitor pressure, and disease.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism and research funding provide economic benefits; ecological vulnerability and risk of species loss fall on these ancient forests.

Volcanoes National Park & Mount Bisoke, Rwanda

Trail Hiked: Crater lakes, alpine moorlands, and montane rainforests
Ecological Value: Endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and layered ecosystems.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Agricultural encroachment, climate-driven habitat shifts, and poaching.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Gorilla tourism revenue benefits investors and guides; ecosystem degradation, poaching pressure, and rural poverty costs are borne locally and transnationally.

Mount Meru, Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro

Trail Hiked: Trekking summits and montane forests
Ecological Value: Volcanic peaks spanning savanna to alpine desert; biodiversity hotspots.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Glacier retreat, pollution, habitat loss, poaching, and invasive species.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Adventure tourism profits support operators; ecological and social costs are carried by ecosystems, local communities, and downstream water users.

Deserts & Drylands – Trails Hiked & Observations

Deserts are fragile, ancient ecosystems. Walking these trails reveals how modern economies often treat deserts as blank canvases for extraction, while the ecological costs accumulate on landscapes that evolved over millennia.

Sonoran Desert (Arizona, California, Sonora, Baja California)

Trail Hiked: Multi-day hikes among saguaros and monsoon-fed life
Ecological Value: Rich desert biodiversity, cryptobiotic soils, and cultural heritage.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Urban expansion, heat extremes, soil crust destruction.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Metropolitan growth and logistics corridors provide economic benefit; soil loss, habitat degradation, and species stress are borne by desert ecosystems.

Mojave Desert (California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah)

Trail Hiked: Basin and volcanic field hikes
Ecological Value: Joshua trees, playas, and unique desert habitats.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Utility-scale energy development and off-road recreation disturb fragile soils.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Energy profits benefit distant investors; ecological degradation and soil loss impact desert resilience and biodiversity.

The Wave, Arizona–Utah

Trail Hiked: Iconic Navajo sandstone formations
Ecological Value: Geological and ecological rarity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Erosion and over-tourism.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Social media–driven tourism creates economic gains; erosion, habitat pressure, and cultural site impacts are borne by the ecosystem.

Sedona, Arizona

Trail Hiked: Red rock canyon and sandstone trails
Ecological Value: Unique geological formations and riparian biodiversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Urban expansion and water depletion.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Real estate and tourism profit developers; habitat stress, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation fall on local landscapes.

Dana to Petra, Jordan Trail

Trail Hiked: Desert cliffs and ancient trade routes
Ecological Value: Desert canyon mosaics and cultural heritage landscapes.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Desertification and unmanaged tourism.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism and infrastructure development profits accrue to investors; ecological stress, cultural site degradation, and water scarcity impact local communities and ecosystems.

Upcoming: Madagascar’s Spiny Forests & Southern Dry Regions

Trail Hiked: Planned future hikes
Ecological Value: Succulent-rich dry forests with high endemism.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Deforestation and overgrazing.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Charcoal production and global energy inequities generate profit; ecological loss and community vulnerability are borne locally.

Coastal, Island & Marine Ecosystems – Trails Hiked & Observations

Coastal and island ecosystems sit at the dynamic interface of land and sea. Hiking, paddling, and trekking these areas reveals how globalization, tourism, and industrial activity externalize environmental costs while concentrating economic benefit elsewhere.

Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii

Trail Hiked: 11-mile coastal rainforest trail along cliffs and beaches
Ecological Value: Coastal rainforest with endemic species, fragile cliffs, and reef systems.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Erosion, invasive plant species, trail overuse.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism infrastructure and recreational revenue benefit operators; habitat loss, trail erosion, and biodiversity stress are carried by the ecosystem and local conservation agencies.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Trail Hiked: Coastal hikes across Arctic archipelago
Ecological Value: Mountainous islands rising from the sea, important seabird and marine habitats.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Ocean warming, fisheries depletion, and infrastructure pressures.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Industrial fishing and offshore energy provide profit; marine species decline and ecosystem stress are borne by local communities and global fisheries.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Trail Hiked: Coastal and intertidal hikes across multiple islands
Ecological Value: Marine sanctuary with endemic plants, rich kelp forests, and nesting seabirds.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Invasive species and ocean acidification threaten biodiversity.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Carbon emissions from global industry drive ocean changes; ecological restoration and management costs are carried by public agencies and ecosystems.

Milford Track, New Zealand

Trail Hiked: Glacier-carved fjords and temperate rainforest trail
Ecological Value: Unique fjord ecosystems with high rainfall and endemic biodiversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Invasive species introduction and rainfall pattern shifts.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Ecotourism profits accrue to operators; ecological changes, invasive species control, and carbon footprint costs are displaced to local ecosystems.

West Coast Trail, Vancouver Island, Canada

Trail Hiked: Coastal rainforest trail with tidal and estuarine ecosystems
Ecological Value: Rugged coastline supporting migratory birds, marine mammals, and temperate rainforest.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Trail erosion, invasive species, and storm damage.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Adventure tourism benefits operators and regional economies; habitat damage, restoration costs, and ecosystem stress fall to public stewardship and ecosystems.

Madeira Island Laurissilva Forest & Levadas, Portugal

Trail Hiked: Laurel forest and irrigation channel hikes
Ecological Value: Ancient laurel forests with high endemism, supporting freshwater systems.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and hydropower pressure.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism, agriculture, and small-scale energy provide profit; ecological stress, species vulnerability, and hydrological disruption fall to ecosystems and local communities.

Freshwater & Wetland Ecosystems – Trails Hiked & Observations

Rivers, lakes, and wetlands sustain life but are heavily impacted by extraction, development, and climate change. Hiking and paddling these ecosystems reveals how economic benefits are concentrated while ecological and social costs are externalized.

Colorado River, USA

Trail Hiked: Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon hike and river exploration by dory boat
Ecological Value: 1,400-mile river system sustaining riparian forests, aquatic species, and desert biodiversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Over-allocation, prolonged drought, river fragmentation, habitat loss.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Agricultural irrigation, urban water extraction, and mining profits benefit distant economies; ecological degradation, water scarcity, and habitat loss fall on local ecosystems and communities.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Trail Hiked: Riverine hikes along the Zambezi River and waterfalls
Ecological Value: World-renowned waterfall system supporting aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Hydropower dams, climate variability, and water level fluctuations.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Energy production and tourism revenue benefit national and international operators; ecosystem disruption, water flow alteration, and biodiversity loss impact local communities and wildlife.

Rogue River Trail, Oregon, USA

Trail Hiked: Old-growth forest and salmon river hiking
Ecological Value: Wild river system with salmon runs and temperate rainforest.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Logging, water diversion, wildfire, and habitat fragmentation.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Timber and hydropower profits flow to investors; ecological and cultural costs—salmon decline, water stress, forest degradation—are borne locally.

Þingvellir, Gullfoss & Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Trail Hiked: Rift valley and glacial river hikes
Ecological Value: Volcanic river landscapes, freshwater biodiversity, and unique geological formations.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Glacial retreat, invasive species, over-tourism.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism revenue benefits private and national stakeholders; ecological change, trail erosion, and carbon footprint are carried by ecosystems and Icelandic public infrastructure.

Lake Atitlán Volcano Hike, Guatemala

Trail Hiked: Volcanic highlands surrounding the lake
Ecological Value: Crater lake ecosystem with high endemic species diversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Pollution, invasive species, algal blooms from agricultural runoff.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism, coffee farming, and craft economy profits benefit local and global markets; water pollution and ecological degradation are borne by lake ecosystems and local communities.

Temperate & Mixed Forests – Trails Hiked & Observations

Temperate forests are cultural and ecological archives. Hiking these landscapes reveals the tension between development, recreation, and the long-term resilience of forests.

Backbone Trail, California, USA

Trail Hiked: Chaparral ridges and oak woodland hiking
Ecological Value: Coastal temperate forest and fire-adapted ecosystems.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Urban encroachment, wildfire, and invasive species.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Real estate development profits benefit urban investors; habitat loss, fire suppression costs, and ecosystem stress are borne by public land managers and natural communities.

Banff & Jasper, Canada

Trail Hiked: Alpine and forest hiking in national parks
Ecological Value: Temperate forests, glaciers, and rich wildlife habitats.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Glacier retreat, species migration, and visitor pressures.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism revenue benefits operators; ecological adaptation costs, carbon emissions from travel, and biodiversity stress impact ecosystems and public budgets.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Trail Hiked: Lakes and limestone forest hiking trails
Ecological Value: Unique freshwater and mixed forest ecosystems.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Over-tourism, pollution, and habitat fragmentation.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Visitor economies benefit local tourism operators; water quality decline, habitat degradation, and ecosystem maintenance costs fall on public and natural systems.

Corsica GR20, France

Trail Hiked: Mountainous pine forest trails
Ecological Value: Pine forests, granite peaks, and alpine biodiversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Wildfire, erosion, and land abandonment.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Shifting rural economies provide tourism and development profits; ecological restoration and loss of traditional stewardship burden local communities and ecosystems.

Greece – Sifnos, Santorini & Athens

Trail Hiked: Mediterranean forest, terraces, and coastal trails
Ecological Value: Mosaic of olive groves, pine forests, and ancient terraces.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Deforestation, drought, urban sprawl.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Real estate and tourism profits accrue to investors; water stress, habitat loss, and ecosystem management costs fall on local ecosystems and communities.

The Lycian Way, Türkiye

Trail Hiked: Coastal and mountain pine forest trails
Ecological Value: Forest mosaics, olive groves, and cultural heritage sites.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Forest fires, overgrazing, and urbanization.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Tourism and small-scale agriculture profits benefit operators; ecological degradation and habitat fragmentation are borne locally.

Polar & High-Latitude Ecosystems – Trails Hiked & Observations

High-latitude ecosystems are planetary indicators of climate stress. Hiking and exploring these regions reveals the extreme vulnerability of species and habitats to globalized economic pressures.

Upcoming: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, USA

Trail Hiked: Planned exploration of tundra and river systems
Ecological Value: Tundra wilderness, migratory caribou, polar bears, and Arctic biodiversity.
Observed Degradation / Risk: Oil extraction, permafrost thaw, climate change impacts.
Externalized Environmental Costs: Fossil fuel profits benefit distant corporations; ecosystem collapse, indigenous community impacts, and carbon emissions are borne locally and globally.

The Economics of Extinction

Across all ecosystems documented here, the pattern is consistent: ecological degradation accelerates where economic systems reward growth while failing to account for environmental costs. Conservation efforts that do not address this structural imbalance are forced into perpetual mitigation rather than prevention.