Bright Angel Trail, Arizona, USA

Set out to conquer the Bright Angel Trail, hiking out past the fabled Indian Gardens and down to Plateau Point. Zip down the switch-backing trail – descending from the canyon rim to the 38° C heat at the gardens in a few hours. By the time you arrive at Plateau Point, you’ll have the entire Grand Canyon to yourself – gone are the crowds, the bustle, the gift shops and the distractions. You’ll be left with the mighty Colorado, the canyon walls in ochre and purple, and all the beautiful solitude you could hope for. You’ll have 11 kilometres ahead of you on your return trek to the South Rim, but each step up the trail is worth it. Bright Angel, indeed.