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The Tongariro Crossing: This is the best day hike I have done in my life, hands down, if you are judging the hike on views. Alaska is gorgeous, but this hike was like taking a stroll on another planet. Spectacular scenery combined with the challenge of a 20-km hike with a solid 2700 feet of elevation gain made this hike more than your typical day hike. Hiking through active volcanic zones, smelling the sulphur, having the option to summit Mt Tongariro as a side trip (which we did), truly make this hike unique and fun. However, it is so famous that you have to share it with people. There were literally over a thousand people on the day we did it, which is typical for a nice weekend. Fortunately, 99% of people are walking the same direction, so you don't have to pass many people, and you do get spread out over the 20 km. Francois was my buddy for this trip and set a good pace for us!
My favorite photo of Mt. Doom as we're ascending Mt. Tongariro. The saddle at the base, that looks like a little orange desert, is where the trail crosses between the first and second big ascents.
Summary: The hike is highly recommended, but should only be done if you have a clear day, because the views are what make this hike. Expect a lot of people if you go on the weekend, more than you've ever seen in your life on a hike. But if you know that this is inevitable, you can set realistic expectations for yourself--this is not an off-the-beaten-track hike. It is a very, very beaten track. Still, if you have a good camera guy you can adjust the photo frame to make it look sometimes like you're the only one up there. :)