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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!