Earn Expedition Badges in Garmin Connect

26 June, 2023

While we can’t plan your trip to Olympus for you, we can help you complete the climb virtually — all within your free Garmin Connect account (on mobile or web) when paired with a compatible Garmin watch.

The free Garmin Connect app is a fitness tool used by millions worldwide for tracking, analysing and sharing health and fitness data — and now it offers even more adventure. Start taking the stairs (and we mean a lot of stairs) to earn expedition badges for climbing the equivalent height of popular summits around the world, or increase that step count to earn expedition badges for walking the equivalent distance of popular hikes around the world. Make sure to choose wisely, as you can only work toward one hike or climb at a time.

Want to learn more about your options? Read below to learn more about the expeditions you can now virtually complete no matter where you are.

Aconcagua

Hike Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft.) above sea level. This expedition follows the popular Machame Route, beginning at Machame Gate. The trek takes you through dense rainforests at the southern base of the mountain, through the massive expanse of the Shira Pleateau, past the iconic volcanic plug known as the “Lava Tower” and upwards through the arid high-altitude deserts before reaching the summit.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit takes you through Nepal’s Annapurna mountain range, beginning in the town of Besishahar and following the Marsyangdi River to the village of Chame before gradually climbing higher into the mountains. This expedition passes through small villages and tea houses, as well as forests, rivers, waterfalls and high-altitude passes along the way. Thorong La Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the world at an elevation of 5,416 metres (17,769 ft.) is one of the route’s highlights.

Appalachian Trail

Explore the eastern United States on the Appalachian Trail, which stretches approximately 3,500 kilometres (2,175 miles) through the Appalachian mountains, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. This expedition takes you through various terrains, from forests, hills and rocky ridges to crossing rivers and streams. The trail also passes through numerous towns and communities, where hikers resupply on food and other necessities.

Ararat

Conquer the highest peak in Turkey, Mount Ararat, which stands 5,137 metres (16,854 ft.) above sea level. Ararat is a dormant volcanic mountain in Eastern Turkey near the border of Armenia and Iran. It has cultural and religious significance, as it’s believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark. The climb is known for its steep, jagged peaks and stunning natural beauty.

Camino de Santiago

For centuries, people have made this journey as a form of spiritual and physical fulfillment. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes that stretch across Europe and converge in northwestern Spain at the shrine of the apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela. This expedition follows the Camino Frances route, or “the French Way,” which begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and stretches for nearly 800 kilometres (500 miles) across northern Spain.

Chilkoot Trail

The Chilkoot Trail is a historic and scenic hiking trail that winds through the coastal rainforests of British Columbia and the alpine meadows and glaciers of Alaska. The trail was historically used by Indigenous people of the region, and in the late 19th century, it became a popular route for gold-seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush. Along the way, you’ll pass by historic sites and artifacts related to the gold rush, such as cabins, dredges and stampeders’ camps.

Cradle Mountain Overland Track

Hike Australia’s premier alpine walk, the Cradle Mountain Overland Track in Tasmania. This expedition begins at Ronny Creek and travels 65 kilometres (40.4 miles) to Lake St Clair, passing through a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to mist-covered valleys, and the wilderness of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where hikers can take in views of the Tasmanian highlands.

Denali

Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is one of the Seven Summits and is the highest peak in North America, with an elevation of 6,191 metres (20,310 ft.). This climb is a highly sought-after expedition for mountaineers, with more than 1,200 people attempting to summit each year. Denali is known for extreme weather conditions and challenging terrain. It’s located in Denali National Park and Preserve, which encompasses more than 6 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness.

Elbrus

Mount Elbrus, a dormant volcano that last erupted in 50 C.E., is one of the Seven Summits. It’s the highest mountain in Europe, located in southern Russia near the Georgian border. It has two peaks, former craters now packed with snow and ice, rising above 5,620 metres (more than 18,440 ft). The Romans referred to Elbrus as “Strobilus,” which in Latin means “pinecone,” due to the mountain’s twisted shape.

Everest

Climb the highest mountain in the world! At 8,848 metres (29,029 ft.) above sea level, Mount Everest is one of the most iconic and challenging expeditions, testing the physical and mental limits of climbers against the peak’s treacherous and steep terrain, as well as tough conditions and high altitude. It lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet and is a sacred cultural and spiritual site for many of the local people.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Conquer one of the most iconic treks in the world, the Everest Base Camp route, which takes you through the Nepal Himalayas to the base camp of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. This expedition begins in the small town of Lukla and passes through the Sherpa villages of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and Gorakshep. Hikers travel through rivers, high-altitude passes and the heart of the Solukhumbu district, known for its rich culture, religion and hospitality.

Grand Canyon Rim Trail

This expedition runs along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, between Hermit’s Rest and South Kaibab Trailhead to the east. It is a paved multi-use trail that is approximately 13 miles (21 km) long and offers stunning views of one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, including Bright Angel Canyon and the Colorado River.

Great Wall

The Great Wall hike takes you along one of the world’s greatest ancient architectural wonders, passing through watchtowers and battlements along the way. This expedition includes the Jiankou section of the Great Wall of China, located between the Mutianyu and the Moshikou sections. Most of the current Great Wall we see today was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and spans approximately 6,000 kilometres.

Grossglockner

Located in the Austrian Alps, Grossglockner is the highest mountain in Austria, standing 3,798 metres (12,461 ft.) above the Adriatic Sea. The Gossglockner offers a unique habitat and is home to people, numerous animals and rare plants. The most common climbing route is called the Normal Route, which begins at the Erzherzog-Johann Hut (3,454 metres) and follows the Stuedlgrat Ridge to the summit.

Inca Trail

This historic 40-kilometre (25-mile) trail winds through the Andes Mountains in Peru, beginning at kilometre 82 on the railway to Machu Picchu and crossing through several high-altitude mountain passes and lush cloud forests along the way. Along the trail, hikers come across many Incan ruins and archeological sites, including stone walls, terraces and water channels that were built to sustain life in the rugged mountain environment.

K2

Located on the border of Pakistan and China in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas, K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,611 metres (28,251 ft.). This climb is known for its steep and dangerous terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions make it difficult for climbers to reach the summit, earning K2 the nickname “Savage Mountain.”

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain in Tanzania and is the highest peak in Africa, standing at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft.) above sea level. The climb takes you through multiple climate zones, beginning with lush rainforests at the base of the mountain and progressing through alpine meadows and arid high-altitude deserts before reaching the summit.

Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Kosciuszko

Located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain in mainland Australia standing at 2,228 metres (7,310 ft.) above sea level. The climb is considered to be relatively easy, as it’s well-marked and ascends gradually to the summit. The mountain is part of Kosciuszko National Park, known for its alpine terrain, stunning vistas and diverse flora and fauna.

Milford Track

The Milford Track hiking route travels deep into the rainforest valleys and spectacular mountains of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. This expedition begins at the head of Lake Te Anau and follows the Clinton River, winding through dense forest before reaching the grand Sutherland Falls and climbing over McKinnon Pass into the alpine wilderness of the Arthur Valley. Milford Track is considered one of the best walks in the world for its breathtaking views and accessibility.

Mont Blanc

Ascend the highest peak in the European Alps, Mount Blanc, which reaches an elevation of 4,808 metres (15,774 ft.). The standard route starts in Les Houches near Chamonix and involves a combination of hiking, scrambling and climbing with fixed ropes and ladders to reach the summit. The climb offers stunning views of the Alps and the surrounding glaciers and valleys.

Mont Blanc Circular

The Mont Blanc Circular hiking route travels through the Alps and encircles one of the highest peaks in Europe, the Mont Blanc massif. This popular trail passes through different types of alpine environments, from forests and meadows to glaciers and high mountain passes. The trek typically takes hikers 10 to 12 days to complete, covering around 160 km.

Olympus

Mount Olympus is in northern Greece, near the city of Thessaloniki. It is not only the highest mountain in Greece, with its biggest peak, Mytikas, standing 2,917 metres (9,570 ft.) above sea level, but it’s also considered the most important peak in ancient Greek religion and mythology. It was believed to be the home of the twelve Olympian gods and goddesses, including Zeus, Hera, Apollo and Athena. The climb offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the Aegean Sea, and you’ll find a small chapel at the summit.

Patagonia Circuit

The Patagonia Circuit encompasses a range of some of the most stunning landscapes and wilderness in Argentina and Chile. A couple of the highlights are Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, home to Torres del Paine, a trio of granite peaks, as well as Fitz Roy Massif across the border in Argentina. Fitz Roy Massif is a collection of rugged peaks that form the heart of the Los Glaciares National Park.

Rheinsteig Trail

The Rheinsteig Trail runs along the Rhine river in the central part of Germany, stretching from Wiesbaden in the state of Hesse to Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia. It passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Rhine Gorge and the Taunus Mountains, as well as well as historic towns and villages. This trek attracts experienced hikers and those looking for a more leisurely cultural and historic adventure.

Toubkal Circuit

Hike North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The Toubkal Circuit expedition begins in the busy market town of Imlil and follows a trail that winds up the mountain through rocky terrain, lush vegetation and eventually bare rock and snow as the summit nears. The route passes through villages along the way, exposing hikers to everyday Berber life and culture.

Vinson

Located in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, Vinson Massif, also known as Mount Vinson, is the highest mountain in Antarctica, standing at 4,892 metres (16,050 ft.) above sea level. The climb involves a combination of ice climbing, glacier travel and steep snow slopes. Vinson’s remote location, difficulty and harsh weather conditions make it a sought-after climb for mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts.

West Highland Way

Journey 154 kilometres (96 miles) across Scotland on West Highland Way. This popular route runs from Milngavie, near Glasgow, to Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands, passing through some of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote wilderness areas, including Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe and the Devil’s Staircase.