backpacking trips

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• Trip Styles
• Destinations
• Guided Backpacking Trips

GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIPS

Our guided backpacking tours take you into the heart of world-renowned wilderness destinations like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite.

Enjoy solitude and adventure as you embark on a self-sufficient journey deep into America’s most stunning wild areas. You’ll be carrying everything you need for the trip in a top-of-the-line, fitted backpack we provide. Pack weights vary between 25 and 45 pounds, depending on the area, the duration of the trip, the time of year, and your height and weight.

We provide everything except clothing, footwear, rain gear, personal items, and a couple small gear items. All the gear we provide (backpacks, tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, trekking poles, cooking gear) is top-of-the-line. Also, you can request to share a tent with others in your party or have one to yourself. All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day, and your guide will prepare all meals.

Note: if you’d like to do a standard backpacking trip but prefer not to carry the gear, we offer porter services for $400 per porter per day. The porters can carry up to 30 lbs of guest gear and do not hike with the groups.

Top Backpacking Trips

• Most Popular – Rim to Rim in Grand Canyon
• Most Adventurous – Longs Peak Loop
• Best Wildlife – Thorofare Trek
• Best Waterfall Trip – Havasupai
• Coolest Campsites – Valleys and Glaciers of the Cascades
• Best Views – Hermit Loop
• Top Weekend Trip – Young Lakes & Mount Conness
• Top Family Trip – Thunder Lake
• Best Hot Springs – Bechler River Traverse
• Best Fall Colors – Mount Sterling Appalachian Loop

All Guided Backpacking Trips Trips ( 97 results)

Filter trips.

Destination

Trip Length

West Coast Trail Backpack

Alpine Peaks, Lakes and Waterfalls Thru Hike

Summer Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon

Autumn Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon

Hermit Loop

Coyote Gulch

Grand Canyon Classic

Boulder Lake to Green River Lakes

Heart Lake to Snake River

Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse

Yellowstone Spring Trekking Adventure

Wild Alaska Coast and Glacier Trek

Stock/Porter Trips

Experience the adventurous backcountry of America’s national parks and wilderness areas with the added joy of hiking with only a light day pack! Let porters, llamas or pack mules carry the gear so you can maximize your enjoyment while hiking and enjoy more elaborate backcountry meals! Trips include all camping gear, meals, a professional hiking guide, and porters, llamas or mules to carry the supplies.

Basecamp Trips

Our basecamp tours are adventurous hiking trips that take you deep into the wilderness on challenging day hikes and return you to a comfortable, vehicle-accessible camp each afternoon for showers and exceptional meals around a campfire! These trips are excellent options for people who want a memorable outdoor experience with fantastic hiking and also access to showers, cold drinks, perishable foods…etc. Trips include local transportation, camping gear, meals, park entrance fees, and a professional hiking guide.

Inn-based Tours

Hike your national park(s) of choice in style! Join us for an unforgettable hiking vacation featuring a variety of adventurous forays into the wilderness each day with cozy lodging and charming restaurant meals each night. Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the area and challenge yourself on exceptional hikes. Trips include local transportation, lodging, meals, park entrance fees and a professional hiking guide.

Day Hike Tours

Make the most of your day at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided day hike! Learn about the amazing natural and cultural history of the area, enjoy the peace of mind that results from hiking with a local expert, let us take care of the gear and food, and hear amazing stories that have taken place in the Park. All hikes include use of a backpack, trekking poles and crampons (Grand Canyon in winter); snacks and lunch; and a professional hiking guide.

MORE ABOUT GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIPS

What is a backpacking trip.

A backpacking trip differs significantly from a normal camping or hiking excursion in that it involves hiking away from roads, trail heads, parking lots…etc. with everything we need on our backs. We carry all of our food, kitchen gear, clothing, camping equipment, water filters and more on our backs in technical, multi-day backpacks. And we set off into the wilderness as a self-sufficient group. Each outing varies in terms of moving camp or staying in the same camp for multiple nights. Some trips are loops, others are thru-hikes (meaning point-to-point hikes that require shuttles), and still others are out-and-backs. Every backpacking tour is unique and all are hand-picked for their adventure, natural beauty, campsites, and amazing hiking.

THE JOY OF BACKPACKING

As every backcountry guide knows well, there’s a shift that happens to people after 2-3 days in the wilderness. Surrounded by the peace, silence, natural beauty and an environment largely uninfluenced by humanity, the tranquility of nature begins to permeate our consciousness. Our minds slow down and become quieter, our senses heighten, our appreciation of our surroundings expands, our bodies relax even while working hard, and the rythms of the natural world begin to feel familiar. Our daily activity aligns with the sun. We wake at first light and watch the sun ease its way over cliffs, mountains or canyons; and at the end of the day we watch it set in an often brilliant light show before sitting around a campfire or crawling into our sleeping bags. The days are full with simple yet stunningly fulfilling activities: crossing rivers, hiking over passes, ascending canyons, eating, resting, appreciating where we are, connecting with our fellow travelers. The joys of backpacking are not easily conveyed in words – ultimately, the only way to truly understand it is to experience it for yourself.

WHAT’S INCLUDED ON A WILDLAND TREKKING BACKPACKING TOUR?

Our backpacking trips are all-inclusive! What that means is we worry about nearly all the logistics so you don’t have to. We take care of necessary national park and camping permits, which can be difficult to secure. All top-of-the-line gear is provided, which includes technical, multi-day backpacks; sleeping bags and pads; tents; trekking poles and more. (It’s a lovely thing to not have to travel with backpacking gear and our average guest is outfitted with approximately $1000 of retail outdoor gear!) We provide all meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day, and our guests rave about our meals. Local transportation is included, which often involves shuttling to/from different trailheads, a logistic that can be very difficult to arrange if not on a guided tour. Last but certainly not least, a certified, professional backpacking guide is included, and our award-winning team of guides is the best out there.

WHY JOIN A GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIP?

There are many reasons our guests join our trips. Here are some common ones:

• Some guests want to hike with a local, professional guide to increase the safety and enjoyment of backpacking in an unfamiliar area.
• Some people are new to backpacking and prefer to hike with experts for peace of mind and to learn best practices.
• For some of our guests, a specific backpacking trip (like Half Dome, Rim to Rim, or Iceland’s Laugavegur Trek) is on their bucket list and they don’t want to purchase all the gear and equipment to do a single trip.
• Some folks are most interested in the educational aspect of learning about the area they’re hiking through.
• Some guests join our guided tours for the ease and convenience of letting us handle the logistics so they can focus 100% on enjoying the hiking experience.
• For most of our guests it’s a combination of some or all of these points that they join our trips

JOIN A MOUNTAIN OR CANYON TREK?

Generally, our backpacking tours can be categorized by mountain trips and canyon trips. Mountain trips are in places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National Park, the North Cascades, Great Smoky Mountains…etc. Canyon trips are in places like Grand Canyon, Sedona, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Death Valley, Canyonlands…etc. Mountain trips feature forests, meadows, rivers, lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, wildlife, and often higher elevation hiking. Canyon trips feature desert oases, arches, desert viewpoints, geological phenomena, cultural history, and wonderful winter and shoulder season temperatures. Many of our return guests alternate between mountain backpacking trips and canyon backpacking trips, experience the best of both worlds! Read more below for more information about where to go at which time of year!

WHEN TO GO ON A TRIP

This is a very common question, and not one easily answered. The better question is probably, “I’d like to go on a backpacking trip in {month or season}; where should I go?” If you’d like to go in the spring, then it’s best to look toward canyon and high desert destinations like the  Grand Staircase-Escalante  or  Canyonlands  in Utah, the  Grand Canyon ,  Southern California , and the  Great Smoky Mountains  (Smokies are a mountain destination but at lower elevation). Summer is best in the mountains – destinations like  Yellowstone ,  Rocky Mountain National Park ,  Yosemite  and  the Pacific Northwest . Fall can still be great in the mountains (usually through September), and then in October and November the canyon and high desert destinations are going to be better. Finally, winter is best in desert areas like Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree and Death Valley. Still have questions? Give us a call at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to learn more!

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

There are several basic things to be aware of, whether you’re joining a guided trip or doing it on your own:

• First, bring the right  clothing and equipment . This is absolutely critical. In the mountains or in the desert in spring, fall and winter you’ll want to have plenty of non-cotton clothing. In the desert in the summer months, you’ll want to have cotton clothing. Waterproof/breathable rain gear is essential, as are solid footwear, good and light backpacking tent, warm sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water filter or treatment, first-aid kit and more. If in doubt, join a  guided trip  to make sure you’re prepared.
• Second, know where you’re going and have a  good map  plus the ability to read it and orient yourself on it.
• Third, be aware of possible medical situations like  heat stroke ,  hypothermia  and  hyponatremia . Know the symptoms, how to avoid them, and what to do if you or a companion begin to show symptoms.
• Fourth, have an emergency communication device.  Inreach Explorers  are light, affordable and offer GPS texting as well as one touch emergency notification capabilities and GPS location tracking.
• Finally, tell someone where you’re going and when you’re going to return.

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Hiking & Backpacking Tours

• Destinations
• United States
• Hiking & Backpacking Tours

When it comes to immersing yourself in the great outdoors, nothing beats camping in the wilderness beneath a sky full of sparkling stars.

Have all the fun of an adventurous outdoor experience without any of the organizational hassle by embarking on a  hiking & backpacking tour  through some of the  USA’s most captivating landscapes  – the Intrepid way. Take in the sights of national treasures like  Zion National Park , Joshua Tree National Park, and Olympic National Park during the day, and at night, help your guide set up camp, swap stories with your fellow travelers, and let the sounds of Mother Nature slowly sing you to sleep. Simply put, unforgettable doesn’t even begin to describe it. 

Backpacking vs base camp vs hut-to-hut

Backpacking

Our backpacking trips are all about switching off and getting back to basics. Say goodbye to running water, and hello to cathole toilets! Carrying a backpack loaded with camping gear, personal items and group supplies, you’ll hike through untamed backcountry and set up a new camp each day with your group. Two words: pack light.

Our base camp trips are perfect if you don’t want to lug a backpack around, or if you'd prefer to camp with a few extra creature comforts. After enjoying daily hikes on front country trails, you’ll return to the same campsite each day equipped with proper toilets, showers, bigger tents and a camp kitchen.

If you’re an adventurous type who also likes sleeping on a real mattress (we don't blame you), our hut-to-hut trips could be for you. You’ll still need to carry your backpack as you hike through the backcountry, but you’ll stay in huts each night that range from basic bunkhouses to comfortable motels depending on the trip.

Our backpacking tours

Hiking and backpacking in yellowstone, 4 days from 1605.

See the best of Yellowstone on an Intrepid small group hiking and camping adventure...

Hiking and Backpacking Yellowstone's Bechler River Traverse

5 days from 2045.

Avoid the crowds and see the best of Southern Yellowstone National Park’s backcountry...

Hiking and Backpacking North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains

3 days from 1070.

Discover great trails, incredible views, spectacular summits and more on a small group...

Our base camp tours

Hiking and camping in zion, 3 days from 1560.

Experience Utah’s most famous national park as a standalone canyon country experience...

Hiking and Camping in Joshua Tree

4 days from 1775.

Experience Joshua Tree’s surreal landscapes, cool oases, and famous Joshua Trees on a 4...

Hiking and Camping in Yellowstone

5 days from 2230.

See the best of this iconic national park on five spectacularly diverse, hand-picked...

Hiking and Camping in Utah

6 days from 2360.

Experience Utah’s most famous national park destinations and see the best of Zion,...

Our hut-to-hut tours 

Hike new hampshire's appalachian trail and presidential peaks, 4 days from 1895.

Spend an incredible 4 days hiking the highest mountains in New Hampshire, the...

Highlights of our hiking & backpacking tours

Take in the sights of Yellowstone National Park

Leave the busy roads and noisy sounds of everyday life behind as you embark on an adventure through one of the USA’s most beloved parks. Brimming with epic natural features, Yellowstone National Park boasts landscapes that need to be seen to be believed and luckily for you, you’ll get to see them all on hikes during the day before resting your body and camping out under the stars every night. 

Marvel at the natural wonders in Yosemite

If you’re searching for remarkable sights that’ll give your camera its hardest workout yet, then search no longer – Yosemite National Park’s North Rim offers all that and so much more. Perfect for both outdoor enthusiasts and hardcore hikers, this trail boasts giant waterfalls, majestic peaks, and flower-filled meadows you’re bound to ooh and ahh over. And at night, set up camp, enjoy a hearty meal, and fall asleep under the night sky’s twinkling stars. 

Explore Utah's wild west

Picture this: you wake up to the peaceful sounds of Mother Nature and have your morning coffee surrounded by spring-fed creeks, huge canyons and colourful cliffs. Spend six days hiking in Utah ’s most iconic national parks and watch these otherworldly landscapes come alive. Trek through Bryce Canyon’s awe-inspiring “hoodoos” and natural amphitheatres, wade through the rushing waters of Zion’s slot canyons, and explore the labyrinth of potholes, arches, and grottos in the dreamy Escalante. 

Hike the Appalachian Trail

Explore one of the most beautiful sections of the Appalachian Trail on a three-day backcountry adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll journey deep into the wilderness of the Cradle of Forestry, wind through postcard-perfect grassy meadows and witness the majestic cascades of Looking Glass Falls – maybe jumping in for a swim to cool down. The best part? You’ll camp on the summit of the spectacular Shining Rock and enjoy lunch on huge ledges overlooking the rolling plains of Ivestor Gap.

Popular US National Parks

Our  US National Park Tours  offer something for all kinds of adventurers, explore our range below.

Yosemite National Park

Yellowstone National Park

Denali National Park

Grand Canyon National Park

Zion National Park

Glacier National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Badlands National Park

Death Valley National Park

Arches National Park

Olympic National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Winter hiking and snowshoeing tours

Walking and trekking tours

Our hiking & backpacking tour reviews, essential info & faqs, what's the range of backpacking and hiking trips available.

We offer a wide range of all-inclusive backpacking and hiking tours in some of the USA's best national parks and scenic trails. Apart from getting yourself to the meeting point and bringing your personal items, everything is organised and provided for you including an expert hiking guide, permits and fees, meals, and most camping and hiking gear. Our trips range from base camp tours that include easy to moderate day hikes on front country trails to multi-day backpacking or hut-to-hut adventures in high mountains and backcountry routes. 

What do I have to carry when we hike?

On our backpacking and hut-to-hut tours you'll need to carry a backpack that weighs between 25-45 lbs (11-20 kg) depending on the itinerary and season. It'll be loaded will be with your personal items (clothing, camera, toiletries, water bladder, etc), camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc), and a portion of the group's food supplies or camping gear. Base camp tours are a bit different – we'll return to the same campsite each day so you can leave your main bag at camp. You'll still need a small daypack to carry your water bottle, snacks, camera and any other essential items while we're out hiking. 

Should I bring/pack anything special?

We'll provide you with camping gear including a daypack, trekking poles, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow. Essentials you'll need to bring from home include a three-litre water bladder or bottle, hiking clothes and boots, headlamp, toiletries and medication, camera and any other personal items you might need. Just remember, it's no fun lugging a really heavy bag around so try to pack as light as possible. 

How fit do I need to be to join?

While our range of backpacking and hiking trips differ in difficulty, it is recommended that you have a reasonable level of fitness so that the tour's enjoyable and you can get the most out of your holiday. To do this, try participating in some form of physical activity (such as long walks, running, cycling, etc) at least six weeks out from your trip. It's also a good idea to do some shorter test hikes with a backpack or something similar so you can become comfortable carrying your gear when the trip comes. 

To help you choose the trip with the right level of difficulty, our team will forward an assessment form to you at the time of booking, and we will be open to discussing your choice and making suggestions if need be. You won't be confirmed for the trip until your form has been received and reviewed. 

What sort of safety precautions are taken?

We value the safety of our customers, staff and fellow travellers very highly so you can rest assured that you'll be safe throughout the duration of your trip. Our leaders are well-trained and experienced (as well as insured) and don't cut corners when it comes to the wellbeing and safety of others. This means we only take well-researched trails and listen to all safety warnings when it comes to changing weather conditions. 

Do I need special insurance for backpacking trips?

The short answer is no and yes - you won't need any extra insurance to cover any additional or technical activities that come with a backpacking and hiking trip but you will need to have an insurance policy that covers activities such as hiking and trekking. To make sure you're appropriately covered, we recommend presenting your insurer with the trip's itinerary.

Are backpacking and hiking trips accessible?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a backpacking and hiking trip?

Travellers on this particular trip are not required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. However, any guest who has been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19, or who develops flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, body aches/chills, recent loss of taste or smell), or who tests positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of their scheduled trip will not be allowed to join the trip without a negative COVID-19 test result.

Read more about North America

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Your dream backpacking trips are waiting for you.  Find and explore new hiking trails and backpacking routes across the country with advice,  adventure travel stories , topo maps,  photography , and more from the experts at Backpacker.

The Best Hikes in America

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Here’s a little-known secret: the Cornhusker State is full of untapped adventure

Nebraska Tourism

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Explore Asheville

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"https://www.backpacker.com/collection/endless-adventure/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "endless adventure"}}'> endless adventure, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/collection/thru-hiking-for-beginners/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "thru-hiking for beginners"}}'> thru-hiking for beginners, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/guided-hikes-around-the-world/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 rugged guided treks every backpacker should do before they die"}}'> 5 rugged guided treks every backpacker should do before they die, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-state/new-hampshire-trails/how-to-hike-mount-washington-safely/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "mount washington is a beautiful—but deadly—hike. here’s how to do it safely."}}'> mount washington is a beautiful—but deadly—hike. here’s how to do it safely., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/best-backpacking-campsites-car-camping-in-america/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "these 44 campsites are the coolest places you’ll ever sleep"}}'> these 44 campsites are the coolest places you’ll ever sleep, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-national-park/best-national-park-hikes-for-backpackers/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "8 iconic national park hikes you need to add to your bucket list"}}'> 8 iconic national park hikes you need to add to your bucket list, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/fjallraven-classic-sweden-adventure/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "sweden’s fjällräven classic is an epic arctic adventure that any hiker can do"}}'> sweden’s fjällräven classic is an epic arctic adventure that any hiker can do, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-state/colorado-trails/best-hikes-in-boulder-colorado/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the best hikes in boulder, colorado"}}'> the best hikes in boulder, colorado, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-state/south-dakota-trails/adventure-under-the-radar-in-south-dakota/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "adventure under the radar in south dakota"}}'> adventure under the radar in south dakota.

Travel South Dakota

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/total-eclipse-hiking-trail/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Watch This April’s Total Eclipse From These 13 Scenic Trails"}}'> Watch This April’s Total Eclipse From These 13 Scenic Trails

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-state/colorado-trails/longs-peak-hiking-tips/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "14 things to know before hiking longs peak"}}'> 14 things to know before hiking longs peak, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/hike-ancient-old-growth-forest/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "hike among the world’s oldest trees in these 5 spectacular forests"}}'> hike among the world’s oldest trees in these 5 spectacular forests, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/5-backpacking-trails-for-the-whole-family/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 kid-friendly trails to bring your family backpacking"}}'> 5 kid-friendly trails to bring your family backpacking, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/this-remote-island-is-a-treasure-trove-of-otherworldly-hiking-trails/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "this remote island is a treasure trove of otherworldly hiking trails"}}'> this remote island is a treasure trove of otherworldly hiking trails, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-state/california-trails/america-s-hardest-dayhikes/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the 10 hardest dayhikes in america"}}'> the 10 hardest dayhikes in america, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/the-3-best-beach-backpacking-trails-in-pacific-northwest/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the 3 best beach backpacking trails in the pacific northwest"}}'> the 3 best beach backpacking trails in the pacific northwest, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/weekend-thru-hikes/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 mini thru-hikes you can do in a long weekend"}}'> 5 mini thru-hikes you can do in a long weekend, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/winter-thru-hikes-ocean-to-lake-trans-county-trail-lone-star/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "can’t wait until spring do these 3 short thru-hikes this winter"}}'> can’t wait until spring do these 3 short thru-hikes this winter, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/most-popular-hiking-permits-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how to land the most popular hiking permits in 2024"}}'> how to land the most popular hiking permits in 2024, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/5-most-peaceful-hiking-trails-in-the-us/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "calm your mind on these 5 peaceful trails"}}'> calm your mind on these 5 peaceful trails, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/6-best-trails-for-your-first-solo-backpacking-trip/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "6 perfect trails for your first solo backpacking trip"}}'> 6 perfect trails for your first solo backpacking trip, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-national-park/the-101-best-miles-of-hiking-in-the-national-parks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the 101 best miles of hiking in the national parks"}}'> the 101 best miles of hiking in the national parks, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/7-best-hiking-trails-in-patagonia/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the 7 wildest hiking trails in patagonia"}}'> the 7 wildest hiking trails in patagonia, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/best-hikes-every-month-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the best hiking destinations for every month in 2024"}}'> the best hiking destinations for every month in 2024, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/5-dream-worthy-dayhikes-to-add-to-your-bucket-list/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 dayhikes you need to add to your bucket list"}}'> 5 dayhikes you need to add to your bucket list, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/5-trails-backpacker-editors-have-on-their-bucket-lists/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "these are the 5 hikes backpacker editors dream of doing"}}'> these are the 5 hikes backpacker editors dream of doing, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/best-bucket-list-hikes-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 epic hiking quests to go on in 2024"}}'> 5 epic hiking quests to go on in 2024, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/for-hikers-alaskas-ferries-are-a-slow-boat-to-big-adventure/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "for hikers, alaska’s ferries are a slow boat to big adventure"}}'> for hikers, alaska’s ferries are a slow boat to big adventure, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/backpackers-most-popular-trips-stories-of-2023/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "backpacker’s 5 top trips stories of 2023"}}'> backpacker’s 5 top trips stories of 2023, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/these-are-the-best-hikes-backpackers-editors-did-in-2023/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the 6 best hikes backpacker’s editors did in 2023"}}'> the 6 best hikes backpacker’s editors did in 2023, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/hiking-the-england-coast-path/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "moving from colorado to london was a shock. hiking the coast kept me grounded."}}'> moving from colorado to london was a shock. hiking the coast kept me grounded., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/why-australias-northern-territory-belongs-on-your-bucket-list/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "why australia’s northern territory belongs on your bucket list"}}'> why australia’s northern territory belongs on your bucket list.

Tourism Northern Territory

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/4-american-hut-to-hut-hikes-you-can-do-without-a-passport/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "4 American Hut-to-Hut Hikes You Can Do Without a Passport"}}'> 4 American Hut-to-Hut Hikes You Can Do Without a Passport

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/if-youve-never-hiked-in-snow-before-you-need-to-try-these-4-trails/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "if you’ve never hiked in snow before, you need to try these 4 trails"}}'> if you’ve never hiked in snow before, you need to try these 4 trails, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/heli-hiking-in-the-canadian-rockies/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "heli-hiking showed me a new side of the backcountry"}}'> heli-hiking showed me a new side of the backcountry, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/new-triple-crown-best-long-trails-north-america/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the new triple crown: meet the next best long trails"}}'> the new triple crown: meet the next best long trails, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/best-two-week-hiking-trails-backpacking-trips/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "notch your first two-week hike on these idyllic trails"}}'> notch your first two-week hike on these idyllic trails, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/enter-australias-northern-territory-trip-giveaway/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "win a trip to australia’s northern territory"}}'> win a trip to australia’s northern territory, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-state/hawaii-trails/hike-mauna-kea/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "hike mauna kea: the expert guide to hiking hawaii’s highest point"}}'> hike mauna kea: the expert guide to hiking hawaii’s highest point, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/half-dome-trail-relationship-test-yosemite/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "want to test your relationship hike half dome with your partner."}}'> want to test your relationship hike half dome with your partner., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/go-on-a-spooky-hike-at-these-haunted-national-parks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "go on a spooky hike at these haunted national parks"}}'> go on a spooky hike at these haunted national parks, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/collection/best-fall-hikes/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "have an all-time fall hiking season with these tips and trips"}}'> have an all-time fall hiking season with these tips and trips, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/channel-islands-best-hiking-trails/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "explore the “galapagos islands of the north” on these 8 epic hikes"}}'> explore the “galapagos islands of the north” on these 8 epic hikes, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/want-the-best-view-of-this-months-annular-eclipse-hike-these-trails/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "want the best view of this month’s annular eclipse hike these trails"}}'> want the best view of this month’s annular eclipse hike these trails, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/ask-a-thru-hiker-can-i-thru-hike-without-camping/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ask a thru-hiker: can i thru-hike without camping"}}'> ask a thru-hiker: can i thru-hike without camping, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/4-perfect-trails-for-a-week-long-backpacking-trip/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "4 perfect trails for a week-long backpacking trip"}}'> 4 perfect trails for a week-long backpacking trip, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/microdose-adventure-with-these-10-tiny-urban-trails/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "microdose adventure with these 10 tiny urban trails"}}'> microdose adventure with these 10 tiny urban trails, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/trips-by-state/arkansas-trails/hiking-ozark-highlands-trail-arkansas/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "i hiked across the ozarks looking for adventure—and got more than i bargained for"}}'> i hiked across the ozarks looking for adventure—and got more than i bargained for, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/how-to-explore-germanys-natural-wonders/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "how to explore germany’s natural wonders"}}'> how to explore germany’s natural wonders.

German National Tourist Board

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/best-hiking-trails-outside-of-yosemite/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "The 5 Best Hiking Trails Just Outside Yosemite National Park"}}'> The 5 Best Hiking Trails Just Outside Yosemite National Park

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/the-10-most-beautiful-hikes-in-u-s-national-forests/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the 10 most beautiful hikes in u.s. national forests"}}'> the 10 most beautiful hikes in u.s. national forests, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/the-midwest-is-full-of-good-backpacking-yes-really/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the midwest is full of good backpacking. yes, really."}}'> the midwest is full of good backpacking. yes, really., >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/the-sustainable-travel-guide-to-adventures-in-michigan/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the sustainable travel guide to adventures in michigan"}}'> the sustainable travel guide to adventures in michigan.

Pure Michigan

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/alternatives-to-permit-hikes/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "So You Didn’t Get That Coveted Permit. Here’s Where To Hike Instead."}}'> So You Didn’t Get That Coveted Permit. Here’s Where To Hike Instead.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/maine-the-adventure-guide/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "maine: the adventure guide"}}'> maine: the adventure guide.

Visit Maine

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/collection/short-summer-thru-hikes/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "You Can Still Complete a Thru-Hike This Summer On These (Not Too) Long Trails"}}'> You Can Still Complete a Thru-Hike This Summer On These (Not Too) Long Trails

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/go-camping-without-a-tent-at-these-3-destinations/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "go camping without a tent at these 3 destinations"}}'> go camping without a tent at these 3 destinations, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/collection/skip-the-crowds-on-these-summer-national-park-adventures/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "skip the crowds on these summer national park adventures"}}'> skip the crowds on these summer national park adventures, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/redding-california-best-hiking-trails/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "escape the national park crowds and hit these 6 trails near ‘the sunniest city in california’ instead"}}'> escape the national park crowds and hit these 6 trails near ‘the sunniest city in california’ instead, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/adventure-travel/the-13-best-hut-to-hut-hikes-in-the-world/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the 13 best hut-to-hut hikes in the world"}}'> the 13 best hut-to-hut hikes in the world, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/trips/raise-a-glass-to-protecting-seagrass/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "raise a glass to protecting seagrass"}}'> raise a glass to protecting seagrass.

Plymouth Gin

9 Stunning Backpacking Trips in the U.S. You Should Know About

This article on the best backpacking trips in the U.S. is brought to you by Gregory , the makers of hiking backpacks that are tough enough for day hikes, weekend trips and thru-hiking adventures.

Backpack camping—an approach that involves hiking to your campsite, usually carrying a hefty backpack of gear with you—isn’t for everyone. The KOA North American Camping Report of 2019 supports that statement; while camping popularity in the U.S. has overall reached new heights among a wider audience of households in recent years, those new campers are generally drawn to car camping, glamping, and the more convenient destinations. Which means that backpacking continues to offer an escape from the crowds.

Venture out on a backcountry trail in any crowded national park and you’ll find the crowds all but disappear, just a few miles in. If you bring your camping supplies with you, a secluded, quiet camping experience awaits you in the wilderness.

The best backpacking trips in the U.S. span a range of experience levels. Once you’ve collected your gear (with some help from our backpacking checklist ), it’s time to pick a trail.

9 Bucket List Backpacking Trips in the U.S.

Photo Courtesy of William Saunders

This list of backpacking trips in the U.S. offer a range of accessibility depending on your skills and experience. No matter the experience level required, they’re all stunning and enjoyable. Researching this backpacking resource definitely made us want to get away from our computers and hit all of these trails.

1. The Lost Coast Trail —Northern California

Length: 24 miles Elevation Change: 1,542 feet Days: 2-4 Trailheads: Mattole Beach, Black Sands Beach

California’s Golden Coast gets visitors galore, with hotspots mostly south of the Bay Area. But head north, beyond the hillside mansions where the famous Pacific Coast Highway disconnects from the coastline, and you’ll find the Lost Coast Trail along the state’s King Range National Conservation Area. As a wilderness trail along some of the state’s rockiest beach terrain, this backpacking trip is relatively short, but the rock scrambles and sand dunes along the way make challenge and rewarding option for beginners.

Backpacking this trail requires an overnight permit from the Bureau of Land Management, available online from Recreation.gov. The trail is best done via a shuttle service between the two trailheads, as either route is point-to-point.

2. The North Coast Route —Olympic National Park,Washington

Length: 20 miles Elevation Change: 200 feet Days: 2-4 Trailheads: Rialto Beach, Ozette Campground

Positioned along the coastal portion of Washington’s Olympic National Park, this 20-mile backpacking trail is an ideal entry point for inexperienced backpackers with a penchant for seaside views. Backpackers will find a relatively flat shoreline and fair weather seasonally along this trail, ideal for a long weekend backpacking trip on the Olympic Peninsula. With one of the lowest elevation gains on this list, hikers looking to test their distance-per-day will find a perfect path ahead.

Camping along the trail is done at established campgrounds between the trailheads, and no permit is needed for the hike itself. Keep your eyes peeled for tidepools teeming with life, as much of the coast’s rocky shore plays host to underwater life.

3. Lake Aloha Trail —Central California

Length: 12 miles Elevation Change: 1,873 feet Days: 2-3 Trailheads: Echo Lake Trailhead

The Lake Aloha trail, on the southern end of California’s Lake Tahoe, is seemingly custom built for entry-level backpackers interested in a postcard-worthy view. A hike along this 12-mile loop trail takes you along a number of alpine lakes in the Desolation Wilderness, and brings you up 1,800 feet in total. Take a leisurely pace to make the incline portion much easier, and after a long sweaty hike, take a swim in Lake Aloha, where there’s dispersed camping along a ridge nearby.

Since this is one of the best backpacking trips in the U.S., snagging a reservation for camping in the area can be tough—look to plan this trip early in the off-season, and expect to check online regularly for openings. Campfires are never allowed in the Desolation Wilderness, and campers should check out safety tips from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit .

The Timberline Trail

4. Mount Sterling Loop Trail (Via Low Gap) —Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Length: 28.5 miles Elevation Change: 8,110 feet Days: 4-5 Trailheads: Low Gap Trailhead, Big Creek Trailhead

Situated in the country’s most visited national park, the Mount Sterling Loop Trail offers an intermediate-level backpacking trip to the peak of one of the tallest points in the park. Hike from the Low Gap trailhead in Crosby, NC and pass through old growth forests—crossing state lines into Tennessee on your way. You’ll follow the Big Creek to the summit of Mount Sterling, where you’ll come across a firetower, built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps—perfect for getting sweeping views of the misty mountains. Continue on from the summit and you’ll complete a loop around the mountain, circling back to the Low Gap Trailhead. The total 8,000+ elevation gain is subtle on the majority of the trail, although some points climb sharply via switchbacks as you begin to circle the mountain.

As part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , backcountry camping on this trail requires a backcountry permit from the park office, alone with reservations made in advance for campgrounds/shelters along the way. More information on reservations and permits can be found from the park’s Backcountry Office at 865-436-1297.

5. Timberline Trail —Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

Length: 38.3 miles Elevation Change: 9,000 feet Days: 4-5 Trailheads: Timberline Lodge

Mount Hood is one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders, an active volcano just about an hour outside of Portland. While many make a point to visit the mountain’s cozy Timberline Lodge, backpackers looking for a more scenic view of this monolith can venture out on the Timberline Trail which circles the mountain. Start from the parking lot of Timberline Lodge and head east or west on the trail to get started; you’ll traverse roughly 9,000 feet of elevation change over about four days. The loop will circle you back to Timberline Lodge, where you should relax apres-hike with a warm drink indoors.

This trail involves a decent amount of trail merges, so be careful when navigating that you don’t make a wrong turn on to various off-shoots. The Timberline Trail can be dangerous when inclement weather is present, as with any instance of high-elevation hiking, you should feel confident that your backpacking skills match the worst weather scenarios you might face. No permits are needed for the hike.

6. Cottonwood Marble Canyon Loop Trail —Death Valley National Park, California

Length: 26-28 miles Elevation Change: 5,613 feet Days: 3 Trailheads: Stovepipe Wells

With terrain and scenery pulled straight from Mars, hiking around Death Valley National Park (or the Mojave desert in general) is as interesting as it is intense. The Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop Trail takes backpackers through a dry and stark terrain, and requires more planning than a typical backpacking trip. The trail, running close to 30 miles in a loop, will connect from the Stovepipe Wells trailhead, and can take about 3 days. As with most desert backpacking, you must plan your trip around water resources—this trail offers a few natural streams at some campsites but water is scarce for the majority of the hike. Along with plenty of water, be sure to bring a water filter to refill when available.

Getting to the trailhead requires a 4WD vehicle at all times of the year, but no pre-planning for a permit is needed. Permits are available for free at visitor contact stations across the park. The challenge of this trail lies mainly in the difficult conditions of the desert, so be sure to read Death Valley National Park’s tips on planning this hike in advance.

The John Muir Trail

7. The John Muir Trail —California

Length: 221 Miles Elevation Change: cumulative 47,000 feet Days: 20-30 Trailheads: (Southbound) Happy Isles, Sunrise Lakes, Glacier Point, Lyell Canyon

Cutting more than 200 miles through central California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the John Muir Trail is as legendary as it is scenic. Plan for close to a month of hiking, camping, and exploring part of the state’s rocky, snow-spotted terrain, with an elevation gain more than 1.5 times the height of Mount Everest.

Getting yourself a backpacking permit for the John Muir Trail might be one of the hardest parts of this trip. Hikers should plan to enter the online lottery system as early as possible, about 24 weeks before your planned trip, or possible chance a first-come, first-served permit available from the ranger station. As well, hikers should plan out resupply stops at certain campsites and vantage points along the way.

8. The Wonderland Trail —Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Length: 93 miles Elevation Change: cumulative 22,000 feet Days: 12-14 Trailheads: Fryingpan Creek Trailhead

With so many amazing mountains to climb and trails to backpack in the Pacific Northwest, it’s hard to think there could be one trail that stands above the rest. At least in elevation, the Wonderland Trail around Washington’s Mount Rainier does just that, circling the PNW’s only mountain over 14,000 feet.

The trail itself isn’t as lengthy as other advanced backpacking trips, but serves as a short-but-tough alternative to many other trails. Climbing over 22,000 feet in cumulative elevation gain along the Wonderland Trail, you’ll enjoy dense evergreen forests and snowy peaks year-round.

The trail’s high elevation is a serious consideration as thin air can wear on hikers who aren’t used to these conditions. Take caution when beginning and ending the trip, as acclimation might be necessary for a comfortable hike. While specific permits aren’t required to thru-hike the trail, a general wilderness permit is required for backcountry camping along the way.

9. The Long Trail —Vermont

Length: 272 miles Elevation Change: cumulative 69,000 feet Days: 20-30 Trailheads: Appalachian Trail Vermont/Massachusetts, Journey’s End Road

While it may not rival some of the more scenic trails in the western U.S., Vermont’s Long Trail offers hikers a look at a stunning variety of nature along one of the greenest states east of the Mississippi River. Stretching 272 miles from the southern border with Massachusetts to the Canadian border to the north, the oldest thru-hiking trail in the United States spares no view of the Green Mountain State throughout. What this hike lacks in dramatic views akin to the western U.S., it makes up for in greenery and ease‚ with a relatively balanced elevation incline throughout. While trail conditions can get muddy starting in the late summer and early fall, hiking through the New England fall foliage is one of the most popular attractions for the backpacking trip. Finishing the trail from north to south or south to north earns you the title of “End-to-Ender,” a boast-worthy epithet you can share at the breweries along the trail .

Planning for this hike is pretty simple; no permits are required for hiking or camping along the way. The Green Mountain Club has maintained the trail since its establishment in 1930, and offer tips and guidebooks online and in print for hikers planning ahead.

This post was brought to you by our pals at Gregory . 

From small day hiking backpacks to top-of-the-line backpacking backpacks — Gregory has you covered!

Related Campgrounds:

• Clear Lake Campground , Mount Hood National Forest, OR
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Kevin Johnson

Kevin is the Assistant Editor for The Dyrt, with bylines in National Geographic Traveler and Atlas Obscura. Although originally from the swamps of Washington, D.C., he's now based in the trees of Portland. He's been interested in geography and travel since seeing his first map as a kid, and is now working toward seeing it all in person. You can find him exploring the coastal beaches or a record store in his free time.

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