The wild calls. You feel that pull, don’t you? That urge to ditch the desk, strap on a pack, and trade concrete for trail dust. Backpacking isn’t just hiking; it’s a deep dive into nature, a multi-day journey where your gear becomes your home and the stars your roof. It’s about self-reliance, breathtaking vistas, and the quiet satisfaction of carrying everything you need on your back.
But with countless trails crisscrossing the United States, how do you even begin to decide what are the best backpacking routes for your adventure? Do you crave towering peaks, red rock canyons, or endless forests? Are you dreaming of a challenging thru-hike or a scenic overnight escape? The options can feel overwhelming.
Don’t sweat it. We’re here to cut through the noise. This guide will walk you through the factors that make a route “best” for you, then unveil some of the most iconic and rewarding backpacking trails the U.S. has to offer. Your next epic journey starts right here.
Choosing Your Adventure: What Makes a Route “Best” for You?
“Best” is subjective. What thrills a seasoned thru-hiker might overwhelm a beginner. Before you start dreaming of specific peaks, consider your personal backpacking profile.
Experience Level: Know Your Limits (and Push Them Safely)
- Beginner: Look for well-maintained trails, established campgrounds (or easy-to-find dispersed sites), reliable water sources, and manageable daily mileage (5-8 miles). Overnights or 2-day trips are perfect for getting your feet wet.
- Intermediate: You’re comfortable with multi-day trips, navigating with a map, and handling varied terrain. You can tackle longer distances (8-15 miles/day) and some elevation gain. You might explore less-traveled areas or longer sections of major trails.
- Expert: You thrive on challenge. Think high mileage, significant elevation, remote areas, technical terrain, and off-trail navigation. You’re proficient in self-rescue and comfortable with unpredictable conditions.
Trip Length: From Overnight to Epic Thru-Hike
- Overnight/Weekend: Many incredible routes are perfect for a single night or a quick weekend escape. These are great for testing new gear, getting a quick dose of nature, or introducing new partners to backpacking.
- Multi-Day (3-7 days): This is the sweet spot for many, offering a true immersion into the backcountry without requiring a full sabbatical. You can cover significant ground and explore diverse landscapes.
- Thru-Hike (Weeks to Months): For the truly dedicated, iconic trails like the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, or Continental Divide Trail offer months of continuous hiking, testing mental and physical limits. You’ll need serious planning, dedication, and a flexible schedule.
Scenery & Environment: Pick Your Playground
The U.S. boasts an incredible range of landscapes. What inspires you?
- Mountains: Craggy peaks, alpine lakes, challenging ascents, sweeping panoramas (e.g., Sierras, Rockies, Cascades, Appalachians).
- Deserts: Unique flora and fauna, dramatic rock formations, vast open spaces, starry nights (e.g., Grand Canyon, Big Bend).
- Coasts: Ocean views, sea breezes, rugged cliffs, forest meeting the sea (e.g., Olympic Coast, Lost Coast).
- Forests: Dense woodlands, vibrant fall foliage, lush greenery, solitude (e.g., sections of the AT, national forests).
Solitude vs. Popularity: Find Your Tribe or Find Your Peace
- Popular Trails: Offer clear paths, often more reliable signage, and the chance to meet other hikers. This can be great for safety and camaraderie, but permits might be competitive, and campsites can be crowded.
- Remote/Less-Traveled Trails: Provide profound solitude and a deeper connection to wilderness. You’ll need stronger navigation skills, more self-sufficiency, and likely more stringent Leave No Trace practices.
Logistics: Permits, Accessibility, Water
- Permits: Many popular national parks and wilderness areas require permits, often issued via lottery months in advance. Research these early!
- Accessibility: How far is the trailhead? Is public transport an option? What about shuttles for point-to-point hikes?
- Water Sources: Crucial for any trip. Research water availability and plan your carrying capacity and purification methods accordingly.
Season & Weather: Timing is Everything
- Best Time to Go: Each trail has an optimal season. High-altitude trails are best in summer; desert trails are better in spring/fall. Research average temperatures, snowpack, and insect activity.
- Prepare for Anything: Mountain weather is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, bring layers to stay warm while camping and rain gear.
Iconic US Backpacking Routes: Must-Experience Trails
Ready for some inspiration? These routes consistently rank among the best in the U.S., offering unforgettable experiences for various skill levels.
1. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – Section Hikes
- Location: California, Oregon, Washington
- Why it’s great: Spanning 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, the PCT is a thru-hiker’s dream. But you don’t need months off. Section hiking offers diverse ecosystems from the arid deserts of Southern California to the majestic volcanoes of the Cascade Range. Think vast mountain ranges, dense forests, and alpine lakes.
- Considerations: Permits are required for many sections, especially within national parks. Water can be scarce in desert sections. High elevations demand good physical conditioning.
2. John Muir Trail (JMT)
- Location: Sierra Nevada, California
- Why it’s great: Often called “America’s Most Beautiful Trail,” the 211-mile JMT runs from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, taking you through the heart of the High Sierra. Expect granite peaks, turquoise lakes, lush meadows, and dramatic passes. It’s a truly classic experience.
- Considerations: Highly competitive permits are required. The season is short (typically July-September due to snow). Significant elevation gain and loss make it physically demanding.
3. Appalachian Trail (AT) – Section Hikes
- Location: Maine to Georgia (East Coast)
- Why it’s great: The AT, stretching over 2,190 miles, offers a different kind of beauty – ancient, rolling mountains, deep forests, and a rich history. Section hikers can choose from diverse terrains, from the rocky challenges of Maine to the gentler (but still strenuous) climbs of North Carolina.
- Considerations: Humidity and mosquitoes can be intense in summer. Water sources are generally plentiful. Popular sections can be crowded, especially around shelters.
4. Wonderland Trail
- Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Why it’s great: This challenging 93-mile loop circumnavigates active volcano Mount Rainier, offering ever-changing views of glaciers, wildflowers, and waterfalls. You’ll gain and lose thousands of feet in elevation daily, crossing roaring rivers. It’s a true alpine immersion.
- Considerations: Very challenging and physically demanding. Permits are extremely competitive and often require applying months in advance via lottery. The season is short, typically late July to early September.
5. Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
- Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Why it’s great: Descending into the Grand Canyon is an experience unlike any other. The classic Rim-to-Rim (about 24 miles one-way, often done over 2-3 days) takes you from the North Rim to the South Rim (or vice versa), revealing layers of geological history. Stunning vistas, unique desert flora, and the mighty Colorado River await.
- Considerations: Extreme heat (temperatures can reach 120°F in summer). Water is scarce; plan your refills carefully. Permits for overnight stays are highly competitive. It’s a strenuous descent followed by an even more strenuous ascent.
6. Teton Crest Trail
- Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
- Why it’s great: Often cited as one of the most scenic trails in the U.S., the ~40-mile Teton Crest Trail traverses the high alpine terrain of the Teton Range. Expect breathtaking panoramic views of jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and vibrant wildflower meadows. Wildlife sightings (moose, elk, bears) are common.
- Considerations: High elevation and significant climbing. Permits are very competitive. Be bear aware and know how to use bear spray. The season is short, typically late July through September.
7. Big Bend National Park – Outer Mountain Loop
- Location: Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Why it’s great: For a unique desert backpacking experience, the 30-mile Outer Mountain Loop in Big Bend offers a rugged journey through diverse ecosystems, from the Chisos Mountains to the Chihuahuan Desert. You’ll find solitude, stark beauty, and incredible night skies. It’s a phenomenal option if you’re looking for hiking in Texas and want a multi-day adventure.
- Considerations: Extreme heat, especially outside of cooler months (winter/early spring are best). Water sources are extremely limited and require careful planning and caching. This is a route for experienced desert backpackers.
Essential Backpacking Tips for Any Route
No matter which route you choose, a successful backpacking trip relies on solid planning and responsible practices.
Planning & Permits: Your Trip’s Foundation
- Research, Research, Research: Don’t just pick a trail from a list. Dive deep into specific trail conditions, current weather, water availability, and route finding challenges.
- Permits: Check national park, forest, or wilderness area websites well in advance. Many popular trails use lottery systems. Book early!
- Itinerary: Plan your daily mileage, water stops, and potential campsites. Be realistic about your pace.
Gear Essentials: Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Lightweight backpacking is a philosophy, not just a trend. Less weight means more enjoyment. Make sure to have a complete hiking checklist.
- The “Ten Essentials”: Always carry these, no matter the trip length:
- Navigation (map, compass, GPS/phone with offline maps – know how to read a topographic map)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat)
- First aid kit
- Knife or multi-tool
- Fire starter (matches, lighter)
- Shelter (emergency blanket, tent)
- Extra food (hiking snacks)
- Extra water (and purification method)
- Extra layers/clothing (check out our guide on best camping clothes for comfort and durability)
- Shelter: A lightweight tent, tarp, or bivy.
- Sleeping System: Sleeping bag rated for expected lows, and a sleeping pad for insulation and comfort.
- Cook System: Backpacking stove, fuel, pot, spork. Don’t forget your coffee ritual, perhaps even trying cowboy coffee for an authentic backcountry brew.
- Backpack: Sized appropriately for your trip length and gear.
Physical Preparation: Get Trail-Ready
Even if you’re generally active, specific training helps prevent injury and enhances enjoyment. Learn how to train for hiking effectively.
- Cardio: Running, cycling, swimming.
- Strength Training: Focus on legs, core, and back.
- Practice Hikes: Go on progressively longer hikes with a weighted pack. Include elevation gain if possible.
Leave No Trace: Protect Our Wild Places
This is crucial. Backpacking impacts the environment; minimize your footprint.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know regulations, pack appropriate gear.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to trails, camp in established sites. If engaging in primitive camping, be extra mindful of your impact.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out (including food scraps). Bury human waste.
- Leave What You Find: Don’t take natural objects or disturb cultural artifacts.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use established fire rings, keep fires small, burn wood completely, drown fires thoroughly.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance, don’t feed animals.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Yield to uphill hikers, keep noise down.
Learn more about these principles from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics at LNT.org.
Safety: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
- Weather: Check forecasts before and during your trip. Be prepared for sudden changes.
- Wildlife: Know about local wildlife (bears, mountain lions, snakes) and how to react. Store food properly.
- Emergency Plan: Tell someone your itinerary, expected return, and what to do if you don’t check in. Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger in remote areas.
Beyond the Classics: Finding Your Niche Trail
The famous routes are amazing, but don’t overlook the hidden gems!
- Local Gems: Explore state parks, national forests, and local wilderness areas. You might find incredible trails closer to home with fewer crowds.
- Theme-Based Adventures: Look for trails known for waterfalls, specific geological features, historical significance, or unique ecosystems.
- Apps & Online Resources: Apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, and websites for national parks and forests are invaluable for discovering and researching routes. Read recent trail reports to get up-to-date conditions.
Conclusion: Your Backpacking Journey Starts Now!
The question, “What are the best backpacking routes?” has endless answers, all pointing to incredible experiences waiting for you in the U.S. From the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the ancient forests of the Appalachians, a perfect trail exists for every skill level and dream.
Your ultimate adventure is out there. Pick a route that ignites your spirit, plan meticulously, pack responsibly, and embrace the wild. The trail is calling – answer it.
FAQ Section
Q1: How do I choose the right backpacking route for my skill level?
Start by honestly assessing your fitness, outdoor experience, and comfort with navigation. Beginners should opt for shorter, well-maintained trails with clear signage and reliable water sources. Intermediate backpackers can look for longer distances or slightly more challenging terrain. Experts can tackle remote, high-elevation, or off-trail routes. Always choose a route that pushes you slightly, but doesn’t put you in over your head.
Q2: What permits do I need for popular backpacking routes?
Many popular backpacking routes, especially those within national parks and designated wilderness areas, require permits for overnight stays. These permits often limit the number of people on the trail to protect the wilderness and provide a quality experience. Research the specific trail and park website months in advance, as lotteries are common for high-demand routes like the John Muir Trail or the Wonderland Trail.
Q3: How do I prepare physically for a multi-day backpacking trip?
Physical preparation is key. Focus on building endurance with cardio activities like running, cycling, or swimming. Incorporate strength training for your legs, core, and back. Most importantly, go on practice hikes with a weighted backpack, gradually increasing distance and elevation. This will help you get used to carrying weight and identify any gear issues before your main trip.
Q4: What’s the difference between hiking and backpacking?
While often used interchangeably, there’s a key distinction. “Hiking” typically refers to day trips where you return to your starting point by evening. You carry a day pack with essentials. “Backpacking,” on the other hand, involves multi-day trips where you carry all your overnight gear (tent, sleeping bag, food, cooking supplies) on your back, spending one or more nights in the backcountry. It’s a more immersive experience. For a deeper dive, read our article on trekking vs hiking.
Q5: What gear is absolutely essential for any backpacking trip?
Beyond the “Ten Essentials” (navigation, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire starter, shelter, extra food, extra water, extra layers), core gear includes a suitable backpack, a sleeping bag rated for expected temperatures, a sleeping pad for insulation and comfort, a lightweight tent or shelter, a backpacking stove and fuel, and a water filter/purifier. Always tailor your gear to the specific conditions and length of your trip.