The Ultimate Guide to the Best Backpacking Routes in the World

I’ll never forget the moment I realized I’d completely underestimated what “backpacking” meant to the weathered hiker sitting next to me at that mountain hut in Nepal. While I was talking about my three-day weekend trip to the local state park, he casually mentioned he’d been on the trail for six months, crossing three countries. That conversation completely shifted my perspective on what epic backpacking routes could offer—and just like training properly for high altitude hiking, understanding world-class routes requires careful preparation and realistic expectations.

Whether you’re planning your first multi-day adventure or dreaming of months-long expeditions across continents, the world offers incredible backpacking routes that will challenge your limits and reward you with unforgettable experiences. From the rugged wilderness of Patagonia to the ancient temples of Southeast Asia, here are the best backpacking routes that should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s radar. According to Outside Online, the most sought-after routes combine stunning natural beauty with challenging terrain and unique cultural experiences.

The Crown Jewels: World-Class Long-Distance Routes

John Muir Trail, California

The 211-mile John Muir Trail stands as America’s most celebrated backpacking route. Stretching from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, this trail showcases California’s High Sierra at its absolute finest. With 47,000 feet of elevation gain over 2-3 weeks, it’s considered the crown jewel of American backpacking.

The JMT passes through some of the most pristine wilderness areas in North America, including Yosemite National Park, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and John Muir Wilderness. The trail requires exceptional physical fitness and wilderness skills, as resupply points are limited and weather conditions can change rapidly at high elevation. Most hikers complete the trail in 15-20 days, though experienced ultralight backpackers have finished in as few as 10 days.

Key highlights:

• Passes through three national parks
  
• Best hiking season: July through September
  
• Requires a competitive permit system
  
• Advanced difficulty level
  
• Elevation range: 4,000 to 14,495 feet
  

Torres del Paine O Trek, Patagonia

Chile’s 136-kilometer O Trek offers nine days of the world’s most photogenic wilderness. This challenging circuit takes you past crystal-clear rivers, sculpted mountains, ancient forests, and the icy tongue of Grey Glacier. It’s particularly renowned among photographers for its diverse landscapes packed into a relatively compact route.

The route demands respect for Patagonian weather, which can shift from sunshine to hurricane-force winds within hours. Proper gear selection becomes critical, as temperatures can range from comfortable hiking weather to near-freezing conditions with driving rain or snow. The trail system includes a combination of camping sites and mountain refugios, allowing for different accommodation styles.

Planning considerations:

• Book camping sites and refugios 6-8 months in advance
  
• The weather can be extreme year-round.
  
• Requires technical gear for wind and rain protection
  
• Best season: November through March
  

Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming

Running 33-40 miles through Grand Teton National Park, this trail stays above treeline for much of its distance. The route offers expansive views of jagged peaks while dropping into beautiful canyons like South Fork Cascade Canyon and crossing Paintbrush Divide at 10,720 feet.

This high-altitude adventure requires careful timing, as snow can persist well into July at higher elevations. The trail connects several iconic landmarks, including Lake Solitude, Hurricane Pass, and Amphitheater Lake, each offering spectacular photography opportunities. Most backpackers complete the route in 4-6 days, depending on side trips and weather conditions.

International Adventures: Continental Backpacking Routes

The Banana Pancake Trail, Southeast Asia

This classic route through Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia remains one of the world’s most popular backpacking adventures. The trail gets its quirky name from the Western breakfast staple found in hostels throughout the region.

The route offers incredible cultural diversity, from Thailand’s bustling markets and pristine beaches to Vietnam’s mountain villages and Cambodia’s ancient temples. According to Lonely Planet, Southeast Asia provides the perfect introduction to international backpacking due to its well-developed tourist infrastructure and budget-friendly costs.

Essential route highlights:

• Average monthly cost: $1,000, including accommodation and food
  
• Best starting time: January for optimal weather patterns
  
• Minimum recommended duration: 3 months for full experience
  
• Extensions are possible to Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
  
• Rich cultural experiences and diverse culinary traditions
  

The Gringo Trail, Central and South America

Spanning 13 countries across Central and South America, this route attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers. The trail takes you through eight Central American countries and five South American nations, offering everything from volcano hikes in Guatemala to rainforest treks in Costa Rica and swimming with sea lions in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands.

This ambitious route combines natural wonders with deep cultural immersion, from Guatemala’s volcanic landscape to Peru’s ancient Inca sites. The diversity of ecosystems encountered ranges from cloud forests to coastal deserts to high-altitude plateaus, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Nature-focused experiences:

• Swimming with marine life in Ecuador’s Galapagos
  
• Active volcano climbing in Guatemala and Ecuador.
  
• Amazon rainforest exploration in multiple countries
  
• Budget: Around $1,000-1,500 per month, depending on the country
  
• Spanish language immersion opportunities throughout
  

Laugavegur-Skogar Trail, Iceland

This seven-day trek through Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes showcases black volcanic ash, frozen lava fields, gullies, canyons, valleys, glaciers, and waterfalls. It’s consistently ranked among the world’s best backpacking routes for its dramatic and diverse terrain.

The trail connects two of Iceland’s most spectacular regions, offering a geological journey through volcanic history. Hikers encounter steaming geothermal areas, colorful rhyolite mountains, and vast highland deserts that feel more like an alien planet than Earth. The route requires mountain huts for accommodation, as camping can be challenging due to weather conditions.

Epic Single-Country Routes

Kalalau Trail, Hawaii

The 18-kilometer Kalalau Trail along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast offers the ultimate coastal backpacking experience. This moderate two-day journey follows towering cliff walls covered in tropical foliage to reach a remote Hawaiian beach accessible only by foot or boat.

The trail presents unique challenges, including narrow ledges with dramatic drop-offs and stream crossings that can become dangerous during heavy rains. The reward is pristine Kalalau Beach, offering complete isolation in paradise with opportunities for snorkeling, waterfall exploration, and spectacular sunset viewing.

Special considerations:

• Limited to 60 camping permits per night
  
• Requires advance reservations through the Hawaii state parks
  
• No facilities at the beach—complete wilderness camping
  
• Weather-dependent stream crossings can be hazardous.
  

Kungsleden (The King’s Trail), Sweden

Sweden’s famous 440-kilometer trail through Lapland takes you through four national parks between Abisko and Hemavan. This route offers incredible flexibility — you can tackle individual sections or commit to the full month-long journey through Sweden’s dramatic mountainous landscape.

The trail showcases Sweden’s pristine wilderness, including vast plateaus, deep valleys, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. During the summer months, hikers experience the midnight sun phenomenon, while autumn brings spectacular northern lights displays. The well-maintained mountain hut system makes this route accessible to hikers of various experience levels.

La Ciudad Perdida (Lost City Trek), Colombia

This challenging 44-kilometer trek leads to a sacred archaeological site older than Machu Picchu. The combination of tropical heat, high humidity, dense jungle environment, and a final climb of 1,200 stone steps makes this one of the most physically demanding yet rewarding routes in South America.

The archaeological site, dating back to 800 AD, remains largely unexcavated and far less crowded than Peru’s famous Inca citadel. The four-day journey requires multiple river crossings, steep ascents through dense jungle, and the physical endurance to handle Colombia’s challenging tropical climate while carrying full backpacking gear.

Best Regional Routes in the United States

Pacific Crest Trail Sections

While the full PCT spans over 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada, strategic sections offer incredible experiences without the months-long commitment. These carefully selected segments provide the trail’s highlights while remaining accessible to working adventurers with limited time.

Premier PCT sections include:

• Crater Lake to Santiam Pass (84 miles): Oregon’s volcanic landscapes and pristine lakes
  
• Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass (67 miles): High Sierra granite domes and alpine meadows
  
• Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass (75 miles): Washington’s alpine wilderness and mountain lakes
  

Each section offers distinct ecosystems and challenges, from Oregon’s volcanic terrain to the granite sculptures of the Sierra Nevada and Washington’s temperate rainforests. These sections can typically be completed in 5-8 days, making them perfect for extended vacation adventures.

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim

This iconic three-day challenge combines the South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails for one of America’s most demanding desert backpacking experiences. The route showcases the Grand Canyon’s full majesty while testing your endurance against extreme elevation changes and desert conditions.

The journey descends 4,800 feet from the South Rim, crosses the Colorado River at Phantom Ranch, then climbs 5,800 feet to the North Rim before returning via the same route. Temperature variations can exceed 30 degrees between rim and river level, requiring careful gear selection and abundant water capacity for desert hiking.

Wonderland Trail, Washington

Circumnavigating Mount Rainier over 93 miles, this trail can be completed in 4-6 days by experienced hikers or extended for a more comfortable pace. The route offers incredible diversity, from old-growth temperate rainforests to subalpine meadows and dramatic glacier viewpoints.

The trail passes through multiple life zones, showcasing the Pacific Northwest’s ecological diversity. Hikers encounter massive glaciers, pristine alpine lakes, and some of the most spectacular wildflower displays in North America during peak season in July and August. The route requires advance permits and careful planning for resupply strategies.

Similar to understanding what primitive camping means for skill development, tackling challenging routes like the Wonderland Trail builds essential backcountry competence that serves adventurers throughout their outdoor careers.

Wind River Range, Wyoming

The Cirque of the Towers offers exceptional wilderness backpacking opportunities with stunning granite spires and pristine alpine lakes. This range provides some of the most remote and spectacular wilderness experiences in the lower 48 states, rivaling the Sierra Nevada for dramatic mountain scenery.

The area features over 40 peaks exceeding 13,000 feet in elevation, along with hundreds of pristine alpine lakes perfect for fishing and photography. The granite formations rival Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes while offering significantly fewer crowds and a true wilderness experience away from established trail systems.

Planning Your Epic Backpacking Adventure

Permit Systems and Advanced Planning

Many world-class routes require extensive advance planning due to popularity and environmental protection measures. Understanding permit systems and booking timelines becomes crucial for securing access to desired routes during optimal seasons.

Critical permit timelines by route:

• John Muir Trail: Highly competitive lottery system opens 24 weeks in advance
  
• Torres del Paine: Book refugios and camping 6-8 months ahead for peak season
  
• Kalalau Trail: Limited permits available 90 days in advance through the Hawaii State Parks
  
• Teton Crest Trail: Advance reservations essential, especially July-August peak season
  

According to the National Park Service, permit demand has increased significantly over the past decade for premier backpacking destinations, making early planning more critical than ever for securing spots on popular routes.

Seasonal Timing and Weather Windows

Understanding optimal seasons prevents disappointment and dangerous conditions. Each route has specific weather windows that maximize safety and enjoyment while minimizing risks from extreme weather events.

Optimal timing by geographic region:

• High Sierra routes: July-September for snow-free conditions above treeline
  
• Patagonia: November-March summer season, though weather remains highly variable
  
• Southeast Asia: January start is optimal for the beginning of the dry season
  
• Iceland: June-September for the midnight sun and the most stable weather patterns
  
• Himalayan routes: October-November and March-May for clear weather windows
  

Physical Preparation and Skill Development

Building toward epic routes requires systematic skill and fitness development over months or years. Starting with appropriate challenges prevents injury while building confidence and technical skills for larger adventures.

Beginner-friendly progression routes:

• Art Loeb Trail, North Carolina (30 miles): Perfect Appalachian introduction
  
• Pictured Rocks Lakeshore Trail, Michigan: Great Lakes coastal experience
  
• Shorter PCT sections: Build familiarity with long-distance trail systems
  
• Local overnight loops: Develop essential gear and navigation skills
  

Advanced preparation requirements:

• John Muir Trail: Requires extensive high-altitude hiking experience
  
• Torres del Paine O Trek: Demands advanced weather management skills
  
• La Ciudad Perdida: Needs tropical climate conditioning and jungle navigation
  
• High-altitude Himalayan routes: Requires proper acclimatization protocols
  

Essential Gear Systems for Multi-Week Adventures

The gear requirements vary dramatically between desert routes, alpine adventures, and tropical treks. Successful long-distance backpacking demands systems thinking rather than individual item selection, with each piece of equipment serving multiple purposes.

Base System Components

Shelter and Sleep Systems:

• Four-season tent for alpine routes requiring wind and weather resistance
  
• Lightweight, packable sleeping system rated for expected temperature ranges
  
• Sleeping pad with high R-value for ground insulation and comfort
  
• Pillow system for quality rest during extended expeditions
  

Navigation and Safety Equipment:

• GPS device with downloadable maps and backup power sources
  
• Traditional map and compass as electronic backup systems
  
• Emergency communication devices like satellite communicators
  
• Comprehensive first aid kit tailored to route-specific risks and group size
  

Climate-Specific Equipment Adaptations

Desert route modifications:

• Comprehensive sun protection, including hat, sleeves, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
  
• Extra water capacity of 6+ liters between reliable water sources
  
• Electrolyte replacement system for maintaining hydration balance
  
• Lightweight shelter with maximum ventilation for hot climates
  

Alpine route requirements:

• Insulation layers, including a down jacket and insulated pants
  
• Microspikes or lightweight crampons for snow and ice conditions
  
• Complete waterproof shell system, including jacket and pants.
  
• Cold-weather sleeping system rated well below expected temperatures.
  

Tropical route essentials:

• Complete rain gear, including jacket, pants, and pack cover
  
• Quick-dry clothing system that handles humidity and frequent washing
  
• Insect protection, including permethrin treatment and head nets
  
• Advanced water purification for questionable tropical water sources
  

Just as proper camping meal planning ensures nutrition and enjoyment during outdoor adventures, systematic gear selection makes the difference between memorable experiences and survival ordeals on world-class backpacking routes.

Cultural and Environmental Stewardship

Leave No Trace Principles

Epic backpacking routes often traverse pristine wilderness areas that require exceptional environmental stewardship. Understanding and practicing Leave No Trace principles becomes essential for preserving these irreplaceable landscapes for future generations of adventurers.

Critical conservation practices:

• Complete waste disposal, including packing out all trash and human waste
  
• Campfire restrictions and low-impact alternatives like lightweight stoves
  
• Wildlife interaction protocols, maintaining safe distances, and food storage
  
• Vegetation protection by staying on designated trails and established campsites
  
• Water source protection by camping 200+ feet from lakes and streams
  

Cultural Sensitivity and Community Support

International routes require cultural awareness and respectful interaction with local communities. Understanding customs, appropriate tipping practices, and respectful behavior enhances experiences while supporting local economies that depend on responsible tourism.

Essential research considerations:

• Local customs, dress codes, and behavioral expectations
  
• Appropriate photography etiquette, respecting privacy, and sacred sites
  
• Fair wage practices for local guides, porters, and service providers
  
• Environmental impact choices supporting sustainable tourism practices
  
• Supporting local businesses and communities through responsible spending
  

Building Your Backpacking Portfolio

Progressive Challenge Development

Developing backpacking expertise requires systematic progression through increasingly challenging routes over multiple years. This methodical approach builds essential skills, physical conditioning, and mental confidence while minimizing risks associated with attempting advanced routes prematurely.

Recommended five-phase progression:

1. Weekend warrior phase: Local trails with 2-3 day trips for basic skill development
   
2. Regional explorer phase: Week-long adventures across varied climates and terrains
   
3. National challenge phase: Iconic domestic routes like JMT sections and national park circuits
   
4. International adventure phase: Multi-week expeditions with cultural immersion components
   
5. Expert expedition phase: Remote, technically demanding, or extreme environment routes
   

Essential Skills Timeline

Each progression phase requires specific skill development that prepares adventurers for increased challenges and more remote environments requiring self-sufficiency and advanced decision-making capabilities.

Core competency development:

• Navigation skills: Progress from marked trails to advanced off-trail navigation
  
• Weather assessment: Learn to read meteorological conditions and make safety decisions
  
• Gear systems: Develop efficient packing and equipment management for extended trips
  
• Physical conditioning: Build cardiovascular and muscular endurance for multi-week expeditions
  
• Risk management: Develop sound judgment for wilderness decision-making scenarios
  

The progression mirrors other outdoor skill development, much like learning how to use hiking poles effectively before tackling technical terrain that demands advanced balance and stability techniques for safety and efficiency.

FAQ: Best Backpacking Routes

For those ready to begin their backpacking journey, understanding essential hiking gear and preparation provides the crucial foundation for safe and enjoyable adventures on any of these world-class routes.