The United States offers some of the world's best backpacking. From desert canyons to alpine peaks, here are trails every backpacker should experience.
Iconic Thru-Hikes
These legendary trails draw hikers from around the world.
| Trail | Distance | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Crest Trail | 2,650 mi | 5-6 months | Very Hard |
| Appalachian Trail | 2,190 mi | 5-7 months | Hard |
| Continental Divide Trail | 3,100 mi | 5-6 months | Very Hard |
| John Muir Trail | 211 mi | 2-3 weeks | Moderate-Hard |
Best Multi-Day Loops
1. Four Pass Loop (Colorado)
- Distance: 28 miles
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Highlights: Four 12,000ft passes, wildflower meadows, Maroon Bells
- Permit: Required (limited)
2. Wonderland Trail (Washington)
- Distance: 93 miles
- Duration: 7-10 days
- Highlights: Circumnavigates Mt. Rainier, glaciers, alpine lakes
- Permit: Required (lottery)
3. Teton Crest Trail (Wyoming)
- Distance: 45 miles
- Duration: 4-5 days
- Highlights: Grand Teton views, Alaska Basin, wildflowers
- Permit: Required (backcountry camping)
4. Trans-Catalina Trail (California)
- Distance: 38 miles
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Highlights: Island hiking, ocean views, unique ecosystem
- Permit: Required
Best Point-to-Point Trails
5. John Muir Trail (California)
- Distance: 211 miles
- Duration: 2-3 weeks
- Highlights: Sierra Nevada, Mt. Whitney, pristine wilderness
- Permit: Required (hard to get)
6. Kalalau Trail (Hawaii)
- Distance: 22 miles (round trip)
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Highlights: Na Pali Coast, beaches, tropical paradise
- Permit: Required (lottery)
Best Beginner Backpacking Trails
| Trail | Location | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enchanted Valley | Washington | 26 mi RT | Easy-Moderate |
| Havasu Falls | Arizona | 20 mi RT | Moderate |
| Big Sur | California | Various | Easy-Moderate |
| Dolly Sods | West Virginia | Various | Easy |
Best by Region
West Coast
- Rae Lakes Loop (CA) – High Sierra classic, 42 miles
- Olympic Coast (WA) – Beach backpacking, 18+ miles
- Sky High Lakes (CA) – Trinity Alps, 18 miles
Rocky Mountains
- Chicago Basin (CO) – 14ers access, 17+ miles
- Wind River Range (WY) – Cirque of the Towers, 20+ miles
- Glacier National Park (MT) – Highline Trail, various
Southwest
- Grand Canyon R2R (AZ) – Rim to Rim, 24 miles
- Zion Narrows (UT) – Slot canyon, 16 miles top-down
- Coyote Gulch (UT) – Desert arches, 15+ miles
East Coast
- Franconia Ridge Loop (NH) – White Mountains, 8.9 miles
- Presidential Traverse (NH) – Challenging ridgeline, 19 miles
- Roan Highlands (TN/NC) – AT section, balds, 12+ miles
Trail Permits 101
Many popular trails require permits. Plan ahead:
| Trail | Permit System | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| JMT/Whitney | Lottery | February |
| Wonderland | Lottery | March |
| Enchantments | Lottery | March |
| Grand Canyon | First-come online | 4 months out |