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    Looking for the best backpacking in United States? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around United States. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    Top Backpacking Spots in and near United States

    • Supai, Arizona

      Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Reservation

      4.7
      10.4 mi / 1647 ft gain
      The Havasupai Reservation is a remote area just outside Grand Canyon National Park, full of blue-green water and dramatic waterfalls.  Despite being an extremely isolated location, camping in the canyon is overwhelmingly popular and reservations are required. On popular weekends you will be shari...
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    • Ronald, Washington

      Spade and Venus Lakes

      5.0
      26.47 mi / 2300 ft gain
      Nestled in a high rocky cirque near the upper reaches of Mt Daniel, Spade and Venus Lakes are two of the most remote lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. But to experience this level of pure isolation, you'll need to earn it; the shortest hike in to the lakes is 14 miles, the majority of which i...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest

      4.7
      18.93 mi / 1775 ft gain
      Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. Once re-connected to the Clo...
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    • Sandy, Utah

      White Pine Lake

      4.5
      9.97 mi / 2917 ft gain
      Just about 5 miles (2-2.5 hrs) from the trailhead, you will find the beautiful White Pine Lake where the water is an intense blue color. It's an amazing place for photos and just hanging out on a summer or fall afternoon. Along the way you will have great views of mountains of all colors, beautif...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail

      4.2
      18.96 mi / 7339 ft gain
      The trek to Sykes Hot Springs is about 10-miles one way along the Pine Ridge Trail. This is a great backpacking trip, but can be done as an out-and-back hike from the campgrounds at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park if you're really moving. The trail is moderately challenging, you'll cross the river t...
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    • Provo, Utah

      Backpack to Silver Lake

      4.4
      4.1 mi / 1500 ft gain
      The trail is 4.1 miles roundtrip gaining almost 1,500 feet for the duration of the adventure. Some parts are exposed, so you can get a fair amount of sun.When you're on the trail, you'll get amazing views as you’re hiking to the lake of Mount Timpanogos and American Fork Canyon. This is followed ...
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    • Orick, California

      Tall Trees Grove, Redwood Creek, Emerald Ridge Loop

      4.4
      4.41 mi / 1043 ft gain
      Day 1: Check with the Rangers station before heading up for best camping opportunities. Assuming you've checked with the rangers for approval...if there are openings, off of the main road, there are side streets with access to the beaches. Pull into one of these areas and drive down as far as you...
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    • Port Angeles, Washington

      Olympic Hot Springs

      3.7
      21.52 mi / 3556 ft gain
      A local favorite, this moderate day hike winds its way uphill from the Appleton Pass trailhead through old growth stands of fir, hemlock and cedar for 2.2 miles to a cluster of hot springs interspersed among the trees. Note: This route is now closed due to a washed out road. The current route is ...
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    • Whatcom County, Washington

      Winchester Mountain Fire Lookout

      4.8
      3.28 mi / 1335 ft gain
      Winchester Mountain is said to have the greatest reward for least amount of effort in all the North Cascades. One of the last fire-lookouts in the region stands on the summit. Views from the summit of Winchester Mountain are beautiful and dramatic to say the least. Being one of the easiest hikes...
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    • Big Sur, California

      Clifftop Camping & Hot Springs in Big Sur

      4.7
      Campsite:There is nothing quite like driving or biking along US-1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Make sure you get a chance to do the drive during the day so that you can see all that Big Sur has to offer. Be careful when pulling off especially onto the shoulder and never stop on a curve in the road...
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    • North Rim, Arizona

      Grand Canyon: Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim

      4.7
      45.6 mi / 10141 ft gain
      Day 1 Start at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park at the North Kaibab Trail. You have 14 miles and 5,761 feet of elevation to descend to the Bright Angel Campground, so bring those trekking poles if you have bad knees (like myself). Along the North Kaibab Trail a few noteworthy trail m...
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    • Salem, Virginia

      McAfee Knob

      4.7
      7.79 mi / 1296 ft gain
      Intro McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed and picturesque locations along the Appalachian Trail. Once you reach McAfee Knob, you'll have almost 270 degree views of the the Roanoke Valley to the East, Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, and Tinker Cliffs to the North. Due to t...
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    • Stanley, Idaho

      Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek

      4.9
      10.04 mi / 1962 ft gain
      Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the ...
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    • Elkton, Virginia

      Rocky Mount Trail Loop

      3.2
      9.58 mi / 2200 ft gain
      The trail begin 0.1 miles north of Two Mile Run Overlook at milepost 76.2 on Skyline Drive. You can park at this overlook for the night, just make sure you fill out a (free) wilderness permit and walk the short way on Skyline Drive to the trailhead. Immediately climb a wooded knoll before headin...
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    • Salmon, Idaho

      Hike & Soak in Goldbug Hot Springs

      4.7
      3.52 mi / 1350 ft gain
      Reaching the Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead is pretty straightforward. It is located South of Salmon, Idaho and north of Challis, Idaho. The turnoff is near mile marker 282 on highway 93. This turns into a short dirt road (heading east) with a trailhead at the end; wooden fences and a restroom wil...
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    • Pioneer, California

      Camping at The Pots

      4.2
      This fantastic camping or chilling spot has beautiful granite pools and slides of all sizes. The area consists of a river flowing over a granite slab creating pools some of which are over ten feet deep. The water cascades down the granite in small water falls. The area is located next to Silver L...
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