United States
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
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Jackson, New Hampshire
Hike Tuckerman's Ravine Trail on Mt. Washington
4.99 miWhile this trail is open year round with winter hiking/skiing down the ravine walls, this entry will focus on hiking in the warmer months.Your hike starts behind the Pinkham Notch AMC Center in Jackson, NH at an elevation of approximately 2050 ft. There is plenty of parking at the visitors cente...Read more -
Jackson, Wyoming
Camp in the Gros Ventre Wilderness
4.8Take highway 89 out of Jackson, headed north, and turn on to Gros Ventre Rd. This will take you right past the campground, wild rivers, and ample hiking. Keep driving for about 20 miles as views of the Tetons appear behind you, and ample backcountry camping options become available.Read more -
Boise County, Idaho
Jennie Lake Trail
4.08.38 mi / 1998 ft gainPerhaps one of the best beginner-esque lake hikes closest to Boise, making your way to Jennie Lake can either be packed-in overnight or and out-and-back day hike. You'll be delighted by the secluded ambiance of the lake and the cool mountain breeze rushing through the pines. Getting There: Make ...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Spectacle Lake via Pete Lake Trail
5.018.91 mi / 3058 ft gainDepending on when you arrive at the Pete Lake Trailhead, expect to be traveling with company as it is one of the more popular locations on the eastside of Snoqualmie Pass. At an elevation of 2600 feet, the beginning route is a moderate 400 feet of elevation gain. Start on your way through the va...Read more -
Jefferson, Colorado
Backpack Lost Creek
4.05 miI included a trail map of where I camped. There are many sites all throughout this area. From the Lost Park Campground Parking lot follow the Lost Creek for 2.4 miles. At the 1 mile mark was the best place that we found to cross the creek (there are two logs that make a bridge across the creek). ...Read more -
Truckee, California
Backpack the Palisades Creek Trail
4.015 mi / 2200 ft gainAfter driving out to Kidd Lakes and parking at the trailhead, you take off through some easy forest hiking past Cascade Lakes and Long Lake. Pay attention to the cairns marking the trail as you traverse across a large granite section with Devils Peak to your West. The trail is easy to follow and ...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Backpack the High Sierra Trail
5.071 miThe High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, on the West side of the Sierra Nevada range, and ends at Whitney Portal on the East, traversing the highest and most beautiful part of the Sierras. From deep river canyons to high alpine peaks, lakes, and meadows, this hike...Read more -
Clarkesville, Georgia
Panther Creek Falls
3.77.27 mi / 659 ft gainPark at the Panther Creek Recreation Area. The fee to park here is $4. There is extra parking alongside the road if the parking lot is full. The trail begins opposite the parking area, noted by a wooden sign. The trail gains elevation here and there with several drop-offs secured by cable cord f...Read more -
North Rim, Arizona
Ribbon Falls via North Kaibab Trailhead
5.017.57 mi / 4521 ft gainAlthough this hike can feasibly done in a day, it is highly recommended that you spend more than one day in this area and visit the falls as a side trip on a larger trip. The closest campsites to Ribbon Falls are Cottonwood Campground and the Bright Angel Campground at Phantom Ranch. Ribbon Fal...Read more -
Loch Leven Lakes Trailhead, California
Loch Leven Lakes Trail
4.47.6 mi / 1480 ft gainThe trail is easy to follow for the first half mile until you get to some large slabs of granite. As you continue up the trail look for stacked rocks, these will give you a an easy route as you continue up the mountain. The trail then starts to switch back eventually leading to a small bridge. Af...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Skinny Dip Falls
4.81.03 mi / 148 ft gainPark at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...Read more -
Chamisal, New Mexico
Hike to the Trampas Lakes in Carson National Forest
4.911 mi / 2400 ft gainThis hike is worth its weight in gold. By far one of the most beautiful places in all of New Mexico. Located in the Carson National Forest, the options for camping are limitless. Did I mention this is ranked one of New Mexico's best hikes yet it rarely gets done. The potential for solitude is ver...Read more -
La Honda, California
Sam McDonald Park Loop
5.012.19 mi / 2192 ft gainThe Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...Read more -
Buchanan, Virginia
Hike to Apple Orchard Falls
4.05.6 mi / 1000 ft gainThere are a few different ways that you can do this hike. One way is to start at the North Creek campground (37.54244, -79.58531) and do a loop hike that's about 6 miles, which will take you to the falls up along a stream with some swimming holes and nice campsites. I did it the other way, which ...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack Cathedral Lake
4.75.6 mi / 2000 ft gainCathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plent...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Backpack to Caribou Lake
4.08.2 miThis is one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in Colorado. It is a great trip for photographers, fisherman or anyone who enjoys mountain views, forests filled with wildlife and peaceful meadows. Distances: Arapaho Pass: 3.2 miles, Caribou Lake: 4.2 miles, Caribou Pass: 6.4 miles, Meado...Read more