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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

    • Larimer County, Colorado

      Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trailhead

      4.7
      8.43 mi / 1780 ft gain
      Start at the Glacier Gorge trailhead on Bear Lake Road. Parking is limited so it is advised to get there very early. It's a longer hike so plan on taking a full day to complete or stay overnight to enjoy more of the scenery. Within the first mile on the Glacier Gorge Trail you will pass by Alber...
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    • Sandy, Utah

      Summit the Pfeifferhorn

      5.0
      9 mi / 3700 ft gain
      Starting at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT, hike southwest until reaching the junction to Red Pine Canyon. Take the trail that crosses the stream and continues west around the ridge. The trail will quickly turn south and begin to gain elevation. Continue west as you pass...
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    • Blairsville, Georgia

      Blood Mountain via Byron Reece Trailhead

      4.7
      4.34 mi / 1447 ft gain
      The Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness make up the wild and scenic southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blood Mountain trail offers the day hiker a taste of the Appalachian Trail that does not disappoint. The hike starts at the Byron Reece trailhead at Neels Gap where ...
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    • Supai, Arizona

      Mooney Falls

      4.8
      1.36 mi / 200 ft gain
      If you hike to Havasupai and stop at Havasu Falls, you will have missed the grandest of the waterfalls in the Grand Canyon: Mooney Falls. The hike to Mooney Falls is not only scenic, but getting to the idyllic pool at its base of this 200-foot falls is an adventure, requiring you to use chains an...
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    • Leavenworth, Washington

      The Enchantments: Leprechaun Lake via Snow Lake Trailhead

      4.7
      19.57 mi / 5948 ft gain
      The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named “The Enchantments” draws explorers from all over the world. On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! Before you set out to c...
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    • Hagarville, Arkansas

      Backpack to the Natural Bridge

      5.0
      8 mi
      After you drive across the one-lane bridge and take the dirt road immediately after it, follow that dirt road until it begins to bend to the left. Park your vehicle in the turnoff on the right, and be sure to lock it and take (or hide) any valuables in it. Even though it’s relatively remote, rand...
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    • Deschutes County, Oregon

      Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake

      4.7
      4.84 mi / 1198 ft gain
      The hike takes you along a glacial lake and to unbeatable mountain views at the end. It’s a hidden gem! The trail isn’t marked and the best way to get there is know someone that’s been before. The lake is unbelievably beautiful with deep blue glacial water and the view of the mountains at the end...
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    • Detroit, Oregon

      Russell Lake via Whitewater Creek Trailhead

      4.8
      11.4 mi / 1926 ft gain
      This hike begins 7.5 miles down Whitewater Road at the Whitewater Trailhead, about 10 miles east of Detroit Lake. The road is bumpy, but can be navigated at slow speeds, even without four-wheel drive. Make sure to fill out a wilderness pass once you arrive at the trailhead. The trail is very wel...
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    • Provo, Utah

      Mount Timpanogos via Timpanogos Trail #053

      4.8
      15.72 mi / 4970 ft gain
      The Timpooneke trailhead is located in American Fork Canyon, next to the Timpooneke Campground. There is a $6 fee to enter the canyon, unless you have a National Park Pass with which you get in free. On the weekends, it may be difficult to find parking at the Timpooneke Campground, so arrive earl...
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    • Aspen, Colorado

      Conundrum Hot Springs via Conundrum Creek

      4.3
      16.77 mi / 2717 ft gain
      After picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. The trail is a straight shot 9 miles up the valley, through expansive meadows and an always incredible view of the mountains and ...
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    • Salt Lake County, Utah

      Willow Lake

      4.5
      2.41 mi / 659 ft gain
      The Trail: Follow the marked trail and you'll hike less than a mile up to the edge of Willow Lake. Moose like to hang out in the thick willows there, so make lots of noise to warn them that you're coming and you won't startle any. Standing on the shoreline, you'll have a great view of Solitude ...
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    • Saratoga, California

      Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail

      4.5
      30.8 mi
      Want to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail. To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 35 and 9 off of Highway 35. Not...
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    • Petrolia, California

      The Lost Coast: Mattole to Black Sands Beach

      4.8
      25.05 mi / 653 ft gain
      This is an absolutely stunning 25 mile thru-hike on the northern part of California's coast. To accomplish this hike, you'll either need to bring 2 cars or use a shuttle service. It's recommended that you drop one car at the Shelter Cove Trailhead (40.0455053,-124.0778196) and either use one of t...
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    • Bakersville, North Carolina

      Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands

      5.0
      4.84 mi / 932 ft gain
      Once you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...
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    • Pitkin County, Colorado

      Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells

      4.8
      25.99 mi / 7566 ft gain
      Updates will be posted here.  The Four Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake, famous for its iconic view of the Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak), deemed the “most-photographed spot in Colorado.” After taking in this majestic view, continue to walk down the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail unti...
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    • Davis, West Virginia

      Bear Rocks Loop

      4.7
      10.54 mi / 1293 ft gain
      This particular hike is great as there are multiple camping sites, both established and backcountry, and views for miles around almost every bend. Still not convinced? This high-altitude plateau has characteristics typically found in Canadian landscapes. so you can travel north without leaving y...
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