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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

    • Forks of Salmon, California

      Grizzly Lake via China Gulch Trailhead

      4.4
      14.6 mi / 5112 ft gain
      Grizzly Lake is in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The lake is know for its brilliant waterfall flowing from the lake's surface straight off the side of a cliff and roughly 600 feet down to the meadow below. Grizzly lake is located in some of America's most amazing and remote alpine wilderness, incl...
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    • Lowman, Idaho

      Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake

      5.0
      10.85 mi / 1893 ft gain
      Just south of the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho lays one of coolest lakes in the region: Redfish Lake. Redfish is a banana shaped lake that boasts some of the most epic camping spots in all of Idaho. Using this area as home base, there's countless adventures within just a few miles. One of the...
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    • Ojai, California

      Matilija Falls

      5.0
      8.6 mi / 0 ft gain
      Note: This trail is temporarily closed. For more updates, please visit the Forest Service website for more updates.  ...If you've read most of my blogs, you'll probably notice I have a fascination for waterfalls! I've done this hike multiple times, but it wasn't until this day where I saw these ...
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    • Roan Mountain, Tennessee

      Roan Highlands: Carvers Gap to US 19E via Appalachian Trail

      5.0
      15.47 mi / 2598 ft gain
      The Roan highlands, possibly one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, is a section of grassy balds that range from 5000-6000 feet following the A.T. Start at Carvers Gap ( Highway 261 NC / Highway 143 TN) on the TN/NC border. You can either leave a car at Highway 19E or arrange for a s...
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    • Mount Hood, Oregon

      McNeil Point via Top Spur Trailhead

      4.9
      7.17 mi / 2428 ft gain
      The hike to McNeil Point begins at Top Spur Trailhead, in the Mt. Hood National Wilderness. Follow signs for McNeil Point along the Pacific Crest and Timberline Trails heading north. Though there are numerous camping opportunities along the way (most of the route follows the PCT), an old stone s...
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    • Daleville, Virginia

      Hay Rock

      4.6
      7.48 mi / 1276 ft gain
      If you're looking for a hike in the Roanoke area without the crowds that McAfee Knob draws, but still want a challenging hike with great views, try hiking to Hay Rock. This 7.5 mile round trip hike begins at the Park and Ride just off I-81 at the US-220 Troutville/Fincastle exit (150B). The gra...
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    • Skamania County, Washington

      Indian Heaven to Blue Lake

      4.5
      6.71 mi / 997 ft gain
      Crowds and mosquitoes were nonexistent as we went a bit early in the season. The trails were all covered in snow, but we were able to do some way finding with a GPS and topo map. 3.5 miles in we found a dry spot next to Blue Lake and set up shop. After dropping off our gear we climbed up Gifford...
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    • Garfield County, Utah

      Golden Cathedral Trail

      4.5
      9.27 mi / 1398 ft gain
      From highway 12, drive south down the hole in the rock road for about 17 miles to a dirt road on the left that is well marked for Egypt. Follow that dirt road 9.9 miles to the Egypt Trailhead. There is a BLM trail register at the trail head. After that, take one of the numerous ways down to the E...
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    • Sandy, Utah

      Climbing in the Lone Peak Cirque

      4.0
      Lone Peak reaches 11,253 feet at its summit. It's alpine feel is unique as it stands above the busy city below. While this gem is one of the highlights in the Wasatch range, it must be earned. A long steep approach, best done at night in the summer months, deposits you in the high meadow surround...
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    • Kyburz, California

      Backpack to Smith Lake, Desolation Wilderness

      5.0
      5.6 mi / 1750 ft gain
      To get to the Twin Lakes Trailhead from the Bay Area/Sacramento, head east on HWY 50 past Kyburz for 4 miles until you see the left-hand turnoff for Wrights Road. If coming westbound on HWY 50, this will be a right-hand turn 5 miles past Strawberry. Follow this paved road for 8 miles (watch for p...
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    • Lawton, Oklahoma

      Climb at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

      4.5
      The Wichita Mountains is a paradise for those trapped in the flat lands of Oklahoma and Texas! From Oklahoma City it's approx. 2 hours 15 minutes, and from Dallas/Ft Worth (TX) approx. 4 hours.Talk about a place that holds tons of potential and houses some of the best climbs in the state! Over th...
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    • Amboy, Washington

      Siouxon Trail to 14 Mile Falls

      5.0
      13.03 mi / 2310 ft gain
      When you park at the top of the trail, all you see is layers and layers of emerald trees and ground clear of any underbrush. Once on the trail, you start on a rapid decline that brings you to the first of the many streams along this hike. Cross the bridge made out of logs and head towards the ma...
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    • Boulder Creek, California

      Big Basin's Sunset Trail Camp

      4.8
      9.46 mi / 2146 ft gain
      This trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...
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    • Del Rio, Tennessee

      Max Patch Mountain

      5.0
      1.51 mi / 315 ft gain
      Max Patch Mountain was once cleared for pasture land, leaving an expansive flat summit that now serves as the ideal location for a picnic hike, flying a kite, or laying in the sun surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. With little elevation gain and a short distance it is also very family (and ...
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    • Saratoga, California

      Backpack Castle Rock State Park

      4.7
      Castle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and is available on a first come, first served basis. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...
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    • Nederland, Colorado

      Heart and Rogers Peak Lakes

      4.8
      8.62 mi / 2113 ft gain
      The hike begins at the East Portal Trailhead outside Rollinsville. Start hiking along the South Boulder trail to the right (north) of the very obvious Moffat Rail tunnel. The trail begins with moderate grades past the Forest Lakes cutoff just 1.25 miles from the trailhead. Continue hiking straigh...
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