Backpacking in the wilderness is an amazing break from our regular fast-paced lives. Being outdoors is an opportunity to unwind and connect with nature. So whether you are looking for a family weekend getaway or a strenuous hike you’ll find an option here. This list is just for the best backpacking trails in the US with a distance range of 20-100 miles. A further article will be released to discuss the best thru-hikes in the US and worldwide.
From these 10 best backpacking trails you will find all environments from the high mountains to rugged beach coastlines. Below is a summary of the 10 best hikes as voted by the SilverAnt team.
- The North Coast Route - Olympic National Park
- Kalalau Trail - Na Pali Coast
- The Lost Coast Trail - The Lost Coast
- Coyote Gulch - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Copper Ridge Loop - North Cascades National Park
- Teton Crest Trail - Grand Teton National Park
- Greenstone Ridge Trail - Isle Royale National Park
- Yosemite Grand Traverse - Yosemite National Park
- AppalachianTrail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Wind River High Route - Wind River Range
So without further delay, let's get into this list:
THE NORTH COAST ROUTE, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON
MILEAGE: 20-MILE LOOP | TIME: 2-4 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: DIFFICULT | BEST TIME TO GO: MAY THROUGH OCTOBER
Located along the coastal part of Olympic National Park, this 20-mile backpacking trail is perfect for beginners looking for seaside views. In addition to the relatively flat shoreline along this trail, backpackers will find fair weather seasonally, making it ideal for a weekend backpacking trip on the Olympic Peninsula. It's one of the lowest elevation gains on this list. And If you're a hiker interested in testing your distance per day, for that bigger backpacking goal, then this hike is for you!
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
No permits are required for hiking the trail itself, and camping is available at established campgrounds between the trailheads. Annual, interagency, military, senior, and 4th-grade access passes are available.
ENTRANCE FEES
The park entrance fee is $15 for individuals entering on foot or bicycle, $25 on a motorcycle, and $30 for non-commercial vehicles. For camping, overnight use, and commercial use, extra fees will be charged.
KALALAU TRAIL, NA PALI COAST, HAWAII
MILEAGE: 22-MILE LOOP | TIME: 3-5 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING | BEST TIME TO GO: MAY TO SEPTEMBER
The Na Pali Coast is like God's garden. When you hike the famous Kalalau Trail, you will be strongly impressed by the rugged splendor of the Jurassic Na Pali coastline. Along this amazing trail, you explore the mile-long arc of Kalalau Beach. If you're an experienced swimmer, you can't resist swimming. You’ll want to pack light for this backpacking trip. A heavy bag will only weigh you down.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
For the first two-miles Trail is open for day use without a hiking permit. Anyone deciding to go further must own a valid camping permit whether they plan to camp or not. Permits are $35 per person per day. If you are a resident, you get $10 OFF.
Reservations are available 30-days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit.
PARKING
Limited parking coupons are available. There are only 100 parking stalls. 30 of them are for locals, and only 70 are available for visitors. If you don't get one unluckily, you can take a shuttle. Walking or riding a bike into Hā’ena State Park with an Entry Only Pass also works.
THE LOST COAST TRAIL, THE LOST COAST, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
MILEAGE: 24-MILE LOOP | TIME: 3-4 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS | BEST TIME TO GO: LATE MAY THROUGH EARLY OCTOBER
The Lost Coast Trail is one of the few trips you can experience coastal wildness in the United States. And you don't want to miss the exceptional wildlife viewing chances. You can see sea lions, elephant seals, eagles, bobcats, deer, and more. Tide pools teaming with life are sprinkled on the coast like stars in the sky. Along the rockiest beach terrain, rock scrambles and dunes fill the trail with challenges and rewards for beginners.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
You need a Backcountry Permit when you want to backpack this trail. Permits can be found on recreation.gov. Before paying a visit or booking a permit, please grab more details for maps, tide safety, weather reports, and regulations.
COYOTE GULCH, GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, UTAH
MILEAGE: 26 MI POINT-TO-POINT | TIME: 3-4 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: DIFFICULT | BEST TIME TO GO: SPRING (MARCH TO JUNE) OR FALL (LATE SEPTEMBER THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER)
Coyote Gulch has the 4th largest arch in the world. It's a great view to see on your adventure. When the sun shines through the arch onto the sandstone, this splendor is spectacular. But this isn't the only main reason to backpack this trail. You can see what life was like before Glen Canyon was flooded by the dam. Natural sculptures on Jurassic sandstone, Fremont dwellings, and pictograph panels will all be seen. When you look around, you will see some hanging gardens clinging to seeps in the canyon wall, adding more magic to this already excellent place.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
All overnight stays require backcountry permits in the Escalante District of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Obtaining permits at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center in the town of Escalante is necessary. You can get updates on water availability, route descriptions, and weather and trail conditions from the local staff. If you plan to get your permit at the trailhead, refresh your knowledge before you set off.
As of the time of this article, no reservations are required.
COPPER RIDGE LOOP, NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON
MILEAGE: 34 MILES ROUNDTRIP | TIME: 4-5 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS | BEST TIME TO GO: LATE-JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER
The Copper Ridge Loop is one of the few high route trails within the North Cascades National Park, taking backpackers high into the alpine among the peaks. Through the wildflower-packed meadows, you can stop and watch the breeze across the meadows while enjoying a well-deserved snack. You'll be impressed by the wide-angle views of icy blue-hanging glaciers and granite boulders. The trail in the lower elevation section snake through ancient forests, across rapidly-flowing streams. There is even a cable car to cross the river.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
All backcountry permits and reservations are required and can be obtained on Recreation.gov. You can pick your permit up 24 hours in advance. For campsites, Backpackers had better reserve them in advance.
FEES
You will pay a $20 reservation fee and a non-refundable $6 transaction fee. They don't accept cash only debit or credit cards. If you want to cancel your trip, you need to do it at least 3 days before your trip starts.
TETON CREST TRAIL, GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
MILEAGE: 34 MILES ROUNDTRIP | TIME: 4-6 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING | BEST TIME TO GO: JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER
The Teton Crest Trail is one of the nation's most scenic backpacking routes in the Grand Teton National Park. This lofty trail offers expansive views of wildflower-filled meadows of penstemon, lupine, and monkshood. Pick a flower and put it on your head. Along the trek, you'll see pristine crystal-clear lakes. Why not stop and do a spot of fishing? Through the glacier-carved canyons, perhaps you'll see moose grazing in the forest, although keep your distance.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
All backcountry camping trips require a permit. And one permit allows for up to 10 consecutive nights of stay. One-third of the campsites can be reserved in advance, and the rest are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
PARKING
Parking at the Granite Canyon Trailhead has been closed since this summer. Teton Village is the alternative. But you will have to hike one more mile to access the canyon.
FEES
Each permit requires a $45 non-refundable fee, and each walk-up permit requires a $35 non-refundable fee.
GREENSTONE RIDGE TRAIL, ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK, MICHIGAN
MILEAGE: 42 MILES ROUNDTRIP | TIME: 5-8 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE-DIFFICULT | BEST TIME TO GO: JUNE THROUGH AUGUST
If you're looking for a trail fully on an island, the Greenstone Ridge Trail in Isle Royale is the right place for you. It's one of the few backpacking treks you'll see more wildlife than people. Top out at the ridge, go through the lush green boreal forest and get expansive views of Lake Superior. You may stop, hear the laughing birdsong of loons and spot the famed moose. Wildflowers are another big draw on this trail like the white Canada mayflower and lavender-blue harebells.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
All overnight stays require a backcountry/camping permit. Reservations are required for groups of seven to ten individuals, including leaders.
ENTRANCE FEES
The daily permit costs you $7 per person. The good news the fee will be waived if you have a Federal Recreation Pass. No further fee is needed.
Children 15 and under are free from the fee.
YOSEMITE GRAND TRAVERSE, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA
MILEAGE: 60 MILES ROUNDTRIP | TIME: 6-9 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING | BEST TIME TO GO: MID-JULY TO MID-SEPTEMBER
The Yosemite Grand Traverse in Yosemite National Park excites everyone at SilverAnt because of the Half Dome hiking. You can't help but put it on your bucket list. Apart from the splendid views along the trail, you'll get massive pleasure ascending the valley. You can even glimpse the climbers topping out and celebrating. Enjoy camping under the stars and enjoy being in one of the most popular national parks in America.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
Any overnight climbing or stay and backpacking require a wilderness permit year-round. Since it's pretty popular, making a reservation in advance is well advised. And they are served on a first-come, first-served basis at park wilderness centers.
ENTRANCE FEES
The park entrance fee is $20 for individuals entering on foot, horse, or bicycle, $30 on a motorcycle, and $35 for a non-commercial vehicle. This fee is valid for seven days. People 15 years and under are exempt.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL, GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, TENNESSEE
MILEAGE: 72 MILES ONE WAY | TIME:7-12 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS | BEST TIME TO GO: LATE SPRING AND EARLY FALL
The Appalachian Trail is like a dream in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You'll be amazed at the diversity of plant and animal life. Along the 2,200-mile trek, we want to focus on the 72-mile mist section, because you can't see more magical things in it. Maybe it's the way the mist climbs to the aged ridges and rocky outcrops. If you're a big fan of wildflowers, you can't miss mountain laurels, rhododendron, and flame azaleas. When the night comes, camp under the stars, but you must be aware of the black bears.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. You can make the reservation at any time up to 30 days in advance. Obtaining the permits in person at the Backcountry Office is well advised. Because you could get updates on the weather and condition reports from the local staff.
ENTRANCE FEES
Every person will be charged a $4 non-refundable general backcountry reservation fee per night. The maximum fee of $20.00 per person.
WIND RIVER HIGH ROUTE, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING
MILEAGE: 79 – 100 MILES POINT-TO-POINT | TIME: 7-18 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING | BEST TIME TO GO: LATE-JULY TO MID-SEPTEMBER
The Wind River High Route is the most venturesome trail in Yellowstone National Park. Because more than half of the scenic trip is off-trail. But the amazing views are worth your effort. Backpackers go through talus fields, all the way up to the lofty peak, and enjoy the expansive scenery. Going down to the valleys below, take a rest by the icy-blue lakes. And the shimmering sunshine on the water will comfort your mind. And if you're lucky enough, you may bump into dashing marmots across grassy meadows. You'll get the best of the best along the trip.
LOGISTICS
PERMITS & RESERVATIONS
It requires no permits to backpack in the Wind River Range. But only backpack this trek when you're capable of hiking rugged, off-trail miles for days. Scrambling experience is necessary.