15 Incredible Backpacking Trips in 15 U.S. National Parks
Plan a cross-country tour of the backcountry.
The national parks are a treasure for all of us to enjoy. While you can absolutely gain a strong appreciation for the parks by driving the main roads and stopping at the most popular attractions, we think the best way to connect with these specials lands is to spend a night or two in the backcountry. Not only will you find more solitude and peace, you'll also cover more ground and get a better sense for the park's untouched landscape. You could plan an epic road trip to all 15 of these parks or start knocking them off one-by-one, but whatever you do, make sure these backpacking trips are on your adventure bucket list.
1. Backpack Bryce Canyon’s Under the Rim Trail
Photo: Emily Goodman
2. Backpack Rocky Mountain Trail in Shenandoah National Park
Photo: Christin Healey
3. Backpack Paintbrush and Cascade Canyons, Grand Teton National Park
Photo: Rob Witt
4. Hike the Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Photo: Adam Welch
5. Backpack Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park
Photo: Nathaniel Polta
6. Backpack to Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park
Photo: Greg Owens
7. Summit Igloo Mountain in Denali National Park
Photo: Mike Quine
8. Backpack the High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin in Olympic National Park
Photo: Nick Lake
9. Backpack to Lake Verna in Rocky Mountain National Park
Photo: Ian Glass
10. Backpack the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park
Photo: Nick Lake
11. Backpack Redwood National and State Parks
Photo: Austin Trigg
12. Backpack Isle Royale National Park’s Greenstone Ridge Trail
Photo: Joe Whitson
13. Backpack the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim
Photo: Rob Witt
14. Backpack the Great Sand Dunes
Photo: Michael O’Keeffe
15. Backpack the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park's Needles District
Photo: Jonathon Reed
Cover photo: Christin Healey
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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