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20 Winter Backpacking Trips For The Adventurous

Don't let a little snow stop you from spending a night in the backcountry.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

Most people pack away their camping gear for the winter...but you're not most people, are you? You're looking for the next way to push yourself in the outdoors and a little snow and cold weather aren't going to stop you. All it takes is careful planning, the right gear, and a little extra grit. When you're unzipping your tent to a few inches of fresh powder and an epic view of the mountains, most people will still be hitting the snooze button. We think know you made the right choice. 

1. Winter Backpack in the Mt. Baker Backcountry


Photo: Scott Kranz

2. Winter Backpack on Mt. Roothaan


Photo: Nick Lake

3. Winter Backpack to Diamond View Lake


Photo: Michael Graw

4. Winter Backpack to Artist Point


Photo: Sonja Saxe

5. Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe to Ralston Peak


Photo: Kira Minehart

6. Winter Backpack to Dog Lake and Backcountry Ski Reynolds Peak


Photo: Eric Harris

7. Winter Backpack Indian Heaven


Photo: Vic Garcia

8. Winter Backpack Trip to Russell Lake in Jefferson Park


Photo: Robby Edardsen

9. Winter Backpack Trip to Lake Blanche and Sundial Peak


Photo: Lindsay Daniels

10. Snowshoe and Camp at Skyline Lake


Photo: Beau Ramsey

11. Cross Country Ski to American Lakes


Photo: Devin K

12. Winter Backpack to Sentinel Dome in Yosemite


Photo: Kyle Frost

13. Winter Backpack to the Summit of Mt. Dickerman


Photo: Scott Kranz

14. Summit Mount St. Helens via Monitor Ridge


Photo: Matt Klemsz

15. Winter Summit Mt. Whitney


Photo: Alex Anderson

16. Winter Backpack to the Beartooths


Photo: Seth Langbauer

17. Winter Backpack below Chair Peak


Photo: Scott Kranz

18. Skiing the Grand Teton NPS Teton Park Road


Photo: Greg Owens

19. Winter Backpack to Jade Lake


Photo: Matt England

20. Backpack Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake


Photo: Eric Schuette

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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