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  • United States

    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

    • Supai, Arizona

      Havasu Falls in the Havasupai Reservation

      4.8
      10.4 mi / 1647 ft gain
      The Havasupai Reservation is a remote area just outside Grand Canyon National Park, full of blue-green water and dramatic waterfalls.  Despite being an extremely isolated location, camping in the canyon is overwhelmingly popular and reservations are required. On popular weekends you will be shari...
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    • Ronald, Washington

      Spade and Venus Lakes

      5.0
      26.47 mi / 5728 ft gain
      Nestled in a high rocky cirque near the upper reaches of Mt Daniel, Spade and Venus Lakes are two of the most remote lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. But to experience this level of pure isolation, you'll need to earn it; the shortest hike in to the lakes is 14 miles, the majority of which i...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest

      4.7
      18.93 mi / 4524 ft gain
      Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. Once re-connected to the Clo...
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    • Detroit, Oregon

      Boca Cave & Triangulation Peak

      4.0
      4.75 mi / 1053 ft gain
      Triangulation Peak, Spire Rock and Boca Cave TH #3372 The trail starts on level ground where you travel east along the top of the ridge. There are multiple trees that have fallen across the trail making the hike quite adventurous. Some trees you'll go over and some you will need to go under. Dep...
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    • New Harmony, Utah

      Kolob Arch

      4.7
      13.86 mi / 2100 ft gain
      In the lesser traveled area of Zion National Park sits Kolob Arch, a sandstone arch high up on a cliff tucked back in the canyon. To get to Kolob Arch take exit 40 on I-15 in Utah. You'll see a Zion National Park Visitor's Center. Here you can fill up on water, use the bathroom, and get a map to...
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    • Sandy, Utah

      White Pine Lake

      4.5
      9.97 mi / 2917 ft gain
      Just about 5 miles (2-2.5 hrs) from the trailhead, you will find the beautiful White Pine Lake where the water is an intense blue color. It's an amazing place for photos and just hanging out on a summer or fall afternoon. Along the way you will have great views of mountains of all colors, beautif...
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    • Port Angeles, Washington

      Olympic Hot Springs

      4.0
      21.52 mi / 3556 ft gain
      A local favorite, this moderate day hike winds its way uphill from the Appleton Pass trailhead through old growth stands of fir, hemlock and cedar for 2.2 miles to a cluster of hot springs interspersed among the trees. Note: This route is now closed due to a washed out road. The current route is ...
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    • Kane County, Utah

      Coyote Gulch Loop

      4.7
      10.59 mi / 4354 ft gain
      Easy hiking, water availability, and spectacular scenery make this a "must do" hike. Three days are best to see all this canyon has to offer. You can either make this a 3-5 mile hike or a longer 10-15 mile hike. The perfect trip down Coyote Gulch is three days and two nights. Hike in to Jacob Ham...
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    • Avalon, California

      Trans-Catalina Trail

      5.0
      37.67 mi / 8189 ft gain
      This adventure is a great way to see the entire island of Santa Catalina. Catalina Island is situated less than 30 miles off the coast of Southern California, and can be reached by ferry from Dana Point, San Pedro, or Long Beach. Catalina Express in the company that operates the ferry. This adve...
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    • Orick, California

      Tall Trees Grove, Redwood Creek, Emerald Ridge Loop

      4.4
      4.41 mi / 1043 ft gain
      Day 1: Check with the Rangers station before heading up for best camping opportunities. Assuming you've checked with the rangers for approval...if there are openings, off of the main road, there are side streets with access to the beaches. Pull into one of these areas and drive down as far as you...
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    • Provo, Utah

      Silver Lake

      4.5
      4.4 mi / 1365 ft gain
      The trail is 4.4 miles roundtrip gaining almost 1,500 feet for the duration of the adventure. Some parts are exposed, so you can get a fair amount of sun. When you're on the trail, you'll get amazing views as you’re hiking to the lake of Mount Timpanogos and American Fork Canyon. This is followed...
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    • North Rim, Arizona

      Grand Canyon: Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim

      4.7
      45.6 mi / 17785 ft gain
      Day 1 Start at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park at the North Kaibab Trail. You have 14 miles and 5,761 feet of elevation to descend to the Bright Angel Campground, so bring those trekking poles if you have bad knees (like myself). Along the North Kaibab Trail a few noteworthy trail m...
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    • North Bend, Washington

      Gem Lake, WA

      4.7
      10.4 mi / 2923 ft gain
      This hike shares the trailhead for Snow lake at the Alpental Ski area in Snoqualmie Pass. You'll start out with a great warm up, walking through dense green underbrush and a brief wooded area. Before too long the trail increases in inclination slightly and begins to offer up some small rocky sect...
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    • Stanley, Idaho

      Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek

      4.9
      10.04 mi / 1962 ft gain
      Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the ...
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    • Whatcom County, Washington

      Winchester Mountain Fire Lookout

      4.8
      3.28 mi / 1335 ft gain
      Winchester Mountain is said to have the greatest reward for least amount of effort in all the North Cascades. One of the last fire-lookouts in the region stands on the summit. Views from the summit of Winchester Mountain are beautiful and dramatic to say the least. Being one of the easiest hikes...
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    • Elkton, Virginia

      Rocky Mount Trail Loop

      3.2
      9.58 mi / 2513 ft gain
      The trail begin 0.1 miles north of Two Mile Run Overlook at milepost 76.2 on Skyline Drive. You can park at this overlook for the night, just make sure you fill out a (free) wilderness permit and walk the short way on Skyline Drive to the trailhead. Immediately climb a wooded knoll before headin...
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