With national park visitation numbers hitting record highs and showing no signs of slowing down, finding the solitude and respite that the U.S.’s breathtaking and diverse landscapes are known for is becoming increasingly difficult. These landscapes range from sky-high granite domes to crimson sandstone cliffs.
If you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and get a little dirt on your shoes, going on an overnight backpacking trip is a fantastic solution to escape the crowds at the park and have a different kind of outdoor adventure. We have put together a compilation of our top one-night hikes in popular national parks, ideal for beginner or intermediate backpackers who don’t want to cover long distances. These hikes are not only diverse but also breathtaking, with scenic rocky forests, dazzling alpine lakes, and incredible cliffside views.
Upper Teklanika River
During the prime wildflower season in Alaska, the pebbled riverbed is filled with purple fireweed while the headwaters upstream are nourished by glaciated mountains. To enjoy views of pine forests and red crags to the north and the snowcapped Alaska Range to the south, it is recommended to camp about two miles south of Cathedral Mountain’s peak and at least 200 feet west of the upper Teklanika River. This location not only offers breathtaking scenery but also provides the convenience of easy travel, as the riverbed eliminates the need for bushwhacking in the trail-free wilderness and provides a wide field of view for wildlife spotting. To secure a backcountry permit, it is advisable to arrive early as they are highly sought after.
Watch as the sinking sun in the Pacific Ocean sets the water ablaze and creates long shadows from the leaning sea stacks of the Chilean Memorial – large stone formations that resemble squatting beasts in the shallow waters, undisturbed by the gentle waves. To witness this spectacle, hike a mere 3.8 miles from Rialto Beach along Mora road and set up camp on the sandy loam, ensuring a safe distance from the advancing tide, where you can admire the sunset from the comfort of your tent. This serene location requires a permit, but no reservation is necessary. Take the opportunity to explore the tide pools during low tide, searching for crabs and vibrant starfish, and keep an eye out for harbor seals and whales in the distance when the waves are calm.
Lake Ellen Wilson
This website offers a comprehensive display of the traditional Glacier scenery in a single location. The lake, which is a beautiful turquoise color, is surrounded by pebbled beaches, waterfalls, glacial views, sheer cliffs, and pine forests. Additionally, boulders in the area serve as windbreaks and provide surfaces for food preparation and organizing gear. To reach Lake Ellen Wilson, visitors can take the shuttle to the trailhead at Gunsight Pass and hike a distance of 10 miles. It is possible to either make it a round trip hike or continue another 11 miles to Lake McDonald and take a shuttle from there. If more mileage is desired, the lake also serves as a starting point for exploring Sperry and Jackson Glaciers.
The shelters in The Smokies’ AT are the epitome of luxury, featuring three sides and constructed with stack-stone. These shelters include fireplaces and sleeping platforms on two levels. Furthermore, this specific shelter comes with outdoor food preparation benches located under a spacious roof. A composting privy is conveniently situated among the trees along with bear bagging poles. Additionally, there are grassy areas adjacent to all the amenities, allowing those who prefer sleeping in their own tents to stay close. To reach this shelter, it is necessary to hike 4 miles south along the AT from Newfound Gap. Subsequently, take the Sugarland Mountain side trail for a quarter mile to access the shelter. As a bonus, hikers can embark on an 8-mile round-trip from the shelter to reach the 6,643-foot Clingman’s Dome. At the top of this dome, there is a spiraling observation tower that offers breathtaking 100-mile views.
The Dune Field
At the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lies a picturesque scene of rolling dunes, resembling a Salvador Dali dreamscape. Begin your journey from the visitor center by walking northwest through this wild and trail-less area. After traveling half a mile, you will come across the Medano Creek bed, which must be crossed. From there, continue northwest until you reach the impressive 750-foot Star Dune. Set up your camp on any flat area located north of the Star Dune. As the sun sets, a stunning display of orange and blue colors will adorn the dunes, while the mountain peaks to the south, reaching an elevation of 14,000 feet, will become beautifully gilded. Rest peacefully on the sandy ground during the night, but be sure to stay alert for shooting stars streaking across the night sky. When morning arrives, head south to complete a 6.6-mile loop that will take you back through the main dune field.
Join the abundant bighorn sheep in traversing crags and boulders on this remote trail filled with Joshua trees and pinyon pines. Set up camp on warm stone, where only the clear desert air separates you from the vast sky. Hike approximately 1.5 miles north from the trailhead on Queen Valley Road to reach Pine City, which is the remains of a log cabin ghost town. Camp a little south of this location, as the city itself is designated for day-use only. Using the Pine City trail as a starting point, you can venture onto the Queen Valley Trail, the Split Rock Loop, or explore canyons to the north. Remember to bring an ample supply of water.
Cathedral Lakes
To fully experience Yosemite, it is essential to venture away from the valley and explore the high country. Embarking on a trek to Cathedral Lakes is an excellent starting point, providing a remarkable experience without exerting excessive effort. Commencing from the picturesque Tuolumne Meadows area, adorned with vibrant wildflowers, this well-liked trail promptly ascends just over 1,000 feet through a cool forest comprising ancient lodgepole pines and mountain hemlock. Soon, the renowned granite peaks of the park become visible, and hikers have the option to turn right and set up camp at the lower lake or continue onward and find a spot at Upper Cathedral. This elevated location offers a captivating view of the jagged summit that bears its name. It is worth noting that campfires are prohibited in this alpine basin, so take pleasure in a light camp meal while appreciating the spectacular sight of the Milky Way adorning the night sky with its radiant stars alongside a companion in the backcountry.
Bear Lake Trail to Odessa Lake
Backpacking to Odessa Lake provides a great opportunity to explore the varied terrains of Rocky Mountain. The journey starts at Bear Lake, which sits at a breathtaking altitude of 9,449 feet, offering a scenic backdrop. Hikers then pass through a forest filled with aromatic spruce and fir trees. As the trail progresses, the landscape transforms into the majestic, glacier-formed granite of Odessa Gorge. Finally, adventurers arrive at the lake, where two adjacent campsites (which require reservations) are available. Furthermore, there is an outhouse and remarkable vistas of the impressive granite formation resembling a grand cathedral.
