Camping in the wilderness instills a feeling of toughness within us. By spending a night or two away from our everyday comforts, we detach ourselves from our technology-dependent lives and rediscover our adventurous side. It is satisfying to realize that we do not require all those possessions, as it brings out our wild nature. Additionally, undertaking a 20+ mile hike prior to spending another night under the stars will make one feel like an absolute badass.
If you want to experience the empowering feeling of “I can do anything” and have something to brag about during future adventure conversations around the campfire, consider exploring the numerous treks available worldwide. To save yourself the hassle of researching, here are some backpacking trips worth checking out.
Glacier Peak Wilderness
The Spider Gap-Buck Creek Pass loop in Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness is a five-day, 44-mile hike that is known for being challenging, which helps to keep the number of hikers low. This is primarily due to the off-trail section over Spider Gap, a 7,100-foot pass that remains snowy throughout the summer and can be dangerous, depending on the condition of the snow.
For backpackers who are capable of navigating the pass, which is not overly difficult or risky in soft-snow conditions, my family was able to accomplish it when our children were 12 and 10. The benefits of this undertaking include breathtaking views of Glacier Peak and the numerous sharp mountains that encompass it, exceptional backcountry campsites that you will cherish or potentially pass by, and unforgettable exhibitions of wildflowers and landscapes, such as the ones found at Liberty Cap, a brief detour from Buck Creek Pass.
The Maze District, Canyonlands
There was a good reason why my three friends and I encountered only a few individuals during our five-day backpacking trip through the Canyonlands Maze. To begin with, the trailhead is located far away from any civilization at the conclusion of a lengthy dirt road. We chose to embark on this adventure during the first week of March, benefiting from pleasant sunny days and freezing nights. Most importantly, we were able to locate water in a region where the limited water sources tend to dry up by late spring.
Plus, the Maze entails rugged hiking along circuitous trails weaving up and down canyons; several times, we passed our packs to scramble over ledges, through tight crevices, and down a ladder of footsteps chiseled into a short cliff. But the payoff was a trip more adventurous and scenic than expected, the brilliant streak of the Milky Way across ink-black night skies—and nearly incomparable solitude.
John Muir Wilderness
My friend and I completed a three-day traverse on a 32-mile route in the John Muir Wilderness, located in California’s High Sierra. This trek took us from North Lake, near Bishop, to Mosquito Flat. Throughout our journey, we combined trails with extended periods of cross-country hiking in order to discover beautiful alpine basins filled with lakes. Additionally, we traversed six passes, each ranging from 11,150 to 13,040 feet in elevation.
The reward we received for our hard work and the challenge of the route was having the opportunity to explore remote areas of the Sierra that are rarely visited by people. If you are interested in embarking on a multi-day hike that involves finding safe, non-technical paths through cliff bands, descending steep and loose scree, and navigating large talus blocks, while also being able to appreciate the stunning beauty of the backcountry and campsites, then this route is perfect for you. Certain sections of this route are less difficult to navigate and offer a sense of solitude, and they can also be connected to existing trails.
High Uintas Wilderness
The initial indication of how alone we would be on this 57-mile loop hike in northeastern Utah’s High Uintas (which includes an optional 11-mile day hike to Kings Peak, the highest point in Utah) came when we arrived at the trailhead and saw two cars. We did not encounter another individual until the second evening when we were camping by a picturesque mountain lake. At that moment, two hikers walked by and one of them commented, “So, there are other people here!”
We didn’t come across any other humans on our third day. We stayed at a campsite for two nights in a basin surrounded by peaks taller than 13,000 feet, sitting at an elevation of 11,000 feet, with no one in our sight. Additionally, we encountered four or five other backpackers during the final two days of our trip. These events took place in the third week of July when the majority of snow had melted in the Uintas.
Wild Basin’s Ouzel and Ogallala Peak
Wild Basin’s Ouzel & Ogallala Peaks trail offers a unique experience of venturing into rugged wilderness that is often unexplored by many. Within this journey, one can appreciate the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Wild Basin, Paradise Park, and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Furthermore, the trail includes the ascent of two peaks as well as traversing through meadows adorned with beautiful wildflowers and skirting subalpine lakes.
To start the trek, head to the Wild Basin Trailhead located in southeastern Rocky Mountain National Park near Allenspark. If you plan on doing the trek as a day trip, make sure to begin before sunrise to avoid any afternoon thunderstorms that may occur above the treeline. Alternatively, you can turn this trip into a backpacking adventure by camping at one of the campsites along the trail or at Upper Ouzel Creek, which is situated below Bluebird Lake.
Trek in the Swiss Alps
The Alps offer a 68-mile trek that can be done entirely or in a smaller portion. Experience the astonishing views of snow-covered peaks, picturesque alpine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Embark on a hike along the well-known North Face of Eiger, Jungfra, Monch, and Wetterhorn. Enjoy a refreshing beer or scotch while admiring the Alpenglow on the Eiger.
Words cannot describe the unparalleled beauty and scenery you will experience on this trek. The journey starts at Schynige Platte where you get your first up-close glimpse of the Berner Oberland including the Eiger, Jungfrau, Monch, and Wetterhorn. From there you will wind up and down through beautiful valleys and vistas offering breathtaking panoramas, often sharing the trail with local bovine (watch for cow pies).
Kings Peak
The tallest mountain in Utah, Kings Peak, reaches an elevation of 13,527 feet (4,123 meters), offering breathtaking panoramic views of all the other peaks in Utah that surpass 13,000 feet.
Starting from the Henry Fork Trailhead, which is located at an elevation of approximately 9400 feet, the trail initially has a minimal increase in elevation for the first 5.5 miles. Along this stretch, there are several lakes where you can camp. The first lake that you will come across is Alligator Lake, which is less than 3 miles away from the trailhead. This picturesque lake is a great option for those who want a relatively easy introduction to the high altitude and demands of backpacking. Continuing on the Henry’s Fork Trail for another 3 miles after Alligator Lake, you will reach a trail junction called ElkHorn Crossing.
Continental Divide in Glacier NP
Glacier National Park offers a stunning environment with unspoiled lakes, magnificent glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, and majestic mountains. For individuals seeking solitude, the backcountry of the park provides an opportunity to experience tranquility. A backpacking excursion along the Continental Divide Trail from St. Mary to Two Medicine includes a 3 day 2 night journey. Covering a distance of 33.4 miles, the trail involves an ascent of 5,257 ft and a descent of 4,560 ft in elevation.
To start, you can choose to park your car at the Two Medicine North Shore Trailhead. Next, you have the option of taking a National Park Shuttle, provided they are operating during the specific season (as they discontinue service around Labor Day in September). Alternatively, you can arrange for a private shuttle service to St. Mary and the Red Eagle Trailhead, which typically costs only $10-20 per person.
Red Eagle Lake offers impressive views of distant mountains, including the glacier carved valley that you will hike through the following day towards Triple Divide Pass. If you enjoy photography, Red Eagle Lake provides numerous notable opportunities, particularly during sunset and dusk.
