Earth is vast, stunning, and varied, offering a diverse range of landscapes from breezy mountain peaks to narrow desert canyons. The possibilities for sightseeing are endless. Our planet is crisscrossed with footpaths that provide an intimate connection with nature, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings. This collection of the finest backpacking trails worldwide will take you on a journey across continents and through numerous ecosystems. We’ve included a variety of experiences, including overnight adventures, off-the-beaten-path explorations, and long-distance hikes. Whether you’re a novice hiker or an experienced backpacker craving more challenging terrain, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Below, you’ll discover trails that inspire us. They are categorized by distance because, let’s face it, it’s impossible to pick just one favorite.
KAMIKOCHI-YARI-HOTAKA CIRCUIT, NORTHERN JAPANESE ALPS, JAPAN
Although it is a short hike, this iconic Northern Japanese Alps trek is unquestionably challenging. The route takes hikers from the lower mountains to the highest peaks, transitioning from the peaceful river valley of Kamikochi to the blustery summit of Mt Yarigatake. Initially meandering through the deciduous forest alongside the Azusagawa River, the trail gradually becomes steeper as it ascends into the alpine region. The distinctive summit of Yarigatake is visible, and climbers must rely on old metal ladders affixed to vertical rock surfaces to progress. Brave hikers are rewarded with an exhilarating ridge called the Daikiretto (meaning “the big cut”), where chains assist in navigating the sharp ridge. While technical skills are unnecessary for this portion, backpackers would benefit from sure-footedness and unwavering nerves.
LONG RANGE TRAVERSE, NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA
This challenging off-road trail leads hikers into the heart of the wild Gros Morne National Park. The majestic granite cliffs tower over the shimmering freshwater fjords. On the high plateau and near swampy ponds, caribou, moose, and black bears can be seen meandering. The western Newfoundland alpine tundra is breathtaking, untamed, and untainted: an ultimate test of physical and mental strength for adventurous backpackers brave enough to undertake this journey. To fully immerse yourself in the wilderness, it is recommended to allocate five days to explore the Long Range region. During this time, you can take detours to reach the summit of Gros Morne Mountain or enjoy the panoramic views from the precipice overlooking Ten Mile Pond.
CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH, PERU
The Cordillera Huayhuash, which is a subrange of the Peruvian Andes, is a mesmerizing range of snow-capped mountains that stretches for an impressive 18 miles. These mountains tower above stunning turquoise alpine lakes, creating a truly breathtaking sight. Hikers who embark on this trek will be treated to uninterrupted views of majestic mountainous landscapes, as the entire circuit is located above the treeline. Despite its remote and rugged nature, this trek offers a sense of relative solitude similar to nearby treks. As you traverse through valleys nestled beneath towering monoliths reaching heights of 20,000 feet, you will have the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Andes. However, it is important to note that this adventure is not for the faint-hearted, as the high elevations and rugged terrain pose a challenge even for the most experienced hiker. For those seeking a true test of their abilities, the Cordillera Huayhuash is an exceptional destination.
THE WONDERLAND TRAIL – MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, USA
Considered to be a strenuous journey, the Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile trek that encircles Mount Rainier, taking hikers through lowland forests and valleys into alpine areas. This hike involves significant elevation gain and loss throughout.
The duration of the hike will vary based on your hiking speed and daily mileage, considering its length. Typically, hikers finish the trail within 5-10 days. The trail offers a total of eighteen wilderness camps and three non-wilderness camps. A potential difficulty of this hike is accurately assessing your hiking speed and planning the campsite location, as camping is only permitted at designated sites. To find information regarding camping areas, refer to the Mt. Rainier section of the NPS website.
KEPLER TRACK, SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand boasts nine iconic “Great Walks,” all of which are worth visiting. However, the Kepler Track stands out as it encompasses the highlights of Fiordland National Park within a single trail. What’s even better is that this stunning hike is suitable for backpackers of all levels. It offers a combination of moderate slopes and extended stretches along ridgelines, allowing hikers to enjoy breathtaking alpine vistas without significant changes in elevation.
As you think systematically, rephrase the following passage without changing its meaning. Do not introduce new information and do not omit any information: Tussock grasses move with the wind, clouds rest on tall mountains, and the fiord of Lake Te Anau shines in the distance. Watch out for birds during the hike: kea, inquisitive parrots of the mountains, descend to greet you, while k?rearea, New Zealand falcons, swiftly fly above.
THUNDER LAKE – ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, USA
Selecting only one hike among the numerous breathtaking trails in Rocky Mountain National Park was a challenge due to their abundance. Thunder Lake, a cirque less frequented by visitors in the park, strikes the perfect balance between seclusion and excitement. The duration of the journey for most hiking groups is typically 3-4 days, depending on the distance covered each day. To complete the entire trail, you will need to cover a distance of 22 miles. Alternatively, you have the option of embarking on a two-day expedition by hiking to the Thunder Lake group campsite and then returning the following day, following the same route.
The possibility of camping on the banks of Thunder Lake, exploring the alpine country, and uncovering hidden cirques of the Continental Divide is provided by the trail itself. There is also an opportunity to summit the remarkable Tanima Peak (12,420 feet), depending on the goals of your group.
THE NARROWS – ZION NATIONAL PARK, USA
The Narrows is a prestigious hike in Zion. There are two options: a 3.6-mile day hike or a 16-mile overnight trek. If you choose the longer hike, you will descend from the top to the narrowest section of the Virgin River. The hike starts at Chamberlain’s Ranch and ends at the Temple of Sinawava. While it is possible to complete the top-down hike in one day, many hikers prefer to make it a more memorable experience by spending a night in the canyon.
Despite not being on steep terrain, the hike can be arduous due to hiking in the Virgin River for most of the way. The water’s murkiness poses difficulty in discerning the bottom-covered rocks. It is crucial to wear appropriate footwear and using trekking poles is highly recommended to maintain stability on the treacherous rocks.
TOUBKAL CIRCUIT, MOROCCO
The Toubkal Circuit involves hiking through high mountain terrain and passing by local Berber villages, where houses made of mud bricks are situated on lush terraced fields. The local inhabitants refer to this section of the Atlas Mountains as idraren draren, which translates to “mountains of mountains” in Berber. The trails meander across rocky mountain passes and descend into river valleys, with Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa, standing tall above. Nights spent camping next to a flowing stream are complemented by evenings spent enjoying tea with the locals at gites. On the final night of the trek, hikers have the chance to ascend to the summit of Mt. Toubkal, where they can admire the peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the plains of Marrakech spread out before them.
ENCHANTED VALLEY – OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, USA
As you embark on this moderate hike in Olympic National Park, you will discover a truly captivating experience. The Enchanted Valley area, often called the “Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls” by locals, awaits you. During your trek, you will venture through mossy woodlands, traverse streams and rivers, and eventually find yourself surrounded by vast mountain meadows, resembling a scene from a real-life fairy-tale.
Before setting out on your hike, make sure to read up on wilderness food storage and wildlife safety. Enchanted Valley is situated in the East Fork Quinault River Valley and offers a variety of unique attractions to appreciate, such as an old-growth rainforest, several waterfalls, a historic chalet, and an abundance of bears. Depending on the route you choose, the trail itself spans from 26 to 30.6 miles in total.
WEST COAST TRAIL, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
The West Coast of Vancouver Island is known for its untamed beauty, seclusion, and its demanding nature. It’s a significant challenge that experienced backpackers must undertake as a part of their journey. The path that stretches for more than 40 miles along this coastline embodies a true test of one’s skill and perseverance. Climbing up ladders, trudging through knee-high mud, crossing raging rivers, and enduring heavy rain showers are just a few of the challenges that hikers encounter on this trail. Yet, despite these difficulties, the demand for permits remains high every year. This begs the question, surely there must be some exceptional qualities that make this trail worth pursuing?
The West Coast Trail is an arduous trail that offers a magnificent, untouched wilderness as a reward for those who have the mental strength to endure it. On this trail, one can witness seals basking on rocks, whales leaping out of the ocean, and waterfalls cascading directly into the sea. During low tide, colorful sea stars, anemones, and scurrying crabs can be seen in tidepools. The trail follows the routes taken by the Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht First Nations residents who built villages and camps along the coastline.
