Trips by State
Got the itch to go hiking? Whether it’s prepping for the trip of a lifetime or finding local hikes, these picks from the editors of Backpacker will help you get out more. Find day hikes, multi-day trips, and more.
A 500-Mile Thru-Hike that Follows the Rio Grande? Count Me In.
I backpacked a segment of New Mexico’s in-the-works Rio Grande Trail. Here’s what it was like.
Latest in Trips by State
What You Need to Know to Hike Up Sedona’s Popular Cathedral Rock Trail
Hike Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona for epic views and steep scrambles. Learn what to bring, which route to take, and how to navigate the shuttle system.
Everything I Wish I Knew Before Hiking Mt. Whitney
Even after preparing and training for months, I made mistakes. Here's what I'll do differently on my next Mt. Whitney summit.
How To Thru-Hike One Of The Most Rugged Coastlines In America
Hike the Lost Coast Trail safely with this complete guide to permits, tides, gear, and a three-day itinerary through coastal wilderness.
California’s “Golden Mountain” Features Forests, Coastal Bluffs—and Some of the Best Wildflowers You’ll Ever See
Montaña de Oro is one of California’s biggest state parks, but it receives a fraction of Yosemite National Park’s visitation.
6 Denver-Area Trails Accessible Via Public Transit During Outside Festival
Sometimes you travel without a rental car, and sometimes trailhead parking lots fill up quick. Whatever the reason, you can access these trails via local public transit.
Hike the “Rugged Badlands” At This New Tribal National Park
Established last year, North Dakota’s Three Affiliated Tribes National Park blends culture with history and geographical beauty—and when it comes to hiking, its caretakers have big plans.
Land Snorkeling Is the New Trend That’s Taking Hikers Deeper
Feel like your hikes have gotten too focused on end goals and not enough on enjoying the journey? Montana's vast American Prairie says it has the solution.
The Insider’s Guide to Channel Islands National Park
Start planning your getaway to the Ventura County coast and the Channel Islands with help from a local naturalist and adventure guide
This New Thru-Hike Showcases the Best of Northern Colorado
The Northern Colorado Trail stretches 292 miles from Estes Park to Glenwood Springs.
Everything I Wish I Knew Before Hiking the Ice Age Trail
For a veteran thru-hiker, 1,200 miles across, down, and up Wisconsin sounded simple. Suffice it to say, there were unexpected obstacles.
Hiking the Florida Trail: A Winter Adventure for People Who Hate Winter
It has cypress swamps, shorelines, and an offbeat character all its own. What the Florida Trail doesn't have is crowds, or many thru-hikers at all. Could it be the winter adventure for you?
Four Seasons of Fun on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
Get your fill of “Awe and then Some”
I Found Home in Wisconsin on the North Country Trail
An autumnal section hike of the 4,800-mile North Country Trail brought our writer closer to his ancestry, his home state, and himself. Here's how to hike it yourself.
Is America’s Next Great Thru-Hike in Texas?
The xTx trail will cover 1,500 miles in the Lone Star State.
Is the Lakeshore Trail the 40 Most Beautiful Miles In the Midwest? Hike it and Decide.
The Lakeshore Trail offers 4 days of stunning views along Lake Superior.
Is This the Best Bang-for-Buck Backpacking Trip in Alaska?
Two born-and-raised Alaskans think the Bomber Traverse might be one of the best wilderness backpacking trips in the U.S. However, even experienced backpackers must be prepared for challenging conditions, including glacier travel, scrambling through boulder fields, and even midsummer snowfall.
5 Trails That Show Why Lake Tahoe Is The Best Place For Your Hiker Family
Lake Tahoe—the largest alpine lake in North America—has hundreds of miles to hike. Here are the best of them for the whole family.
This Hiking Paradise In The Heartland Flies Under The Radar
Want in on one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets for urban hiking? Head to Minneapolis.
5 Alaskan Frontcountry Campgrounds With Serious Backcountry Vibes
Only have a couple days to explore in Alaska? These frontcountry campgrounds offer backcountry views—but without the long hike in.
The Best Hikes in the Midwest
The midwestern states are some of the most geographically diverse landscapes in America. Shaped by ancient glaciers, rivers and lakes are abundant among deep forests and rolling hills. Here are some of the best hikes to explore this diverse region.
Why This Is the Year to Hike West Virginia’s Allegheny Trail
It’s the 50th anniversary for the state’s longest path—which means events, trail parties, and the perfect time to experience this hiker landmark
Chasing Cascades: The Best Waterfall Hikes in Hood River, Oregon
Need a verdant excursion from Portland? Got a day or two to spend in Hood River, Oregon? Take these trails for a spin.
3 Hikes You Can’t Miss Near Austin and San Antonio
Texas is way more than flat, barren land. Try these three hikes in Hill Country.
5 Ways Nebraska Will Surprise You
Here’s a little-known secret: the Cornhusker State is full of untapped adventure
Best Waterfall Hikes in Colorado
A local expert shares her secrets on finding the state's best waterfalls—from easy walks to more adventurous tours deep in the mountains.
Best Summit Hikes in Colorado Springs
Local guidebook author Susan Joy Paul explores the best summit hikes in and around Colorado Springs, Colorado.
This 10-Day Road Trip Through Utah Is a Hiker’s Dream
Slot canyons, auburn cliffs, alpine lakes, and more: You can experience the best Utah has to offer on this 10-day road trip just for hikers.
Best Hikes in Washington State’s National Parks
Pacific Northwest hiking expert Matt Wastradowski explores the best hiking in Washington's three national parks.
Best Hikes in Oregon’s National Park and National Monuments
Oregon guidebook author Matt Wastradowski explores the best hiking and backpacking in Oregon’s national parks and national monuments.
Do You Know What Balds Are? Hike These For Iconic Appalachian Beauty
These treeless summits have expansive views of some of America's most beautiful terrain. Here are 6 of the best to start with.
Mount Washington Is a Beautiful—But Deadly—Hike. Here’s How to Do it Safely.
At a modest 6,288 feet, Mount Washington seems like an unlikely candidate for one of America’s deadliest mountains. But with more than 150 known fatalities, it can be a hazardous hike. Here’s what beginners need to know before hitting the trail.
An Insider’s Guide to the Best Hikes in Boulder, Colorado
After 25 years of hiking in his hometown of Boulder, guidebook author James Dziezynski reveals his all-time favorite treks in the area. Plus, he’s included downloadable GPX files, parking intel, trail beta, gear and weather tips, and more.
Adventure Under the Radar in South Dakota
If you’re after an experience that feels like a real adventure, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than South Dakota
14 Things to Know Before Hiking Longs Peak
Longs Peak can be a sufferfest if you're not prepared for what this imposing 14er can throw at you. Here are 14 tips to increase your odds of reaching the summit.
The 10 Hardest Dayhikes in America
From a 41-mile day to thigh-busting climbs to exposed, high-mountain ridges, hiking doesn't get harder than this.
Hike Mauna Kea: The Expert Guide to Hiking Hawaii’s Highest Point
Ready to hike to the highest point in Hawaii? Ascend Mauna Kea's volcanic slopes to a summit high above the clouds. This challenging day hike is among the most spectacular on the planet.
I Hiked Across the Ozarks Looking for Adventure—and Got More Than I Bargained For
On a winter thru-hike of the Ozark Highlands Trail, Jeff Garmire contended with snowstorms, swam a river, and bushwhacked paths overgrown with bramble—and discovered the rugged heart of one of America’s lesser-known long trails.
The Salton Sea Is an Environmental Disaster—and it’s Also Gorgeous
Since its peak in the early 20th century, the Salton Sea has suffered from increasing salinity, fish die-offs, and general neglect. But on a pair of kayak camping trips, one paddler found surprising beauty there
Ditch the AT’s Crowds on the Benton MacKaye Trail
This short shuttle hike explores the southernmost section of the Benton MacKaye Trail, which links the Georgia backcountry to the northern reaches of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Vermont Guide to Getting Outside
The Green Mountain State delivers when it comes to year-round outdoor recreation and adventures with a uniquely Vermont spin
The Agony and the Adventure of Hiking the John Muir Trail in a Week
Got a few days off, a pair of healthy feet, and a pain threshold higher than Dean Karnazes? You can (possibly) blaze the length of America's Most Beautiful Trail
The Oregon Coast Trail: The Best, Biggest Beach Walk of Your Life
From dense, moss-draped rainforest to misty, cliff-guarded beaches, the Oregon Coast Trail is 425 miles of pure Pacific beauty with a complicated story behind it.
Take a Break from Winter on These Florida Adventures
Florida gets stereotyped as a land of beaches and snowbirds. Reality check: It's also home to the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi River, the Everglades, and some of the best paddling and wildlife-watching opportunities in the U.S.
Paddle the Sandfly Island Loop and Explore an Ocean Forest in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands
Located off the coast of the Everglades, the Sandfly Island Loop is an intro to sea kayaking that even beginners can do.
Want To Hike In Middle-Earth? Go To Hocking Hills, Ohio
Explore mossy gorge trails, ancient sandstone caves, and morel-filled forests in this unexpected hiking paradise.
Want to See the Best of Winter? Snowshoe Up Artist Point.
This is the best way to view the North Cascades.
See the Galaxy: Hike Florida.
How one hiking photographer got the perfect shot in Florida's Gulf Islands.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Is So Big, Even the Grizzlies Seem Small
On a rafting trip down the Kongakut River, a photographer experiences a landscape that's as spectacular as it is endangered.
The Palisade Glacier Is the Southernmost Glacier in America. How Long Will it Last?
In California's Big Pine Lakes basin, you can find the southernmost glacier in North America, for now.
The Best San Diego Hikes for Your Next Coastal Adventure
San Diego is more than great views of the Pacific. These trails will take you through canyons, alpine, waterfalls, and more.
Explore the Other Side of North Lake Tahoe
Get a different perspective on Lake Tahoe (and fewer crowds, too!) when you head into the mountains surrounding North Lake Tahoe
11 Hikes to Stay Cool During the Dog Days of Summer
Escape the dog days with these deliciously cool trails.
Torreys Peak: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
One mountain, five great hiking routes. Even if you’ve already climbed the peak, alternate ascent lines can make your adventure feel like a brand new mountain.
Your Guide to Vermont’s Best Bike Rides
From rolling road rides and family-friendly singletrack to downhill bike parks, Vermont has world-class routes for cyclists of every kind
The Best Hikes in Colorado
Lace up your boots for a hiking destination that includes Rocky Mountain vistas, alpine lakes, wind-swept sand dunes, and memorable urban parks.
Glacier National Park: Backpacker’s All-Time Favorite Hikes
Whether you have a day, a weekend, or a whole week, there's a hike for you in Glacier National Park.
The Best Hikes in Oregon, From the Mountains to the Sea
Take a walk on the wild side in the Pacific Northwest, exploring endless dayhikes and backpacking trips across Oregon.
In Montana’s Bear-Filled Crazy Mountains, Hikers Are Never Alone
The remote Crazies are a playground for more than just humans.
9 Incredible Night Sky Hikes to Do This Year
At these dark-sky destinations, the stars are out of this world.
The Best Hikes in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs makes for an unforgettable gateway into the Rocky Mountains’ Front Range.
The Best Hikes in Washington
Whether you’re new to the area, just visiting, or a lifelong resident here, there’s always new trails to explore!
What Did I Learn Trudging Through the Swamps of the Florida Trail? That I’m a Kink Hiker.
The pain I experience while thru-hiking draws me back to the present and makes me more aware of my privilege
The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains
This hidden gem of a thru-hike shows off all the Ozarks have to offer.
A Hiker’s Guide To The Eagle Creek Trail
With several dozen waterfalls, old growth forest, and mossy grottos carved right out of the wall of Columbia River Gorge, this trail is a hiker's paradise.
The Best Hikes on O’ahu
From summit scrambles to lowland rainforest, there's a hike on O'ahu for every hiker.
Hiking Sedona’s Devil’s Bridge Trail
This sandstone arch outside Sedona, AZ has top-notch views and a fun bit of scrambling.
The 15 Best National Park Campsites in America
At these creekside, shorefront, and mountaintop spots, the views are so gorgeous that you may never want to go to sleep.
The Best Hikes in the Dolly Sods
There's a whole wilderness of green valleys, rocky mountaintops, and hidden waterfalls ready to explore in West Virginia's Dolly Sods. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy it.
For My Family, Hiking History Is Black History
Over a 30-mile hike through the High Sierra, a father and son reflect on belonging in the wilderness.
The Best Hikes On Maui
Rainforest, volcanic summits, and lush bamboo groves; this island has everything a hiker could want.
The Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
Find the best of Maine's unbeatable seashore on these hikes through Acadia National Park.
Bask in the Fall Glory on These 7 Perfect Autumn Leaf Hikes
Hit up one of these 7 hikes for a late-season color show.
The 22 Best Hard Hikes in America
Whether it’s big elevation changes, big miles, or big moves, these 23 routes prove that the best hikes are often the hardest. There’s a world of adventure out there—if you’re strong enough to seize it.
15 Ledge Hikes That Will Make Your Palms Sweat
Get on a high ledge, a crumbly cliff, or a knife-edge ridge and your body will recognize the feeling before your brain catches on.
Hike This, Not That: Skip the Big-Name Parks for These 15 Uncrowded Trails
No one likes hiking in a crowd. Get all of the scenery and less of the lines with these alternatives to the big parks.
Congaree: Chasing Pure Solitude in One of the East’s Least-Visited National Parks
Marvel at tall trees, flooded forest, and rare birds at one of the nation’s lesser-known destinations.
The Best Hikes in the White Mountains
Some of the wildest terrain in the East—loaded with rocky summits, waterfalls, and alpine ponds—is only a couple hour drive from Boston.
Florida Trail: A Guide to Thru-Hiking the Sunshine State
There's more than gators and beaches here: Florida has one of the best all-season thru-hikes around.
10 Frozen Waterfall Hikes That Will Leave You Marveling This Winter
Waterfalls aren't summer-only destinations—these cascades are even cooler when frozen in the winter.