Top 10 · Places
Top 10 Backpacking Trips (2026)
Trail-scale hikes from long weekends to multi-month thru-hikes.
Updated September 2026 · 10 picks re-checked for availability and current spec, reader ratings refreshed live.
This list mixes bucket-list thru-hikes with strong week-long options. Permits, seasons, and resupply logistics vary widely; treat these as starting points for real planning, not itineraries.
The short answer
Compare all 10 picks at a glance
Editorial ranking, what each pick is best at, and how we assessed it. Tap a name to jump to the full write-up.
| # | Pick | Best for | Key spec | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Muir Trail California, USA | Long-distance backpacking | Location: High Sierra, California, USA | Research only |
| 2 | Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru) USA | Long-distance thru-hiking | Total Length: 4,265 km (2,650 miles) | Research only |
| 3 | Appalachian Trail (thru or long section) Eastern USA | Thru-hiking adventure | Length: Approx. 3,500 km (2,190 miles) | Research only |
| 4 | Kungsleden ('King's Trail') Swedish Lapland | Long-distance trekking | Location: Swedish Lapland, Arctic Circle | Research only |
| 5 | Tour du Mont Blanc France / Italy / Switzerland | Multi-day hut-to-hut trekking | Location: France, Italy, Switzerland | Research only |
| 6 | Torres del Paine 'O' Circuit Chile | Experienced backpackers | Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile | Research only |
| 7 | Wonderland Trail Washington, USA | Challenging multi-day thru-hike | Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA | Research only |
| 8 | Long Range Traverse Newfoundland, Canada | Experienced wilderness navigation | Location: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland | Research only |
| 9 | Great Himalaya Trail (sections) Nepal | Experienced high-altitude trekkers | Location: Nepal Himalaya | Research only |
| 10 | Chilkoot Trail Alaska / BC | History buffs | Distance: 33 miles (53 km) | Research only |
How we chose
We built this ranking from trip reports, agency data, permit records, and our editors' own time on the ground. 10 places made the final cut out of a much longer working list, and each one had to clear the same set of criteria before it earned a spot.
- Quality of the terrain
- Landscape, route variety, and whether the place rewards multiple days rather than one overlook.
- Season and weather windows
- How long the reliable window is, and how badly the shoulder seasons punish a bad forecast.
- Access and permits
- Trailhead logistics, permit odds, quotas, and how much lead time a trip realistically takes.
- Solitude vs. crowding
- How far you have to walk before the place feels like wilderness instead of a queue.
- Wildlife and ecology
- What you can reasonably expect to see, and what you have to plan around.
- Risk and skill required
- Navigation, water crossings, exposure, and rescue distance — stated plainly.
Best of the Best · Head to Head
John Muir Trail vs Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru)
#1 vs #2 — side-by-side specs, pros & cons, and the final verdict.
Compare any two picks
Build your own side-by-side
Choose any two of these 10 picks and compare specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.
Topic summary
Trail-scale hikes from long weekends to multi-month thru-hikes.
Key takeaways
- #1 John Muir Trail — California, USA
- #2 Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru) — USA
- #3 Appalachian Trail (thru or long section) — Eastern USA
- #4 Kungsleden ('King's Trail') — Swedish Lapland
- #5 Tour du Mont Blanc — France / Italy / Switzerland
- #6 Torres del Paine 'O' Circuit — Chile
Intended uses
Places
Verification notes
Editorial ranked list, 10 entries. Evidence mix — 10 research only. Buy links open the maker or a retailer search. Last reviewed September 2026.
Best backpacking trips for a specific job
Skip the ranking — jump to the pick that matches how you actually use it.
- Best for long-distance backpacking
- #1 John Muir Trail — California, USA340 km through the High Sierra. Permit-heavy, unmatched alpine scenery.Read the full profile
- Best for long-distance thru-hiking
- #2 Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru) — USA4,265 km from Mexico to Canada. Section hikes in Washington and the Sierra are the best introductions.Read the full profile
- Best for thru-hiking adventure
- #3 Appalachian Trail (thru or long section) — Eastern USA3,500 km of green tunnel and hut culture. The birthplace of American thru-hiking.Read the full profile
- Best for long-distance trekking
- #4 Kungsleden ('King's Trail') — Swedish Lapland440 km through Arctic Sweden, with STF huts. Extremely accessible wilderness for its remoteness.Read the full profile
- Best for multi-day hut-to-hut trekking
- #5 Tour du Mont Blanc — France / Italy / Switzerland170 km hut-to-hut around the Mont Blanc massif. Alpine backpacking without a tent needed.Read the full profile
- Best for experienced backpackers
- #6 Torres del Paine 'O' Circuit — Chile9–10 days around the Paine massif. Big weather, big scenery, real logistics.Read the full profile
- Best for challenging multi-day thru-hike
- #7 Wonderland Trail — Washington, USA150 km around Mount Rainier. Permit lottery, but a perfect week-plus trip.Read the full profile
Our editors test the gear, pick the ten, and set the order the day a list publishes. After that, the ranking is live: every member star rating feeds the community order, so picks climb or slide as real owners report back. Editorial judgment decides what earns a spot — you help decide where it sits.
- Editors set the field
Hands-on testing and spec research choose the ten and the published order.
- Readers re-rank it
Your 1–5 star ratings drive the community order on every list.
- Rankings keep moving
Picks rise or fall over time — nothing is frozen at launch day.
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- Pros
- Uninterrupted high-alpine scenery for 211 miles
- World-class wilderness experience
- Well-maintained trail infrastructure
- Opportunity for profound personal challenge and growth
- Abundant natural water sources (seasonal)
Cons- Extremely difficult to obtain permits
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Significant elevation gain and exposure to elements
- Requires extensive planning and logistical coordination
- Potential for dangerous river crossings and unpredictable weather
Key features- Location
- High Sierra, California, USA
- Length
- 211 miles (340 km)
- Start
- Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley
- End
- Mount Whitney Summit
- Elevation Gain
- Approximately 47,000 ft (14,300 m)
- Permits
- Required for all overnight stays
Best forLong-distance backpacking, High-alpine wilderness immersion, Physical and mental challenge, Stargazing and photography, Experiencing iconic Sierra vistas
Pros- Uninterrupted high-alpine scenery for 211 miles
- World-class wilderness experience
- Well-maintained trail infrastructure
- Opportunity for profound personal challenge and growth
- Abundant natural water sources (seasonal)
Cons- Extremely difficult to obtain permits
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Significant elevation gain and exposure to elements
- Requires extensive planning and logistical coordination
- Potential for dangerous river crossings and unpredictable weather
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Unparalleled diversity of ecosystems and landscapes
- Deep immersion in remote wilderness and solitude
- Challenging yet rewarding physical and mental journey
- Well-maintained trail infrastructure in many sections
- Strong sense of community among thru- and section-hikers
Cons- Demanding physical and mental exertion
- Significant logistical planning for permits, water, and resupply
- Exposure to extreme weather and environmental hazards
- Popular sections can experience crowding
- Access to remote trailheads can be challenging
Key features- Total Length
- 4,265 km (2,650 miles)
- Termini
- Mexico border (CA) to Canada border (BC)
- Highest Point
- Forester Pass (4,009 m / 13,153 ft)
- Designation
- National Scenic Trail
- Primary Terrain
- Desert, high alpine, temperate rainforest
- Key Wildlife
- Deer, bear, marmot, pika, numerous bird species
Best forLong-distance thru-hiking, Multi-week section hikes, Advanced backpacking trips, Seeking remote wilderness experiences
Pros- Unparalleled diversity of ecosystems and landscapes
- Deep immersion in remote wilderness and solitude
- Challenging yet rewarding physical and mental journey
- Well-maintained trail infrastructure in many sections
- Strong sense of community among thru- and section-hikers
Cons- Demanding physical and mental exertion
- Significant logistical planning for permits, water, and resupply
- Exposure to extreme weather and environmental hazards
- Popular sections can experience crowding
- Access to remote trailheads can be challenging
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Well-marked, continuous footpath
- Strong trail community and culture
- Frequent resupply points and shelters
- Accessible from numerous road crossings
- Immersive 'green tunnel' forest experience
Cons- Crowding, especially in peak seasons/sections
- Persistent mud and rocky terrain
- Humidity and insects in summer
- Variable weather demands versatile gear
Key features- Length
- Approx. 3,500 km (2,190 miles)
- Duration (Thru-Hike)
- 5-7 months
- States Traversed
- 14
- Trail Type
- Footpath, Hut-to-Hut sections
- Highest Point
- Clingmans Dome, TN (2,025 m)
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Strenuous
Best forThru-hiking adventure, Long-distance section hiking, Experiencing trail community, Forest immersion backpacking
Pros- Well-marked, continuous footpath
- Strong trail community and culture
- Frequent resupply points and shelters
- Accessible from numerous road crossings
- Immersive 'green tunnel' forest experience
Cons- Crowding, especially in peak seasons/sections
- Persistent mud and rocky terrain
- Humidity and insects in summer
- Variable weather demands versatile gear
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Well-maintained trail with clear markings, reducing navigation stress
- STF hut system offers comfortable shelter and resupply points
- Stunning Arctic wilderness scenery, vast and unspolied
- Accessible by public transport to key trailheads
- Option for section hiking to suit different timeframes and fitness levels
Cons- Can be crowded in peak season, especially northern sections
- Weather is highly unpredictable and can change rapidly
- Costly if relying heavily on huts and resupply services
- Mosquitoes and midges can be a serious nuisance in summer
Key features- Location
- Swedish Lapland, Arctic Circle
- Length
- Approx. 440 km (270 miles)
- Terrain
- Alpine tundra, birch forest, mountain passes
- Huts
- STF (Swedish Tourist Association) network
- Best Season
- July to early September (hiking)
- Wildlife
- Reindeer, moose, wolverines (rare), Arctic birds
Best forLong-distance trekking, Arctic wilderness immersion, First-time hut-to-hut hiking, Summer backpacking
Pros- Well-maintained trail with clear markings, reducing navigation stress
- STF hut system offers comfortable shelter and resupply points
- Stunning Arctic wilderness scenery, vast and unspolied
- Accessible by public transport to key trailheads
- Option for section hiking to suit different timeframes and fitness levels
Cons- Can be crowded in peak season, especially northern sections
- Weather is highly unpredictable and can change rapidly
- Costly if relying heavily on huts and resupply services
- Mosquitoes and midges can be a serious nuisance in summer
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Stunning, diverse alpine scenery across three countries
- No tent or extensive cooking gear required, thanks to hut system
- Well-marked trail with good infrastructure and support services
- Cultural experience in mountain villages and refuges
- Sense of accomplishment on an iconic European trek
Cons- Can be very crowded, especially in peak season
- Requires significant fitness for daily elevation changes
- Hut bookings require early planning and commitment
- Weather can be unpredictable, even in summer
- Can be an expensive trip, particularly for accommodation and food
Key features- Location
- France, Italy, Switzerland
- Distance
- 170 km (105 miles)
- Duration
- 7-12 days (typical)
- Elevation Gain
- Approx. 10,000m (33,000 ft)
- Max Altitude
- Col des Fours / Fenêtre d'Arpette (approx. 2665m)
- Accommodation
- Mountain Huts (Refuges)
Best forMulti-day hut-to-hut trekking, Alpine scenery immersion, Cultural backpacking experience, Challenging mountain adventure
Pros- Stunning, diverse alpine scenery across three countries
- No tent or extensive cooking gear required, thanks to hut system
- Well-marked trail with good infrastructure and support services
- Cultural experience in mountain villages and refuges
- Sense of accomplishment on an iconic European trek
Cons- Can be very crowded, especially in peak season
- Requires significant fitness for daily elevation changes
- Hut bookings require early planning and commitment
- Weather can be unpredictable, even in summer
- Can be an expensive trip, particularly for accommodation and food
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Unparalleled Patagonian scenery, comprehensive park tour
- Remote wilderness experience on the north side
- Diverse terrain and ecological zones
- Iconic glaciers, mountains, and valleys
- Well-established trail infrastructure (with reservations)
Cons- Extreme and unpredictable weather conditions
- Requires extensive advance planning for permits and campsites
- Challenging terrain with significant elevation changes
- Can be crowded on the 'W' section of the circuit
Key features- Location
- Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
- Duration
- 9-10 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Key Features
- Glaciers, Forests, Iconic Massif Views
- Permits
- Required for all campsites
- Best Season
- November - March
Best forExperienced backpackers, Long-distance trekking, Immersion in Patagonian wilderness, Seeking iconic mountain views
Pros- Unparalleled Patagonian scenery, comprehensive park tour
- Remote wilderness experience on the north side
- Diverse terrain and ecological zones
- Iconic glaciers, mountains, and valleys
- Well-established trail infrastructure (with reservations)
Cons- Extreme and unpredictable weather conditions
- Requires extensive advance planning for permits and campsites
- Challenging terrain with significant elevation changes
- Can be crowded on the 'W' section of the circuit
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Unparalleled 360-degree views of Mount Rainier
- Diverse ecosystems and constantly changing scenery
- Well-maintained trail with good signage
- Sense of accomplishment from a challenging thru-hike
- Deep immersion in a spectacular wilderness area
Cons- Extremely competitive permit lottery makes planning difficult
- Relentless elevation changes are physically demanding
- Crowds can be significant at popular camps/trailheads
- Limited resupply points require careful logistics
- Variable mountain weather demands preparedness for all conditions
Key features- Location
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
- Distance
- 93 miles (150 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 22,000+ ft (6,700+ m)
- Typical Duration
- 10-14 days
- Permit
- Required (Competitive Lottery)
- Highest Point
- Panhandle Gap (6,800 ft / 2,073 m)
Best forChallenging multi-day thru-hike, Experiencing diverse alpine environments, Photographic opportunities of Mount Rainier, Backcountry skill building
Pros- Unparalleled 360-degree views of Mount Rainier
- Diverse ecosystems and constantly changing scenery
- Well-maintained trail with good signage
- Sense of accomplishment from a challenging thru-hike
- Deep immersion in a spectacular wilderness area
Cons- Extremely competitive permit lottery makes planning difficult
- Relentless elevation changes are physically demanding
- Crowds can be significant at popular camps/trailheads
- Limited resupply points require careful logistics
- Variable mountain weather demands preparedness for all conditions
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Unparalleled wilderness solitude and isolation
- Stunning panoramic fjord and mountain views
- Exceptional navigation challenge for experienced backpackers
- Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities (moose, caribou)
- Profound sense of accomplishment upon completion
Cons- No marked trail, demanding advanced navigation skills
- Highly exposed to unpredictable weather (fog, rain, wind)
- Significant sections of boggy, uneven terrain
- Mandatory boat tour and permit booking adds logistical complexity
Key features- Location
- Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
- Distance
- 35 km
- Duration
- 3-5 days
- Navigation
- Unmarked, requires advanced skills
- Terrain
- Tundra, bog, rocky plateaus
- Permits
- Mandatory backcountry permit
Best forExperienced wilderness navigation, Solitude and self-reliance, Challenging multi-day trek, Photography of remote landscapes
Pros- Unparalleled wilderness solitude and isolation
- Stunning panoramic fjord and mountain views
- Exceptional navigation challenge for experienced backpackers
- Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities (moose, caribou)
- Profound sense of accomplishment upon completion
Cons- No marked trail, demanding advanced navigation skills
- Highly exposed to unpredictable weather (fog, rain, wind)
- Significant sections of boggy, uneven terrain
- Mandatory boat tour and permit booking adds logistical complexity
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Unparalleled cultural immersion in remote Himalayan villages
- Spectacular, unspoiled mountain scenery and 8000m peak views
- Fewer crowds than more popular Nepali treks
- Profound sense of accomplishment from a genuine challenge
- Authentic, raw wilderness experience away from tourist hubs
Cons- High altitude sickness is a constant risk
- Logistically complex, often requiring agency support and special permits
- Basic facilities and limited amenities throughout
- Extreme weather changes and natural hazards are common
- High physical demand and previous experience is essential
Key features- Location
- Nepal Himalaya
- Typical Duration (sections)
- 15-25 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous to Extremely Strenuous
- Highest Point (varies)
- Over 6,000m on some sections
- Best Season
- Spring (Mar-May), Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- Required Gear
- Full mountaineering/trekking kit
Best forExperienced high-altitude trekkers, Cultural immersion adventures, Seeking remote wilderness experiences, Physical and mental endurance challenges
Pros- Unparalleled cultural immersion in remote Himalayan villages
- Spectacular, unspoiled mountain scenery and 8000m peak views
- Fewer crowds than more popular Nepali treks
- Profound sense of accomplishment from a genuine challenge
- Authentic, raw wilderness experience away from tourist hubs
Cons- High altitude sickness is a constant risk
- Logistically complex, often requiring agency support and special permits
- Basic facilities and limited amenities throughout
- Extreme weather changes and natural hazards are common
- High physical demand and previous experience is essential
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet - Pros
- Unparalleled historical immersion with abundant artifacts
- Stunning and diverse landscapes from coast to interior
- Well-maintained trail with established campsites and bear caches
- Sense of accomplishment on a genuinely challenging route
- Unique international border crossing on foot
Cons- Unpredictable and often wet weather, even in summer
- Permits and logistical planning can be complex
- Significant potential for crowds during peak season
- Can be expensive due to train return trip and international travel
Key features- Distance
- 33 miles (53 km)
- Starting Point
- Dyea, Alaska
- Ending Point
- Bennett, British Columbia
- Max Elevation
- 3,500 ft (1,067 m) at Chilkoot Pass
- Typical Duration
- 3-5 days
- Permits
- Required (US NPS / Parks Canada)
Best forHistory buffs, Backpackers seeking a challenge, Those who enjoy varied terrain, Adventure travelers, Anyone interested in the Gold Rush era
Pros- Unparalleled historical immersion with abundant artifacts
- Stunning and diverse landscapes from coast to interior
- Well-maintained trail with established campsites and bear caches
- Sense of accomplishment on a genuinely challenging route
- Unique international border crossing on foot
Cons- Unpredictable and often wet weather, even in summer
- Permits and logistical planning can be complex
- Significant potential for crowds during peak season
- Can be expensive due to train return trip and international travel
Assessed by Cal Brennan against our ranking criteria.No ratings yet
Award picks
The ranking above is price-blind and judged on merit. These awards call out the pick we'd hand a specific person with a specific need.
340 km through the High Sierra.
Ranked #14,265 km from Mexico to Canada.
Ranked #2440 km through Arctic Sweden, with STF huts.
Ranked #43,500 km of green tunnel and hut culture.
Ranked #3170 km hut-to-hut around the Mont Blanc massif.
Ranked #553 km following the Klondike gold-rush route from Skagway to Bennett Lake.
Ranked #10How to choose between these backpacking trips
Every pick on this page was judged against the same criteria. If you want the short answer, John Muir Trail by California, USA is the one we point most people at. If you want to decide for yourself, here is what actually separates a good backpacking trip from an expensive one.
Quality of the terrain
Landscape, route variety, and whether the place rewards multiple days rather than one overlook.
Season and weather windows
How long the reliable window is, and how badly the shoulder seasons punish a bad forecast.
Access and permits
Trailhead logistics, permit odds, quotas, and how much lead time a trip realistically takes.
Solitude vs. crowding
How far you have to walk before the place feels like wilderness instead of a queue.
Wildlife and ecology
What you can reasonably expect to see, and what you have to plan around.
Risk and skill required
Navigation, water crossings, exposure, and rescue distance — stated plainly.
Match the trip to your season and skill
The right backpacking trips depends on what you are actually doing with it: Long-distance backpacking; High-alpine wilderness immersion; Physical and mental challenge; Stargazing and photography; Experiencing iconic Sierra vistas; Long-distance thru-hiking. Start from the use case, then work down the ranking until you hit the first pick that covers it.
Common mistakes
- Booking travel before checking permit windows and quota draw dates.
- Planning peak-season mileage without a weather-day buffer.
- Assuming an access road or ferry runs year-round.
- Ignoring local fire, bear, and camping regulations for the unit you are entering.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best backpacking trips in 2026?
- John Muir Trail by California, USA takes the top spot. 340 km through the High Sierra.
- How did The Wild10 choose and rank these backpacking trips?
- We judged every pick against the same criteria — quality of the terrain, season and weather windows, access and permits, solitude vs. crowding — and ranked them on merit regardless of price. Trail-scale hikes from long weekends to multi-month thru-hikes.
- Which of these backpacking trips is easiest to plan on a budget?
- Chilkoot Trail by Alaska / BC — 53 km following the Klondike gold-rush route from Skagway to Bennett Lake.
- John Muir Trail vs Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru) — which should I pick?
- John Muir Trail ranks first: 340 km through the High Sierra. Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru) is the close second: 4,265 km from Mexico to Canada. Our full head-to-head compares them side by side.
- How often is this list updated?
- We review this ranking on a rolling basis and update it whenever a pick is discontinued, meaningfully revised, or beaten by something new. Rankings are editorial — brands do not see them before publication and affiliate links never change the order.
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