Skip to content
Wild10

Top 10 · Places

Top 10 US National Parks for Backcountry Travel

Parks with real wilderness, honest permit systems, and country worth a week or more.

All lists

National parks vary wildly in how much backcountry they actually offer. This list favors parks where you can leave the roads behind for days, with permit systems that work for planners and real off-trail options for experienced trippers.

Topic summary

Parks with real wilderness, honest permit systems, and country worth a week or more.

Key takeaways

  • #1 Wrangell–St. Elias — Alaska
  • #2 Gates of the Arctic — Alaska
  • #3 Yellowstone — Wyoming / Montana / Idaho
  • #4 Olympic — Washington
  • #5 North Cascades — Washington
  • #6 Isle Royale — Michigan

Intended uses

Places

Verification notes

Editorial ranked list, 10 entries. Evidence mix — 10 research only. Buy links open the maker or a retailer search.

  1. 1
    Wrangell–St. Elias by Alaska

    Wrangell–St. Elias

    — Alaska

    The largest US park — no established trails in most of it. True off-trail wilderness.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  2. 2
    Gates of the Arctic by Alaska

    Gates of the Arctic

    — Alaska

    No roads, no trails, no facilities. Genuine expedition park.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  3. 3
    Yellowstone by Wyoming / Montana / Idaho

    Yellowstone

    — Wyoming / Montana / Idaho

    Vast backcountry beyond the geyser basins — thermal features, bison, and real solitude.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  4. 4
    Olympic by Washington

    Olympic

    — Washington

    Three ecosystems in one park: coastal, rainforest, and alpine. Excellent backcountry permit system.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  5. 5
    North Cascades by Washington

    North Cascades

    — Washington

    'America's Alps' — glaciated peaks, quiet valleys, minimal crowds even in summer.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  6. 6
    Isle Royale by Michigan

    Isle Royale

    — Michigan

    Ferry-in wilderness island. Wolves, moose, and world-class canoe camping.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  7. 7
    Big Bend by Texas

    Big Bend

    — Texas

    Chihuahuan desert, Rio Grande canyon paddling, and quiet mountain hiking.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  8. 8
    Grand Canyon (Corridor and beyond) by Arizona

    Grand Canyon (Corridor and beyond)

    — Arizona

    Corridor for first trips, side canyons for real solitude. Water logistics dominate planning.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  9. 9
    Glacier by Montana

    Glacier

    — Montana

    Classic Northern Rockies backcountry. Grizzly country and truly wild interior.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
  10. 10
    Kings Canyon / Sequoia by California

    Kings Canyon / Sequoia

    — California

    High Sierra wilderness with less foot traffic than Yosemite. JMT and Rae Lakes country.

    Research onlyRead the full profile
    Amazon link coming soon
Next list
Fly-Fishing Destinations
Read next