List of the most beautiful backpacking trails in America

twistwrist · Jun 15th 2017, 10:50am

Hey y'all!
My plans are coming together for a hike in July of 2018!

As much as I'm hoping hoping hoping to land a JMT permit, I'm trying also to consider the fact that I may not get lucky. Regardless, I want to hike a beautiful trail out west somewhere...one approximately 200 miles long, give or take 50 miles.

What other trails would you recommend of the JMT doesn't work out for me?

ScareBear · Jun 15th 2017, 12:27pm

coloradotrail.org/

jimmyjam · Jun 15th 2017, 12:37pm

Let's see, the Arizona Trail, the Grand Enchantment Trail, Colorado Trail - hike a section of those. Or you could just do something like wander all around Canyonlands NP.... now you got me dreaming of trips, I am crazy about the southwest and Four Corners area.

Rasty · Jun 15th 2017, 12:57pm

twistwrist wrote:

Hey y'all!
My plans are coming together for a hike in July of 2018!
As much as I'm hoping hoping hoping to land a JMT permit, I'm trying also to consider the fact that I may not get lucky. Regardless, I want to hike a beautiful trail out west somewhere...one approximately 200 miles long, give or take 50 miles.

What other trails would you recommend of the JMT doesn't work out for me?

Part of the Idaho centennial trail

twistwrist · Jun 15th 2017, 2:52pm

Thanks y'all! I've got lots of options to research.

Sarcasmtheelf · Jun 15th 2017, 3:19pm

No personal experience, but have you heard of the Bigfoot Trail in Northwest California and southern Oregon?

bigfoottrail.org/

I saw Scott Herriott's documentary about it and the trail looks amazing, though it is advanced and requires some route finding skills in places.

Dan76 · Jun 16th 2017, 3:56am

ScareBear wrote:

coloradotrail.org/

Without hesitation.

You can easily do segments of the CT and sample portions of other trails. Suggest considering trails in Utah's Big 5...

The Tahoe Rim Trail is 150+ miles circling Lake Tahoe, though H2O may an issue for you. tahoerimtrail.org/

Ewok11 · Jun 19th 2017, 9:18pm

Rasty wrote:

twistwrist wrote:

Hey y'all!
My plans are coming together for a hike in July of 2018!
As much as I'm hoping hoping hoping to land a JMT permit, I'm trying also to consider the fact that I may not get lucky. Regardless, I want to hike a beautiful trail out west somewhere...one approximately 200 miles long, give or take 50 miles.

What other trails would you recommend of the JMT doesn't work out for me?

Part of the Idaho centennial trail

This trail is on my list now that we're in Idaho.

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