Some of the trips described below\u2014each with a link to the full feature story about it at The Big Outside, which has my tips on planning it (and those require a paid subscription<\/a> to read in full)\u2014are classics you\u2019ve heard or read about. But others are places you may not know of\u2014because I feel a list like this should introduce you to someplace new. That\u2019s what adventure is all about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See also my picks for “The 10 Best Family Outdoor Adventure Trips<\/a>” for more ideas; some of these trips could have made either list. See also my expert e-guides<\/a> to some of America\u2019s best backpacking trips and my Custom Trip Planning page<\/a> to learn how I can help you plan any trip you read about at The Big Outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019d love to hear what you think of this list and any suggestions for trips you think belong on it. Share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make it a very happy new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Few corners of the planet remain as pristine as this national park that\u2019s the size of Connecticut, which sits at the heart of a contiguous protected wilderness the size of Greece. On a multi-day sea kayaking trip here, you can see massive tidewater glaciers explosively calving bus-sized chunks of ice into the sea, humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, mountain goats, seals, sea otters, brown bears, and a variety of birds and wildflowers. It feels like traveling back in time to the end of the last ice age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See my story about my family’s five-day sea kayaking trip in Glacier Bay, \u201cBack to the Ice Age: Sea Kayaking Glacier Bay<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Teton Crest Trail is, step for step, unquestionably one of the most gorgeous mountain walks in America, a true classic offering all the elements of an unforgettable backpacking trip: views of the incomparable skyline of the Tetons and deep, cliff-flanked, glacier-scoured canyons; wonderful campsites, wildflowers, mountain lakes and creeks; and a good chance of seeing moose, elk, marmots, pikas, mule deer, and black bears. I fell in love with the Tetons on my first visit, more than 20 years ago, and I\u2019ve returned more than 20 times since to backpack, rock climb, dayhike, bag most of the major summits, canoe, and backcountry ski. I never grow tired of the sight of these peaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See my stories \u00a0\u201cA Wonderful Obsession: Backpacking the Teton Crest Trail<\/a>,\u201d\u00a0\u201c5 Reasons You Must Backpack the Teton Crest Trail<\/a>,\u201d \u201cHow to Get a Permit to Backpack the Teton Crest Trail<\/a>,\u201d and all stories about backpacking the Teton Crest Trail<\/a> at The Big Outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If hearing the JMT described as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Most Beautiful Trail\u201d\u2014as it often is\u2014seems to you like a hyperbolic claim, then you really must go see for yourself. For mile after jaw-dropping mile, you walk below incisor peaks of clean granite, past more waterfalls than anyone could name in a thousand lifetimes, along pristine wilderness lakes nestled in rocky basins, and over passes topping 12,000 and 13,000 feet with views that stretch a hundred miles. Whether or not you agree with that nickname \u201cAmerica\u2019s Most Beautiful Trail,\u201d it will be one of the most wonderful research projects you\u2019ve ever done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See all stories about backpacking the John Muir Trail<\/a> at The Big Outside, including \u201cThru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: What You Need to Know<\/a>,\u201d \u201cHow to Get a John Muir Trail Wilderness Permit<\/a>,\u201d an \u201cUltimate, 10-Day, Ultralight Plan<\/a>\u201d for a JMT thru-hike, and \u201cThru-Hiking the John Muir Trail in Seven Days: Amazing Experience, or Certifiably Insane?<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most prized trekking destinations in the world, Torres del Paine National Park is a place of severely vertical stone monoliths thousands of feet tall, and some of the world\u2019s largest glaciers pouring into emerald lakes. Of twisted lenga trees, raging whitewater rivers, and the most relentless winds you\u2019ve ever encountered. Patagonia is a dream destination for backpackers all over the world. Read this story to learn how to do Patagonia right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See my story \u201cPatagonian Classic: Trekking Torres del Paine<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Know this before you go to the Grand Canyon: This place will steal your heart. That has been my experience from numerous trips over the years, from rim-to-rim-to-rim dayhikes to multi-day hikes on some of the canyon\u2019s most remote and rugged paths. Now, every return visit just fuels my hunger to go back yet again to explore another corner I haven\u2019t seen yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose the dayhike or backpacking trip that looks most appealing and suits your skills and experience, and just go see this seemingly infinite complex of twisting side canyons, walls stacked in multi-colored layers, and an army of stone towers. If you\u2019re like me, you will end up going back again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See my numerous stories about Grand Canyon National Park<\/a> at The Big Outside, including this photo gallery about hiking rim to rim to rim<\/a> over two days, and all stories about backpacking in the Grand Canyon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Alta Via 2, or \u201cThe Way of the Legends,\u201d a roughly 112-mile (180k) alpine footpath through one of the world\u2019s most spectacular and storied mountain ranges, Italy\u2019s Dolomites, is famous for many attributes, including comfortable mountain huts with excellent food; a reputation for being the most remote and difficult of the several multi-day alte vie (plural for alta via), or \u201chigh paths,\u201d that crisscross the Dolomites; and scenery that puts it in legitimate contention for the title of the most beautiful trail in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read about my family\u2019s weeklong, hut-to-hut trek on a 39-mile (62k) section of the AV 2 in my story \u201c’The World’s Most Beautiful Trail:’ Trekking the Alta Via 2 in Italy’s Dolomites<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of Glacier National Park and you think of mountain scenery that truly justifies a severely overused adjective: awesome. You think of wildlife sightings that are possible in few places in the Lower 48: bighorn sheep, moose, elk, so many mountain goats you may lose count, and black bears and grizzly bears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two 90-mile hikes in Glacier that make my list of \u201cAmerica\u2019s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips<\/a>:\u201d The first is a tour of northern Glacier, broken up into two hikes, a 65-miler and a 25-miler, and simplified logistically by the park\u2019s free shuttle buses. The second is a north-south traverse through Glacier mostly on the Continental Divide Trail, from Chief Mountain Trailhead at the Canadian border to Two Medicine. Both trips deliver everything that makes Glacier a favorite of backpackers: sightings of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, moose, and maybe even grizzlies. Go in September and you\u2019ll probably hear elk bugling almost every morning and evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See all stories about backpacking in Glacier<\/a> at The Big Outside, including \u201cDescending the Food Chain: Backpacking Glacier National Park\u2019s Northern Loop<\/a>,\u201d \u201cWildness All Around You: Backpacking the CDT Through Glacier<\/a>,\u201d and \u201cD\u00e9j\u00e0 vu All Over Again: Backpacking in Glacier National Park<\/a>,\u201d about my most recent, weeklong hike in Glacier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you believe in elves? Icelanders do, or at least enough to route highways around places considered the abodes of elves and trolls. This belief may draw inspiration from a landscape of raw beauty that has shaped the values of its people. Smaller than Kentucky, the country has about 150 volcanoes, the greatest concentration in the world. While exploring rugged trails through old lava flows, thermal features spewing steam into the sky, and mind-boggling waterfalls and glaciers, I began to think of Iceland as like a first crush, a mountain cabin, or Alaska: easy to fall in love with, hard to leave. You will feel the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I returned in July 2022 to trek hut to hut on Iceland\u2019s Laugavegur and Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls trails and drive the Ring Road to see more of this fascinating island nation on dayhikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read my blog story about my family\u2019s hut trek on the Laugavegur and Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls trails, \u201cA Family Hikes Iceland\u2019s Laugavegur and Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls Trails<\/a>.\u201d See also \u201c9 Great Hikes and Walks Along Iceland\u2019s Ring Road<\/a>,\u201d and \u201cEarth, Wind, and Fire: A Journey to the Planet\u2019s Beginnings in Iceland<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just a few hours\u2019 drive from a major airport in northern Spain lies a spectacular mountain range resembling the Dolomites, with huts and charming mountain towns\u2014and it\u2019s possible you\u2019ve never heard of it. On a five-day, 52-mile hike through the Picos de Europa, my family walked below jagged limestone peaks rising to over 8,500 feet, over passes above 7,000 feet and across mind-boggling alpine terrain that conveys a sense of much bigger peaks. We spent nights either in huts or delightful B&Bs or inns with great food in quiet, beautiful little villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See my story, \u201cThe Best 5-Day Hike in Spain\u2019s Picos de Europa Mountains<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hike every day through a starkly beautiful, Arctic-like landscape of mountains plastered with snow and ice, and valleys bisected by rushing streams or filled with iceberg-choked lakes. Then spend every night in the most comfortable mountain huts you have ever encountered, eating meals fit for a four-star restaurant\u2014that\u2019s trekking Jotunheimen. From the multi-cultural experience to exciting stream fords and the opportunity for more challenging, optional side hikes\u2014like the steep scramble up a peak named Kirkja and the all-day hike to Norway\u2019s highest summit, Galdh\u00f8piggen\u2014this adventure was a home run for everyone in our group, age nine to 75.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See my story \u201cWalking Among Giants: A Three-Generation Hut Trek in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n See also my story describing my top 10 family adventures<\/a>, and a menu of every story about outdoor adventures at my Trips page<\/a> at The Big Outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By Michael Lanza I often get asked the question, \u201cWhat\u2019s your favorite trip?\u201d And I don\u2019t have an answer. To pick just one from all the amazing adventures I\u2019ve had the good fortune to take over more than three decades feels like an impossible task. Instead, I\u2019ve just updated this list of my 10 all-time favorites (so far). It includes … <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/06224823\/Tet19-047-Me-on-Teton-Crest-Trail-copy-cropped.jpg?resize=103%2C103&ssl=1\")
<\/strong>Hi, I\u2019m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside.\u00a0Click here<\/a> to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside<\/a> to get full access to all of my blog\u2019s stories. Click here<\/a> for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here<\/a> to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.<\/p>\n![\"Hikers](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/06225359\/Ice2-227-Hikers-overlooking-Glymur-waterfall-in-the-fjord-Hvalfjordur-Iceland.-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter<\/a>.<\/em><\/h4>\n
![\"Sea](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/06231829\/GB1-136.jpg?resize=1200%2C797&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Sea Kayaking Alaska\u2019s Glacier Bay<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
See my \u201c10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit<\/a>.\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/06231349\/Tet19-041-Jeff-Wilhelm-on-the-Teton-Crest-Trail-Death-Canyon-Shelf-Grand-Teton-N.P..jpg?resize=1200%2C627&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Backpacking the Teton Crest Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Click here now<\/a> to get my e-guide \u201cThe Complete Guide to Backpacking the Teton Crest Trail\u201d
and see this menu<\/a> of all e-guides at this blog.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/06225417\/JMT2-070-Marco-Garofalo-at-Evolution-Lake-Evolution-Basin-John-Muir-Trail-Kings-Canyon-N.P.-High-Sierra.-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Want my help planning your hike on the Teton Crest Trail, JMT, or another trip?
Click here<\/a> now for expert advice you won\u2019t get elsewhere.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/07002731\/Pata1-46-Torres-del-Paine-copy.jpg?resize=1200%2C798&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Trekking Patagonia: Chile\u2019s Torres del Paine National Park<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Want to read any story linked here?
\nJoin now<\/a> to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide and gear discounts<\/a>!<\/h4>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/06232659\/Gran7-118-A-hiker-near-Skeleton-Point-South-Kaibab-Trail-Grand-Canyon.-2.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Exploring Deep into the Grand Canyon<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get my expert e-guides to backpacking the Grand Canyon rim to rim<\/a>, dayhiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim<\/a>, and \u201cThe Best Backpacking Trip in the Grand Canyon<\/a>.\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/07003908\/Dolo1-075-On-Trail-749-below-the-Pale-di-San-Martino-Dolomites-Italy-copy.jpg?resize=1200%2C797&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Trekking the Alta Via 2 Through Italy\u2019s Dolomite Mountains<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
See which section of the Alta Via 2 made my \u201c30 Most Scenic Days of Hiking Ever<\/a>.\u201d
Click here<\/a> to learn how I can help you plan this incomparable trek.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/06233028\/DSC_3210-2.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Backpacking in Glacier National Park<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get my expert e-guides to backpacking Glacier’s Northern Loop<\/a>
and the CDT through Glacier<\/a>, which also describe shorter itinerary options.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"Hikers](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/06225452\/Ice2-016-Alex-and-Nate-descending-Mount-Blahnukur-above-Landmannalaugar-Iceland.-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Adventuring in Iceland<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take the world’s best trips. See all stories about international adventures<\/a> at The Big Outside.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hikers](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/06231233\/Picos1-024-Hikers-in-the-Cares-Gorge-Picos-de-Europa-Mountains-Spain-1024x701.jpg?resize=1024%2C701&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Hiking Spain\u2019s Picos de Europa<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Planning your next big adventure? See \u201cAmerica\u2019s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips<\/a>\u201d
\nand \u201cTent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites<\/a>.\u201d<\/h4>\n![\"Backpackers](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tbo-media.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/06232454\/Nor1-110.jpg?resize=1200%2C797&ssl=1\")
<\/a>Trekking Norway\u2019s Jotunheimen National Park<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Feeling inspired by this story? Join now<\/a> for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide!<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"