How to Choose a Backpacking Trail

There’s a big backcountry world out there and it can be a little overwhelming to try and narrow down the right fit for a backpacking trip. It’s important to pick a trip that compliments your skill set, matches your time constraints and travels through a landscape you find rejuvenating and beautiful. 

Trip Length and Location

Decide what general area you want to explore in - this will typically be based on where you live and how much time you want to spend driving. Next, identify how many days you have available for your backpacking trip. It is a good idea to start with a short trip and build up gradually. Try backpacking for 1-2 nights and learn the skills that come along with camping in the backcountry while being relatively close to a trailhead in case of any issues. Once you feel comfortable with gear, navigation, food, water sources and so on, you will feel more confident heading out on a longer trip. 

Trail Type

There are 4 types of trails you can choose from - a loop, an out and back, a point to point (or thru-hike) and a lollipop. Loops are the most exciting as you are constantly exploring new terrain but they are typically longer routes. Out and backs are the most popular and plentiful route type which involve hiking to an end point, setting up camp and returning back to the same trailhead. Out and backs are great for shorter, weekend-length trips. A point to point hike involves a lot more logistics planning as you require transportation to or from the trailhead (unless you can leave a car at each trailhead so one awaits you at the end of your hike). A lollipop is an out and back with a loop on the end.

Distance

As incredible as a trail might look, always be honest with yourself about your fitness and experience level and do not attempt anything beyond your ability.  Be realistic about your itinerary - backcountry miles are very different than road miles and require a lot more time and energy, especially at higher elevations and with a heavy pack on your back. Assume a pace of 1-2 miles per hour when first starting out. Using this pace, determine how far you can travel each day based on how many hours you would like to be hiking. It is much more enjoyable to underestimate the distance you can travel and spend additional time relaxing rather than overestimate and race daylight or risk injury.

Be sure to evaluate the fitness of any group members you are bringing on the trip and cater trail choice to the entire group. Keep in mind that a group will move at the pace of the slowest member.

Elevation Gain

Determine how much cumulative elevation gain there is throughout a trip and how much climbing will be required each day. As you climb higher, the terrain typically becomes more challenging and the impact is more intense on your body. Anticipate moving slower at high elevations. Add one hour to your total projected hiking time for every 1,000 ft of elevation gain. The weather can become more variable at higher elevations and there is more exposure to the elements above tree-line.

If a trail starts or climbs to high elevations, consider spending a night camping close to the trailhead to let your body acclimate. Always be aware of how you feel at elevation and if you feel unwell, do not hesitate to turn around and head home.

Terrain 

It is also important to look into the type of terrain a trail is comprised of. Research whether the trail is a well-maintained, well-graded dirt path that is easy to hike along or if it is a more rugged, rocky trail that will be more difficult and time-consuming.

Features

Think about what landscapes and features you’d like to experience on your hike. Would you like to be encircled in forested areas with waterfalls? Would you prefer wide open vistas, jagged peaks and alpine lakes? Is a desert-y, red-rock canyon more your vibe? Narrow down your search by choosing a trail that has the features you are most inspired by.

Permitting

Many public lands require an overnight permit to stay the night in the wilderness. Permits are required in National Parks, many National Forests and some State Parks. If planning a trip well in advance, apply for a permit for the trail(s) you are interested in. lf planning a trip closer to the date, you will likely need to look into other types of public lands or non-permitted areas.

Water Sources

Try to choose a trail with plenty of accessible water resources available along the hike and at your destination. This will remove a layer of stress as you can easily refill your water supply meaning less water weight on the hike and an unlimited supply at camp for drinking and cooking.

Resources

Browse trails and research details on trail type, distance, elevation gain, terrain, features and water sources using the following resources:

• Browse trails on AllTrails or Gaia - includes difficulty ratings and trip reports from other hikers

• CalTopo

• Google Earth

• Online backpacking forums and social media

• Regional guidebooks and hard copy maps like Trails Illustrated

If you need any support during your planning process, reach out to us here at Somewhere Outside.