Are you ready to explore the world on foot and experience unforgettable adventures? This guide to the top-rated 40 best backpacking trips showcases the most iconic and scenic routes across the globe. From rugged mountain trails to coastal paths, these best backpacking routes are perfect for every traveler seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a curious beginner, discover the best backpacking trails that combine breathtaking nature, cultural richness, and thrilling challenges. Dive into detailed insights on key routes like the Inca Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and more. Pack your bags and get inspired to embark on your next epic journey with these must-try backpacking trips worldwide!

Top 25 Backpacking Trips Around the World:

01. Torres del Paine “O” Circuit – Patagonia, Chile:

MILEAGE: 85-MILE LOOP  |  LENGTH: 6- 11 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

02. John Muir Trail – California, USA:

MILEAGE: 211 MILES | LENGTH: 340 KM | DIFFICULTY: HARD

03. Tour du Mont Blanc – France, Italy, Switzerland:

MILEAGE: 105 MILES | LENGTH: 170 KM | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE TO HARD

04. Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit – Peru:

MILEAGE: 36 MI ROUNDTRIP (UP TO 81 MILES ROUNDTRIP) | LENGTH: 7-14 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS | ELEVATION GAIN: OVER 15000 FT

05. Laugavegur Trail – Iceland:

MILEAGE: 65 MILES POINT-TO-POINT  |  LENGTH: 7-9 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE  |  ELEVATION GAIN: 5500 FEET

06. Overland Track – Tasmania, Australia:

MILEAGE: 40 MILES | LENGTH: 65 KM | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

07. Annapurna Circuit – Nepal:

MILEAGE: 72 – 143 MILES ROUNDTRIP DEPENDING ON THE ROUTE  |  LENGTH: 9 – 21 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS

08. The Drakensberg Traverse – South Africa:

MILEAGE: 136 MILES | LENGTH: 220 KM | DIFFICULTY: VERY HARD

09. The Alta Via 1 – Dolomites, Italy:

MILEAGE: 100 MILES POINT-TO-POINT  |  LENGTH: 11 – 14 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS  |  ELEVATION GAIN: 39,000 FT

10. The Wonderland Trail – Washington, USA:

MILEAGE: 93 MILES | LENGTH: 150 KM | DIFFICULTY: HARD

11. The West Coast Trail – British Columbia, Canada:

MILEAGE: 46.5 MILES POINT-TO-POINT  |  LENGTH: 5-8 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS  |  ELEVATION GAIN: 5000 – 6000 FT

12. The Teton Crest Trail – Wyoming, USA:

MILEAGE: 40 MILES | LENGTH: 64 KM | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE TO HARD

13. The GR20 – Corsica, France:

MILEAGE: 112 MILES | LENGTH: 180 KM | DIFFICULTY: VERY HARD

14. The Kalalau Trail – Kauai, Hawaii, USA:

MILEAGE: 22 MI ROUNDTRIP | LENGTH: 3 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE | ELEVATION GAIN: 800 FT

15. The Inca Trail – Peru:

MILEAGE: 26 MILES | LENGTH: 42 KM | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE TO HARD

16. The Long Range Traverse – Newfoundland, Canada:

MILEAGE: 22 MI POINT-TO-POINT | LENGTH: 4-5 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS (& REQUIRES NAVIGATION SKILLS) | ELEVATION GAIN: 2300 FT

17. The Dusky Track – Fiordland, New Zealand:

MILEAGE: 53 MILES | LENGTH: 84 KM | DIFFICULTY: VERY HARD

18. The Snowman Trek – Bhutan:

MILEAGE: 200 MILES | LENGTH: 321 KM | DIFFICULTY: EXTREMELY HARD

19. The Zion Traverse – Utah, USA:

MILEAGE: 47 MILES | LENGTH: 76 KM | DIFFICULTY: HARD

20. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – USA:

MILEAGE: 2,653 MILES | LENGTH: 4,270 KM | DIFFICULTY: VERY HARD

21. The Great Himalaya Trail – Nepal:

MILEAGE: 1,056 MILES (APPROX.) | LENGTH: 1,700 KM | DIFFICULTY: EXTREMELY HARD

22. The Lycian Way – Turkey: 

MILEAGE: 335 MILES | LENGTH: 540 KM | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE TO HARD

23. The Bibbulmun Track – Western Australia:

MILEAGE: 623 MILES | LENGTH: 1,003 KM | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

24. The High Sierra Trail – California, USA:

MILEAGE: 195 MILES  |  LENGTH: 15 – 17 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: EXTREMELY STRENUOUS

25. Kungsleden Trail, Sweden:

MILEAGE: 270 MILES  |  LENGTH: ABOUT A MONTH FOR THE WHOLE TRAIL, OR 3 – 10 DAY SEGMENTS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

26. Rim to Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA:

MILEAGE: 24 MI POINT-TO-POINT | LENGTH: 3-4 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS | ELEVATION: 5000 FT GAIN, 5500 FT LOSS

27. Coyote Gulch, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah, USA:

MILEAGE: 26 MI POINT-TO-POINT | LENGTH: 3-4 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: MODERATE | ELEVATION GAIN: 1600 FT

28. Copper Ridge Loop, North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA:

MILEAGE: 34 MILES ROUNDTRIPS | LENGTH: 4-5 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS | ELEVATION GAIN: 8600 FT

29. Kamikochi-Yari-Hotaka Circuit, Northern Japanese Alps, Japan:

MILEAGE: 21 MI ROUNDTRIP | LENGTH: 3 DAYS | DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS | ELEVATION GAIN: 5500 FT

30. Kepler Track, South Island, New Zealand:

MILEAGE: 37.3 MILES ROUNDTRIP  |  LENGTH: 3-4 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE  |  ELEVATION GAIN: AROUND 3600 FT

31. Toubkal Circuit, Morocco:

MILEAGE: 37.3 MILES ROUNDTRIP (OR 44.7 MI WITH A PEAK ASCENT)  |  LENGTH: 4-6 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

32. Dana to Petra on the Jordan Trail, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan:

MILEAGE: 46.5 MILES POINT-TO-POINT  |  LENGTH: 4-6 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

33. Arthur Range Traverse, Tasmania, Australia:

MILEAGE: 48.5 MILES POINT-TO-POINT  |  LENGTH: 10 – 14 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: EXTREMELY STRENUOUS  |  ELEVATION GAIN: 10,200 FT

34. Wind River High Route, Wyoming, USA:

MILEAGE: 79 – 100 MILES POINT-TO-POINT  |  LENGTH: 7-18 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: EXTREMELY STRENUOUS  |  ELEVATION GAIN: 20,000 – 30,000 FT

35. Arctic Circle Trail, Greenland:

MILEAGE: 102 MILES  |  LENGTH: 7 – 10 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

36. Walker’s Haute Route, French and Swiss Alps:

MILEAGE: 125 MILES  |  LENGTH: 9 – 12 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE TO STRENUOUS  |  ELEVATION GAIN: 39,000 FT

37. Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa:

MILEAGE: 140 MILES POINT-TO-POINT  |  LENGTH: 10 – 15 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS & TECHNICALLY CHALLENGING  |  ELEVATION GAIN: 30,000 FT

38. Camino Primitivo, Spain: 

MILEAGE: 200 MILES  |  LENGTH: 14 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

39. Great Divide Trail, Canadian Rockies:

MILEAGE: 746 MILES  |  LENGTH: 40 – 50 DAYS  |  DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS

40. Via Dinarica, Balkans:

MILEAGE: 1200 MILES  |  DIFFICULTY: RANGES FROM MODERATE TO EXTREMELY STRENUOUS

Whether you’re chasing epic mountain vistas, remote wilderness, or vibrant cultural experiences, these top-rated backpacking trips offer something for every adventurer. Exploring these best backpacking routes around the world not only challenges your limits but also rewards you with memories that last a lifetime. So lace up your boots, plan your itinerary, and set off on a journey that will transform the way you see the world. Your next great adventure awaits on one of these incredible backpacking trips — where every step brings a new story and breathtaking discovery.