Discover 15 Incredible New Backcountry & Hiking Trips In The United States

Intrepid Travel – the B-Corp certified company renown for its focus on responsible travel – has added 15 new itineraries across the United States focused on backcountry and hiking adventures that provide both a minimal footprint and immersive nature-based experiences

Demand for this style of travel in the U.S. has increased dramatically since the onset of the pandemic, which saw people wanting to get away from city crowds and closer to nature. In April 2022, the company saw bookings in North America up 208% year-over-year, with customers predominantly planning active summer trips. For the U.S. year-to-date, active trip bookings are up 61% vs. 2019, with walking and trekking tour bookings up a remarkable 211%.

Here are just a few examples of the new backcountry trips on offer:

Hiking and Backpacking Yosemite’s North Rim

Explore the North Rim of Yosemite Valley during an early season Yosemite hiking adventure up to the rim that overlooks one of the world’s scenic treasures. Travelers will see Yosemite Falls, North Dome and Indian Rock while taking in expansive views of the entire Yosemite Valley and the incomparable High Sierra, and will sleep under the stars, witness Yosemite’s only above water natural arch, and climb to the summit of Half Dome’s smaller twin, North Dome. This small group backpacking trip offers a wonderful opportunity to escape the crowds and absorb some of the best views in Yosemite National Park.

Hiking and Camping in Zion

Travelers will sleep under the stars in the heart of Zion National Park on a backcountry camping and hiking adventure in Utah’s most famous national park. Highlights include strolling down the paved River Trail, buttressed by tumbling water and a 3,000-foot cliff face, experiencing the iconic Virgin River Narrows hike walking through moving water on the way to Orderville Canyon, and exploring Snow Canyon, which is like a mini Zion and cuts impressive walls from the lava-covered country above the rim through the slickrock country below.

Hike New Hampshire’s Appalachian Trail and Presidential Peaks

Travelers will hike the highest mountains in New Hampshire, the Presidential Range, including the highest point in the Northeastern United States – the summit of Mount Washington – spending their nights in authentic backcountry huts. Visitors will enjoy stunning views of the Ammonoosuc River before rock scrambling among beautiful waterfalls, eat a picnic lunch at Lake of the Clouds hut perched above the trees near spectacular alpine lakes, and traverse some of the most famous Presidential Peaks, including Mount Monroe and Mount Eisenhower.

Hiking and Backpacking North Carolina’s Appalachian Trail

Discover the Cradle of Forestry area where American forest conservation began and stop at Looking Glass Falls, a stunning roadside waterfall, which features incredible 360-degree views. Travelers will spend two nights camping in the heart of the action near the famous and unique rock feature known as Shining Rock and take in sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountain Range as they enjoy lunch on the summit of one of the peaks or in the grassy meadows of Ivestor Gap.