Backpacking Trips
Head into the backcountry with REI Adventures on a fully self-supported backpacking trip. Beginners and experienced backpackers alike can learn new skills or brush up on the basics with our professional guides as we explore some of America's most exceptional wilderness.
Like to hike, but don't want to carry your own gear? Explore our Hiking and Trekking trips.
Arizona Trips
Grand Canyon Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
To experience the sheer magnitude and quiet vastness of the Grand Canyon, one must travel by foot through the backcountry. Our small-group journey deep into the heart of the canyon takes us on a challenging and stunning loop from Yaki Point to Grandview along the magnificent Tonto Platform.
Superstition Mountains Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking, Hiking
Home to the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold, the Superstition Mountains have long been considered one of the premiere hiking destinations in the southwest. Join us on our northbound, one-way through-hike exploring the eroded rock spires and blocky sheer walled mesas that define this region.
California Trips
Joshua Tree Rock Climbing
- Days: 3
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking, Rock Climbing
Marvel at the exposed granite monoliths and rugged mountains of twisted rock in the surreal Joshua Tree backcountry, then rope up and climb them! This one-of-a-kind backcountry climbing getaway in Joshua Tree National Park is as unique and inspiring as the landscape itself.
Tahoe Sierra Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
New for 2013! Enjoy the 'quiet' side of Tahoe on this stunning backpacking trip through the Tahoe National Forest. We'll head out in to the backcountry and establish a base camp, allowing us to explore further with lighter loads. We'll seek out pristine swimming holes, sculpted granite basins, and cascading alpine streams as we get away from civilization and soak in the sunlight under a sapphire blue Sierra sky. Old growth forests will shade our tents and campfire camaraderie awaits just a few convenient hours away from Reno, Sacramento, or the San Francisco Bay Area.
Yosemite Backpacking – Hetch Hetchy
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
Explore the "hidden Yosemite" as you learn the basics of backpacking on our exploration of Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park. We'll learn route finding, backcountry travel utilizing minimal impact practices, outdoor cookery, and natural history as we enjoy Yosemite Valley's "little sister."View Slideshow
Yosemite Backpacking – The High Country
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
Learn the basics of backpacking in this introductory course. While enjoying the beauty of Yosemite's high country, learn route finding using map and compass, establishing a camp while employing minimal impact practices, the basics of packing light, outdoor cookery and menu planning, natural history and personal care. View Slideshow
Yosemite Backpacking – Yosemite Valley
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
Experience the real power of place as you learn the basics of backpacking around one of the most incredible valleys in the world. Enjoy the eagle eye views as we gaze from above at iconic formations and features of the Yosemite Valley and learn the basics of minimal impact backcountry travel and cooking, as well as natural history. View Slideshow
Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
Yosemite's Half Dome is considered the most iconic rock face in the country! REI Adventures has designed the perfect itinerary for your big climb! Join us for a four day hike along Yosemite's most spectacular ridgeline overlooking the Yosemite Valley, destination: Half Dome.
Colorado Trips
Rocky Mountains Backpacking – North Inlet
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
Our backcountry voyage begins from the Rocky Mountain National Park's quiet western border outside the beautiful town of Grand Lake, CO. Following the superbly designed and maintained Continental Divide Trail we traverse idyllic flower and wild life studded meadows, rushing creeks teeming with trout, tumbling waterfalls and clear alpine lakes surrounded by a sea of craggy peaks reaching heights over 14,000 feet. Join REI in Rocky Mountain National Park on its quiet trails, learning little known secrets from your guides as we help craft your perfect weekend wilderness escape.
Rocky Mountains Backpacking – Thunder Lake
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
New for 2013! We've been having such a great time on our North Inlet itinerary, that we felt it was time to add a Thunder Lake route. This trip is perfect for those looking for a higher altitude experience, seekers of a slightly more challenging Rocky Mountains route, or for backpackers who've already experienced our North Inlet route and would like to see more of the park. High altitude vistas and dramatic scenery await you as you ascend above 10,000 feet to camp near a sparkling alpine lake. Challenge your body and refresh your soul with this beautiful escape to the backcountry!
Tennessee Trips
Great Smoky Mountains Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
The Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains offers fantastic hiking and expansive mountain views. We backpack from one primitive shelter to the next on this short section of a classic route to experience a taste of the Appalachian Trail thru-hiker life.
Great Smoky Mountains Family Backpacking Adventure
- Days: 3
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
- Minimum Age: 9
Experience the magic of the Great Smoky Mountains on this backpacking adventure designed specifically for families with children ages 9 and up. We'll carry all we need comfortably on our backs as we take our time enjoying this loop hike among old growth Hemlock and Spruce trees along streams, pools and cascading waterfalls. Spend the weekend with REI Adventures creating family memories to last a lifetime in one of our National Parks where the scenery and resources are protected, and nature is allowed to run its course.
Utah Trips
Escalante Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
On one of the many massive steps of the Grand Staircase lies an explorer's paradise: Escalante, a red-dusted anthology of canyons and cliffs, so well-hidden that it claims the noble recognition of being the last mapped place in the continental United States. The elusive Escalante River has carved out a series of incisions on this section of the Colorado Plateau, perfect for an adventure like ours through one of its many nooks and crannies. This weekend escape is reminiscent of a string of old-school summer days spent turning over stones and climbing trees, rambling along in classic young at heart style.
Virginia Trips
Shenandoah Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
Join us for a remarkable backpacking adventure along the storied Appalachian Trail, touring alongside beautiful mountain streams, through lush dense forest, and atop ancient majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge.
Wyoming Trips
Yellowstone Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
Explore the wonders of the world's first National Park with a fun, safe and experienced naturalist guide. Yellowstone National Park is so vast that we visit different sections of the park during each section's own special prime season.
Canada Trips
Whistler Backpacking
- Days: 4
- Activity Level:
- Activity: Backpacking
Board the gondola in The Village and continue to the top of Whistler Mountain to hike the beautiful alpine trails overlooking the entire valley below. Delight in flower-filled meadows and spectacular views in every direction as our trail crosses the rolling Musical Bumps and alpine ridgelines on route to Russet Lake. Getaway to the Whistler Alpine with our guides who will share their in-depth knowledge of the areas cultural history and the story of natural forces that have shaped this spectacular landscape.
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