Top 10 · Places

Top 10 US National Parks for Backcountry Travel

Parks with real wilderness, honest permit systems, and country worth a week or more.

National parks vary wildly in how much backcountry they actually offer. This list favors parks where you can leave the roads behind for days, with permit systems that work for planners and real off-trail options for experienced trippers.

1
Wrangell–St. Elias
— Alaska
The largest US park — no established trails in most of it. True off-trail wilderness.
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2
Gates of the Arctic
— Alaska
No roads, no trails, no facilities. Genuine expedition park.
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3
Yellowstone
— Wyoming / Montana / Idaho
Vast backcountry beyond the geyser basins — thermal features, bison, and real solitude.
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4
Olympic
— Washington
Three ecosystems in one park: coastal, rainforest, and alpine. Excellent backcountry permit system.
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5
North Cascades
— Washington
'America's Alps' — glaciated peaks, quiet valleys, minimal crowds even in summer.
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6
Isle Royale
— Michigan
Ferry-in wilderness island. Wolves, moose, and world-class canoe camping.
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7
Big Bend
— Texas
Chihuahuan desert, Rio Grande canyon paddling, and quiet mountain hiking.
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8
Grand Canyon (Corridor and beyond)
— Arizona
Corridor for first trips, side canyons for real solitude. Water logistics dominate planning.
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9
Glacier
— Montana
Classic Northern Rockies backcountry. Grizzly country and truly wild interior.
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10
Kings Canyon / Sequoia
— California
High Sierra wilderness with less foot traffic than Yosemite. JMT and Rae Lakes country.
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Next list

Fly-Fishing Destinations

Wrangell–St. Elias

Gates of the Arctic

Yellowstone

Olympic

North Cascades

Isle Royale

Big Bend

Grand Canyon (Corridor and beyond)

Glacier

Kings Canyon / Sequoia