Planning a backpacking trip can feel just as exciting as hitting the trail—especially when you’re dreaming up new places to explore. But where do you even start? Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or brand new to the trail, finding trip ideas doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here are four easy and effective ways to discover your next great backpacking adventure:

1. Social Media: Find Inspiration in Your Feed

Social media is one of my favorite tools for discovering new backpacking routes. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are packed with photos and videos from people out on trail—often sharing beautiful, lesser-known spots that aren’t on every Top 10 list.

Start by following outdoor-focused accounts and creators who match your style of adventure. You can also explore hashtags like:

• #BackpackingAdventures
• #WildernessCulture
• #HikingLife
• #[YourState]Backpacking (ex: #MontanaBackpacking)

Even though many creators don’t share exact locations anymore (to help protect sensitive environments), they’ll often mention the general area or a nearby landmark. That’s all you need to start doing your own research and piecing together a route.

Pro tip: Create a saved folder on Instagram or Pinterest where you collect posts that catch your eye. This becomes your own personal “trip bucket list.”

2. Hiking Apps: Plan Like a Pro

AllTrails

This is always my first stop when researching a trip. On Trekking Wild, I include AllTrails links in most of our trail guides because it’s incredibly user-friendly and reliable.

With AllTrails, you can:

• Search by region, park, or keyword
• View trail stats like distance, elevation gain, and difficulty
• See reviews and recent trail conditions
• Download maps for offline use with the Pro version
• Create custom routes when a trail isn’t listed

I often use AllTrails to build my own route if I’ve seen a cool location on social media that’s not already a pre-made trail on the app.

GAIA GPS

If I need more detailed trail data or want to build a fully custom route, I switch over to GAIA GPS. It offers a wide variety of map layers (like USGS Topos and satellite views) and helps me spot lesser-known trails or off-the-beaten-path connections.

Sometimes I’ll try searching a trail I saw on Instagram in AllTrails and get nothing. That’s when I fire up GAIA, locate the general area, and start creating my own route. If I like what I build in GAIA, I’ll export it and upload it to AllTrails to use for navigation while I’m out on the trail.

OnX Backcountry

OnX Backcountry is a solid alternative to the apps above. I use OnX religiously for overlanding and hunting trips, and while the hiking/skiing version offers some good information, I still prefer the AllTrails + GAIA combo for backpacking.

3. Use Websites, Search Engines, and AI

Sometimes a good ol’ fashioned Google search is the best way to kickstart your planning. Try phrases like:

• “Best backpacking trips in [Your State/Region]”
• “3-day backpacking routes in Glacier National Park”
• “Backpacking trails near [City/Town]”

You can also use AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm trip ideas. Ask for backpacking destinations based on your desired mileage, difficulty, or scenery type (e.g., “easy 2-night alpine backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest”).

There are also a number of websites—like Trekking Wild—that publish backpacking guides, gear lists, and trip reports. Head over to our Backpacking page and check out our interactive backpacking map to see where we’ve gone and what routes we recommend.

4. Search for Guided Backpacking Trips

If you’re new to backpacking or just not ready to plan a trip solo, don’t sweat it—there are plenty of outfitters and guide services out there that will handle all the logistics for you.

Guided trips are a great way to:

• Learn backpacking basics from pros
• Hike safely in more remote areas
• Meet like-minded hikers
• Explore places you might not tackle alone

You’ll pay for the service, but in return, you get expert planning, group gear provided, and sometimes even meals prepared. Just make sure you’re physically ready for the hike and have the proper personal gear.

Start Dreaming, Then Start Planning

The world is full of incredible places to explore—and planning your next backpacking trip is half the fun. Whether you’re pulling inspiration from Instagram, diving into hiking apps, or exploring guidebooks and AI tools, there’s no shortage of ways to discover your next great adventure.