Recommendations for multi-day hiking trails?

[judders87]

My friends and I are looking to get permits for some multi-day hiking trips out west. Anyone have recommendations for places in case that doesn't pan out? Our favorite so far has been the great Sawtooth wilderness loop. Minimum of 3 days max of 7 is the type of trip we are looking for. TIA.

 

[ben h]

I've only heard of backpacking/camping permits in national parks, you can go pretty much anywhere else without permits. If it has permits, it'll probably have more people, of course could be some really cool places too.

 

[judders87]

I've only heard of backpacking/camping permits in national parks, you can go pretty much anywhere else without permits. If it has permits, it'll probably have more people, of course could be some really cool places too.

Yeah we were looking at Glacier National and doing the Wonderland Trail around Rainier. Both require permits. Just want to get plans B, C, D in order in the very likely case we don't draw.

 

[Caseknife]

Wind River area in Wyoming, no permits required, probably not lots of people, may be a bear or two in the northern area, Alpine Lakes in Central Washington, permits required-too many people, Chelan Sawtooths on the east side of Lake Chelan, north-central Washington, no permits, not many people unless hunting season, Paysaten Wilderness, north-central WA, big country, may be a newly relocated griz or two, Selway Crags in north-central Idaho, big country, lots of cross country off trail, and the list goes on. Personally I would stay away from the permitted areas because that is an indication of way too many people for me.

 

[magtech]

If youre bored and cant make it out west just do the North country trail. That will keep you busy in your off time.

 

[P Carter]

Maybe take a look at Andrew skurka’s high routes.

edit: realized your experience/fitness levels aren’t clear. Carefully consider those before choosing.

Four pass loop near Aspen would be a good easy one. I’m not sure if permit required for overnight stay. (We ran it in a day.)

 

[Zach75]

I've only heard of backpacking/camping permits in national parks, you can go pretty much anywhere else without permits. If it has permits, it'll probably have more people, of course could be some really cool places too.

There are a lot of areas in national forests that require overnight permits.

 

[BluMtn]

Besides the Washington areas you can also look at the 7 Devils area around Riggins Idaho or the Sawtooth range in Southeastern Idaho. If you are going to play around with the Idaho mountains just know that you will be playing in the 12K to 14K elevation ranges.

 

[wesfromky]

Bob Marshall Wilderness probably has some options that would fit what you are looking for.