Overnight loop trails are the perfect opportunity to get out for a weekend backpacking trip, or to escape work for a few days. Overnight loop trails require low time commitment, and the loop configuration is one of our favorite types of route. No shuttle logistics of a one-way, and you don’t have to retrace your steps like an out-and-back. Overnights are also a great place to test out new gear systems, and our recommended overnight gear can be found here.
These overnight backpacking loops are a collection of trails from our Under 50 Mile category. They range from mellow New England overnights to routes with challenging high-elevation passes. All of these can be hiked in two days and one night, but be aware of your own abilities and trail conditions as the seasons change. A two-day hike for some backpackers might be a three-day hike for others.
The rest of our shorter trails can be found here, or you can sort all of our routes by difficulty, season, or region. If you’ve hiked one of these trails and have trail updates, feel free to submit a trip report.
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Loowit Trail (Mt. St. Helens, Washington)
26 miles; difficult terrain
Best in summer
The Loowit Trail circumnavigates Mt. St. Helens in Washington. This is a challenging trail with epic views, and around 6,000 feet of elevation gain. While the “loop” aspect makes this trail logistically simple, you will have to cross the “blast zone” from the volcanic eruption in one day, so plan your camping spot ahead of time. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Emigrant Wilderness Loop (Northern California)
19 miles; moderate terrain
Best in mid-spring, summer, early fall
The beauty of the Emigrant Wilderness Loop is access to a backpacking overnight in a place that doesn’t require a ton of planning ahead or permits or campsite reservations. This trail is wonderful for much of the year, and offers plenty of water sources, camping options, and is doable with a simple self-serve permit at local ranger stations. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Old Mt. Baldy to Three T’s (Southern California)
22 miles; difficult terrain
Best in summer
Not for the faint of heart, the Old. Mt. Baldy Loop sends hikers straight up the side of the peak, though timing your summit for sunset will be something you remember forever. Camping abounds on this challenging overnight, though you’re limited with the lack of water along the route. The only water is right near the trailhead, so you’ll be carrying all the water you need for the duration of the hike. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Lye Brook Wilderness Loop (Vermont)
11-23 miles; easy terrain
Can be hiked year-round
In sharp contrast from the Pacific West loops, our New England overnights are mellow and can be hiked for most of the year. The Lye Brook Wilderness Loop is no exception. This easy weekend loop in Vermont has a few different distance options, but most people will be able to hike any of the distances in two days. Multiple trails lead into the wilderness, so pick your starting point and enjoy the outing. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Big Branch Wilderness Loop (Vermont)
11-18 miles; easy terrain
Can be hiked year-round
The Big Branch Wilderness Loop is another mellow weekend outing on a well-marked section of trail in the Green Mountain National Forest. This loop follows part of the AT / Long Trail, so during late summer you’re sure to run into other hikers. Enjoy tent platforms, plenty of water, and nice camping options. Hike this in late fall for more solitude and lots of foliage. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Shoal Pond Loop (New Hampshire)
21 miles; easy terrain
Best in summer, fall
Escape the crowds of the more classic White Mountain hikes with this mellow loop to peaceful bodies of water deep in the New Hampshire woods. The Shoal Pond Loop will take you through the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, past old logging campsites, and test your navigation skills on the minimally maintained Shoal Pond Trail. What these trails lack in grooming, they make up for in historical significance, and there are several spots along the trails where historical artifacts are located. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Isolation Loop, (New Hampshire)
23 miles; moderate terrain
Best in late spring, summer, early fall
While not much of New Hampshire’s hiking can be considered anything but difficult, the Isolation Loop can be hiked by many people in two easy days. The trail traverses moderate (for New England) terrain but has sporadic water sources, so plan carefully and know the trail conditions before heading out. You’ll ascend four mountains, and hike some of the most classic and iconic trail sections in the White Mountain National Forest. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Death Hollow Loop (Escalante, Utah)
23 miles; moderate terrain
Best in fall, spring
This route through Southern Utah starts and ends right outside the tiny town of Escalante, and crosses terrain so varied you won’t believe the whole trail is just 23 miles. From undulating slickrock to miles of knee-deep water and sheer canyon walls, this trail is a must-do in Southern Utah. Permits are self-serve at the trailhead, and as long as you plan water (there isn’t any for the first 8 miles), you’ll be all set. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Baker-Johnson Lake Loop (Great Basin National Park, Nevada)
13 miles; moderate terrain
Best in late spring, early fall
Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem of the national park system. This park sees fewer visitors than most, but has well-maintained trails, accurate signage, and enthusiastic front-country rangers looking to help hikers get into the backcountry. This hike is at a high elevation, so while the trail is mostly well-graded, it might feel surprisingly strenuous. After reaching the first of two lakes, the route climbs up and over a 600-foot pass before descending to the second lake. Camping is open and the Nevada high country is stark and expansive. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
Crazy Mountains Loop (Southwest Montana)
24 miles; moderate terrain
Best in summer
The Crazy Mountains are a small range about 90 minutes northwest of Bozeman. The range might be small, but the basins are dramatic and the whole area is scattered with gorgeous alpine lakes. This route climbs two passes and circles numerous lakes. Be aware of sections of private property, and while you can hike through them, there are a few spots where camping is not permitted. Fill up on water at the lakes, and enjoy the easy logistics, free parking, and no-permit-needed overnight in this underrated mountain range. Full trail profile, including GPS track and trailhead location, can be found here.
