Summer is drawing near, which means it’s time to start planning the mountainous backpacking trips with narrow weather windows, lofty passes, and trails so high oxygen is but a memory. These are the high-elevation trails, their expansive views and dramatic peaks made even more enticing by the fact that they’re only truly accessible for a few months out of the year.
From a 28-mile loop in Colorado to nearly 200 miles of off-trail travel in the High Sierra, all of of these trails have an average elevation above 8,000 feet, and many of them soar over 12,000 feet at their high point. Prime time for most of these trails is late July through early September, so get acclimated and start planning.
Find the rest of our trail roundups here!
1) Uinta Highline Trail, Utah
104 miles
Average Elevation: ~10,700 feet
The Uinta Highline Trail is a 104-mile high-elevation route with a high degree of physical difficulty but moderately easy logistics considering it’s a point-to-point hike. Allow about a week for this trail, which clears out by mid-July and can be hiked through the middle of September most years. The Uinta Highline Trail takes you through Utah’s most scenic mountain terrain and highest peaks. Most of the trail is above treeline, which provides sweeping views over basins, lakes, and passes. Here’s our full profile on the Uinta Highline Trail.
2) Collegiate Peaks Loop, Colorado
160 miles
Average Elevation: ~11,000 feet
Linking together some of the best sections from the CDT and the Colorado Trail, the Collegiate Peaks Loop is a breathtaking 160-mile loop trail that circles the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness in central Colorado. Most people take around two weeks to hike this trail, but it can be completed in as little as nine days. August is the best time to hike this trail, and the loop format and easy resupply means that while it’s physically tough, the logistics are simple. Here’s our full profile on the Collegiate Peaks Loop.
3) Four Pass Loop, Colorado
28 miles
Average Elevation: ~11,000 feet
The Four Pass Loop in Colorado’s Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is a perfect alternative to some of the state’s longer routes. Don’t let the distance fool you, though. As the route name implies, you’ll crest four high-elevation passes in the 28 miles, making this one of the most epic bang-for-your-buck trails on our whole site. Most people hike this trail over 3-5 days, with the peak season in late July through very early September. Here’s our full profile on the Four Pass Loop.
4) Gallatin Crest Trail, Montana
42 Miles
Average Elevation: ~8,500 feet
Everything except the first and last 6 miles of this route are above treeline. Tracing the spine of the Gallatin range in Southwest Montana, the Gallatin Crest Trail sees very little traffic for such a remarkable trail. Expect sweeping views, mountain goats, long climbs, and some navigation when the trail becomes faint. This is a simple shuttle, and if you plan carefully and carry enough water, water sources aren’t an issue. This trail can be hiked in 2-4 days depending how you want to plan your water and camping. Here’s our full profile on the Gallatin Crest Trail.
5) High Sierra Trail, California
72 miles
Average Elevation: ~9,500 feet
The High Sierra Trail is a 72-mile point-to-point trail that offers a lower-traffic alternative to the John Muir Trail. Permitting is easier, the views are no less epic, and this trail can be hiked in about a week … perfect for hikers who want the High Sierra experience without the permit lottery and longer commitment. The High Sierra Trail traverses the Sierra Nevada west to east, crossing the Great Western Divide over Kaweah Gap and finishing at Trail Crest Junction with the option to summit Mt. Whitney. Here is our full profile on the High Sierra Trail.
6) Sierra High Route, California
195 miles
Average Elevation: ~10,000 feet
The names might be confusingly similar, but the Sierra High Route is a whole different ball game than the High Sierra Trail. At nearly 200 miles, much of which are off-trail, the Sierra High Route is an advanced trail that requires route-finding, long food carries, and a remote shuttle. It’s also one of the most epic and rewarding trails, 44,000 feet of elevation gain, massive granite peaks, cirques, and crystalline alpine lakes. Here is our full profile on the Sierra High Route.