9 Best National Parks for Backpacking of 2026

The National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States tips the scales at just 1.53 pounds, making it the most portable all-in-one reference among comprehensive park guides. While the top pick for backpackers weighs nearly twice as much and packs detailed trail descriptions, this edition excels as a trip-planning companion for those driving between parks and exploring by car.

Car campers, day hikers, and first-time national park visitors will find well-organized sections on lodging, campgrounds, and can’t-miss sights across all 63 parks covered. The 528 pages include enough lodging and activity recommendations to shape a week-long itinerary without overwhelming you with backcountry detail.

Where this guide falls short is for those seeking specific trail difficulty ratings or mile-by-mile route breakdowns — it offers only basic trail overviews. Additionally, the 2021 edition does not include the newest parks added after 2020, such as New River Gorge, so travelers planning trips to recently designated parks will need supplementary resources.

National Geographic’s ‘100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas’ delivers thousands of activity suggestions and jaw-dropping photography, making it a powerful tool for deciding where to go and when. Unlike a technical hiking handbook, this book prioritizes broad inspiration over granular route data — a deliberate tradeoff that suits armchair explorers and trip planners far better than field-use backpackers.

This is the book to flip through when you have no idea which national park to visit next but want a visually rich starting point. It excels as a coffee-table conversation starter or a gift for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy dreaming about future trips. However, backpackers should note that it contains no trail difficulty ratings, mileages, or detailed directions — you will need a separate guide for actual hike planning.

The 400-page volume covers seasonal timing, activities like kayaking and wildlife viewing, and lodging ideas across a wide range of parks. While the included maps give a sense of park layout, they are too coarse for navigation. For route-specific decisions, this book points you toward possibilities; it does not replace a topo map or trail guide.

Backpacker magazine’s editors have curated 100 of the finest hikes across the national parks, each with detailed turn-by-turn directions and full-color route photos. These are trails the magazine has highlighted as must-do experiences. Unlike the comprehensive guide covering every park, this volume focuses on a hand-picked shortlist — ideal for hikers who prefer a vetted selection without the overwhelm of exhaustive options.

This guide is for hikers who trust Backpacker magazine’s editorial judgment and want a shortlist of classic trails. The 2016 edition means trail conditions and closures may be outdated, so checking current park websites is recommended. It is also limited to 100 hikes, so those exploring less-visited parks or planning multi-park trips will need additional resources.

Directions are thorough, with mileage, elevation gain, and notable waypoints clearly marked. The 400-page book weighs 2.5 pounds — a solid choice for pre-trip planning at home rather than carrying in a pack.

The 7th edition of Lonely Planet’s Banff, Jasper and Glacier guide zeroes in on four parks in the Canadian Rockies and adjacent Glacier National Park. Its curated itineraries cover highlights, recommended activities, and lodging tips, drawing on local knowledge to simplify trip planning. Unlike comprehensive US park guides that spread thin across all 63 parks, this book provides a deeper dive into a smaller area — a tradeoff that benefits travelers committed to this region. The 2024 edition ensures park fees, trail closures, and facility updates are current. At 272 pages, it packs enough detail without being unwieldy for a glove box or backpack.

This guide suits travelers who want ready-made schedules and insider recommendations for Banff, Jasper, Glacier, and Waterton Lakes. It is less suited for backpackers needing trail difficulty ratings, mileage, or detailed backpacking routes — those are better found in dedicated hiking guides or the top pick. The coverage stops at four parks, so anyone planning a broader US park trip will need additional resources. For its intended scope, it offers solid planning support at a mid-range price.

This map guide is built for the specific demands of hiking in Glacier National Park — waterproof, tear-resistant, and packed with ranked day hikes. It delivers the kind of durable, trail-focused detail that general park guides often skip, making it a practical choice for anyone planning a trip specifically to Glacier.

The comprehensive coverage includes all day hikes in the park, each with difficulty rankings and descriptions that help you match a trail to your fitness and time. The map handles rain, mud, and repeated folding without losing readability. That said, its focus is narrow: it covers Glacier and nothing else. For trips that include multiple parks, you’ll need a separate guide.

Hikers appreciate the ability to spread this map on a wet log or stuff it in a pack pocket without worry. The tear-resistant material means it survives the whole trip, and the ranked list makes it easy to decide between popular trails like the Highline Trail or less crowded options.

This guide teaches camping fundamentals such as campfire cooking, gear selection, and emergency planning. It is well-organized and safety-focused, making it a practical resource for families or first-time national park visitors. However, it contains no trail descriptions, mileage, difficulty ratings, or backpacking routes — the information needed for trip planning. For backpacking, a dedicated trail guide would be more useful.

This spiral-bound guide is built for documenting visits, not planning them. Each park gets a page with space for a stamp or note, plus a set of stickers to mark completed trips. The artwork is a highlight — illustrated covers that make the book feel like a scrapbook. For a family collecting memories or a hobbyist ticking off parks, it serves a clear purpose.

Backpackers will find little of use here. Trail descriptions are absent, and the slim 132 pages cover each park only superficially. The premium price reflects the design and novelty, not the content depth. This is a souvenir, not a resource for route planning.

Covers 500 walks across national parks worldwide, with enough variety to spark wanderlust for armchair travelers. But for backpackers planning US trips, the global scope means limited coverage of any single region, and the book lacks trail difficulty ratings, mileage, or backpacking-specific details. It is best suited as a casual gift or coffee table browsing, not as a planning tool for serious hikers.