The United States offers a diverse range of stunning landscapes and sceneries to explore. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, there is something for everyone to enjoy. …
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United States
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Backpacking United States in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in United States with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit United States
Embark on an epic backpacking journey through the United States, where diverse landscapes, iconic cities, and cultural richness unfold. Pros? Explore national parks, dynamic cities, and a well-established backpacker infrastructure. The variety of experiences is unparalleled. However, the sheer size can pose challenges, and certain regions may be expensive. For backpackers seeking a mix of adventure and urban exploration, the U.S. offers a unique blend of natural wonders and vibrant city life, making it a diverse and captivating destination on the global backpacking trail.
Why to go?Why backpacking in United States
Scenery
Mountains
The mountains in the western region of North America offer incredible opportunities for exploration. The Rockies, stretching across several states, are a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. With their majestic peaks and vast wilderness, they …
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Wildlife
The United States is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts due to its vast and diverse ecosystems. From the rugged mountains and dense forests to the expansive grasslands and coastal regions, the country offers a wide range of habitats that support an …
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Beach life
The United States is great for beach life and snorkeling because it offers a diverse range of coastal environments, from the tropical waters of Hawaii and Florida to the rugged coastlines of California and the Pacific Northwest. The country’s …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in United States
- Grand Canyon National Park: Explore one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, with its vast and colorful landscape carved by the Colorado River.
- New York City: Experience the vibrant energy of the city that never sleeps, with its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class museums.
- Yellowstone National Park: Discover the wonders of the first national park in the United States, home to mesmerizing geothermal features, wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
- San Francisco: Immerse yourself in the unique charm of the city by the bay, from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to its vibrant food scene and historic cable cars.
- Walt Disney World Resort: Embark on a magical adventure in the world’s most famous theme park, with its enchanting attractions, beloved characters, and unforgettable experiences.
But United States offers more...
× United States | New York
Traveled route: Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, FLY, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Central Park, Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking United States
The best time to visit the United States for backpacking depends on various factors such as weather, popular tourist destinations, and personal preferences. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Spring (March to May): This season offers pleasant temperatures across most parts of the country, making it ideal for outdoor activities. It's a great time to explore national parks, hike, and enjoy the blooming landscapes.
2. Fall (September to November): Autumn brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage, especially in the northeastern states. It's an excellent time for hiking, camping, and exploring cities without the crowds of summer.
3. Summer (June to August): If you enjoy warm weather and want to visit popular tourist destinations, summer is the peak season. However, it can be crowded and more expensive. Consider visiting less crowded areas like national parks in the western states or coastal regions.
4. Winter (December to February): If you're interested in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, visiting during winter is ideal. The western mountain regions and northern states offer excellent opportunities for winter activities. Southern states have milder temperatures during this time.
Remember to research specific regions you plan to visit, as weather patterns can vary significantly across the country.
1. Spring (March to May): This season offers pleasant temperatures across most parts of the country, making it ideal for outdoor activities. It's a great time to explore national parks, hike, and enjoy the blooming landscapes.
2. Fall (September to November): Autumn brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage, especially in the northeastern states. It's an excellent time for hiking, camping, and exploring cities without the crowds of summer.
3. Summer (June to August): If you enjoy warm weather and want to visit popular tourist destinations, summer is the peak season. However, it can be crowded and more expensive. Consider visiting less crowded areas like national parks in the western states or coastal regions.
4. Winter (December to February): If you're interested in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, visiting during winter is ideal. The western mountain regions and northern states offer excellent opportunities for winter activities. Southern states have milder temperatures during this time.
Remember to research specific regions you plan to visit, as weather patterns can vary significantly across the country.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for United States
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the potential for unrest and violence. Monitor media for information, follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any curfews.
- Violent crime is more common in the United States than in Australia. Gun crime is also prevalent. If you live in the United States, learn and practice active shooter drills.
- There is a persistent threat of mass casualty violence and terrorist attacks in the United States. Be alert, particularly in public places and at events.
- Severe weather and natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, avalanches, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and floods. Monitor weather conditions and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
United StatesMy tips to get you on the way!Does United States sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for United States. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. United States may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for United States. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. United States may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into United States, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into United States, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024