Why three days works
Three days and two nights is a popular length. It gives you time to get past the trailhead crowds, settle into a rhythm and reach places that are not practical on a single overnight, without the food weight and logistics of a longer route. It also fits a standard long weekend. For a shorter outing, see weekend backpacking trips.
How to choose a 3-day route
- Total distance. Many people plan a moderate daily distance and a bit more on the middle day, adjusting for climbing and pack weight.
- Route shape. Loops avoid a shuttle. Point-to-point trips offer more variety but need transport.
- Camps. Make sure there are suitable campsites at the right distances, and that you know the camping rules.
- Permits. Popular routes can require advance permits.
- Season. Check snow, heat, fire and water conditions.
For broader planning, our guide to planning a backpacking trip covers the steps in more depth.
Example 3-day trips
Details such as mileage, permits and closures change, so verify with current sources.
San Francisco Bay Area
- Ohlone Wilderness Trail. A demanding route through the East Bay hills, often done in about 2 to 3 days. It requires a permit and has limited water, so plan carefully.
- Skyline to the Sea. A route from the ridge to the coast, often done as a roughly two-day trip, depending on your pace and which camps you book. Parts of this region have been affected by fire and closures, so check status before you plan.
- Henry W. Coe State Park. A large park with many route options from 2 to several days, hot in summer.
- Point Reyes. Coastal camps and loops that can fill 2 to 3 days, with a permit required.
Wilderness areas of the West
These are commonly listed as scenic, lower-crowd options, and many can be done in around three days or extended:
- Beartooth Wilderness (Montana and Wyoming)
- Glacier Peak Wilderness (Washington)
- Sawtooth Mountains (Idaho)
- High Uintas Wilderness (Utah)
- Owl and Fish Canyons (Utah)
- Ruby Crest Trail (Nevada)
- Northern Yosemite (California)
- The Gems Route, Grand Canyon (Arizona). This is a demanding route with scarce water and navigation challenges, not a beginner trip.
If you are still building experience, start with the shorter, easier routes in our best beginner backpacking trips.
Sample 3-day itinerary
- Day 1: Start from the trailhead in the morning, hike to a first camp with plenty of daylight left, and eat dinner early. For meal ideas, see our 3-day backpacking food list.
- Day 2: The longest or most scenic day. Start early and plan water stops.
- Day 3: A shorter hike out, with time to spare for the drive home.
Planning notes
- Share your route and return time.
- Keep a bailout option in mind.
- If three days feels easy, a longer trip such as 5-day backpacking trips is a natural next step.