What counts as a weekend backpacking trip
A weekend trip usually means one or two nights out, with a trailhead within a few hours’ drive. You get most of the backcountry experience without taking time off work, which makes weekends the usual way to build skills before attempting longer routes.
If it will be your first overnight, start with our list of best beginner backpacking trips. For general logistics, see how to plan a backpacking trip.
How to pick a route for a weekend
- Drive time. Long drives eat into your trail time. Many people set a limit of a few hours each way.
- Total mileage. A modest total, spread over two or three days, leaves time for camp and views. Elevation gain and pack weight matter as much as miles.
- Loop or out-and-back. Loops avoid a shuttle and retracing steps; out-and-backs are simpler and easier to bail from.
- Permits and reservations. Weekends are the busiest time, so popular areas can sell out. Check booking windows early.
- Season. Check snow levels, wildfire closures and water availability for the specific weekend.
Example weekend areas
Distances and regulations change, so treat these as starting points and check current information.
Washington Cascades and Olympics
The Washington Trails Association groups weekend trips by region, including the North Cascades, Central Cascades, Olympic Peninsula, South Cascades and Eastern Washington, which shows how many options a single state has. Many popular zones require permits or have quotas.
North Carolina
North Carolina offers areas such as Panthertown Valley, Middle Prong Wilderness, Birkhead Mountain Wilderness and the Deep Creek area in the Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a backcountry permit and designated campsites.
San Francisco Bay Area
Local trips such as Point Reyes, the Ohlone Wilderness Trail and Henry Coe State Park are commonly suggested for short escapes. Reservations or permits may be required, and some parks have had closures after wildfires, so check before going.
A sample weekend schedule
- Friday evening: Drive, then short hike to a nearby camp if daylight allows, or sleep near the trailhead.
- Saturday: Main hiking day, with an early start, a long lunch and a relaxed camp.
- Sunday: Break camp, hike out and drive home with time to spare.
Short on days off? A single night on a shorter route works too. For a bit more time, see best 3-day backpacking trips.
Packing for a short trip
A weekend pack should be lighter than a long-trip pack because you carry only a couple of days of food and fuel. Take the usual essentials: shelter, sleep system, water treatment, stove, navigation, headlamp, first-aid kit and layers for changing weather. Skip duplicate gear and extras you will not use; our minimalist backpacking gear guide has a simple test for each item.
Weekend trip tips
- Arrive with your gear packed and checked before Friday.
- Share your itinerary with someone.
- Have a backup plan if the permit or trailhead is not available.
- Leave margin in your schedule so a late start does not force a rushed hike out.