At Backroads, we believe people can do hard things, specifically hard hikes. Many guests come seeking a true mountain challenge. Others arrive certain they’ll choose the moderate route each day, only to decide they’re up for testing their limits. However you approach your next trek, our leaders and thoughtful trip design support your ambitions.
This year Backroads offers more than 30 Hiking & Walking Trips that include Level 5 routes—our toughest option. From 64-mile trips in the Spanish Pyrenees to 15,000-foot summits in Peru to 13,700 feet of total elevation gain in Patagonia, here are seven of the most challenging hiking tours in 2026, with more options to come in 2027.
Pyrenees Lodge-to-Lodge for 30s & 40s
Total Mileage: 64
Total Elevation Gain: 13,500
Challenges: The most mileage of any Backroads hiking trip; Day 3’s 17-miler, with 3,400 feet of elevation gain
The Payoff: Some of Europe’s toughest—and most incredible—hiking is found in the Spanish Pyrenees. On this six-day tour, we maximize our time on the trail. Trek a storied stretch of the Aragonese Way, part of the legendary Camino de Santiago, passing stone chapels where pilgrims stopped to pray. Pop in for a glass of red Mencía at a high-altitude winery and savor wood-fired asado. Summit a 7,000-foot pass and enjoy the shade of black pine forests. And sleep at historic hotels, including one converted from a former World War II train terminal at the foot of the mountains. One of the best hikes in the Pyrenees, without exception.
There’s a single departure for this trip, in July, specifically designed for travelers in their 30s & 40s. But for an equally challenging itinerary—55 miles and 11,400 feet of elevation gain—check out our Pyrenees Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour for Singles, Couples and Solos, with numerous departures this summer.
Guests Say It Best: “This was the absolute best trip imaginable. Challenging enough for the most fit, and many options for more relaxed travelers. The absolute pristine beauty of this part of the Pyrenees will blow your mind. Imagine climbing to the top of a secret valley and diving into an untouched waterfall pool, then dining that night on fresh local food prepared with love,” wrote Stephanie Muller.
Discover Backroads’ Pyrenees Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour for 30s & 40s
Discover Backroads’ Pyrenees Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour for Singles, Couples and Solos
Peru Lodge-to-Lodge
Total Mileage: 44
Total Elevation Gain: 10,800
Challenges: In addition to significant elevation gain, there’s another 16,100 feet of elevation loss; summiting 15,256-foot Salkantay Pass
The Payoff: Lodge-to-lodge hiking in Peru is the ideal way to see the amazing ancient sites of the Incas as well as the diverse ecosystems of the Andes. A slow but steady pace over nine days affords ample time to explore Temple of the Moon and Machu Picchu and gaze up at glacial slopes or cloud forest canopies. Exploration continues on a culinary level: try giant avocados, pisco sours and a traditional roast cooked on buried coals. And the premiere hotels are sublime, ranging from a Relais & Châteaux property in Cusco to high-mountain lodges with hot tubs.
Guests Say It Best: “The most challenging BR trip I've taken—the physical challenges made the whole experience even more rewarding and memorable,” wrote guest Dawn Guthart. She specifically lauded trip leader Oscar Garcia, who has guided this trip more than 60 times, describing him as “an excellent leader and special human—he was attuned to us individually and as a group, led with ideal pacing and provided insightful and interesting commentary. ‘Un poquito mas’ was one of his encouraging phrases throughout the hikes.”
Discover Backroads’ Peru Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking Tour
Argentina’s Patagonia Lake District
Total Mileage: 50
Total Elevation Gain: 13,700
Challenges: The most elevation gain of any Backroads hiking trip; nine miles and 3,600 feet of elevation gain on Day 2
The Payoff: One of our newest trips, with an itinerary perfect for anyone who loves alpine scenery, this seven-day Patagonia hike hits the highlights of this gorgeous lake-studded region: Nahuel Huapi National Park, known for jagged peaks and wildlife like guanacos, foxes and pumas. Box canyons and deep-blue bays. Rehydrate at day’s end with local microbrews and wine or yerba maté and post up at an estancia (ranch) and Relais & Châteaux hosteria (inn).
Guests Say It Best: Our first tour departs this month, with reviews to follow. Initial response to this trip has been enthusiastic, with several dates already sold out, so view the remaining available 2026 and 2027 departures and get ready to hike with our crew!
Discover Backroads’ Argentina’s Patagonia Lake District Hiking Tour
Canadian Rockies
Total Mileage: 50
Total Elevation Gain: 9,700
Challenges: Day 3’s 11-miler with 2,500 feet of elevation gain and 3,200 feet of elevation loss
The Payoff: Our Canadian Rockies hiking adventure kicks off in Calgary and winds down in Banff, with plenty of leg-burning terrain in between. Wander fields of wildflowers and larch forests, lodge at alpine retreats in moose country, skirt emerald-hued lakes and enjoy incredible views of the Continental Divide, glaciers and Canada’s second-highest waterfall, 991-foot Takakkaw Falls.
Guests Say It Best: This is another new Backroads trip, with departures for Singles, Couples and Solos scheduled from late June through late September to make the most of sunnier days and warmer weather. This same trip is also offered for hikers in their 30s & 40s, with two departures, one in July and one in August.
Discover Backroads’ Canadian Rockies Hiking Tour
Discover Backroads’ Canadian Rockies Hiking Tour for 30s & 40s
Dolomites Hut-to-Hut
Total Mileage: 45
Total Elevation Gain: 13,300
Challenges: Day 3’s 13-miler with 3,800 feet of elevation gain; varied, rocky Alpine paths that include steep sections of scree to ascend or descend, man-made steps and some high-altitude hiking
The Payoff: The iconic Alpine landscapes of this northern Italian region make our Dolomites Hiking Tours a guest favorite year-over-year. The juxtaposition of the enormous rose-tinted massifs towering over Tyrolean villages and grassy pasturelands is something out of a storybook. We trek the fantastic trails in Puez-Odle National Park, marked by sheer cliffs and spires; stay in beloved rifugi; and enjoy outdoor picnics and fantastic local food and wine. Viva!
Guests Say It Best: “We're serial Backroads clients, having done five trips on road bikes. This first hiking trip blew our minds. The huts are more like chalets, with views of the Dolomites that are better than postcards and Insta posts. And the hiking routes provided just the right amount of physical challenge along with more jaw-dropping views,” wrote Ann E. Beman, who traveled with us in 2025.
Discover Backroads’ Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Hiking Tour
Dolomites Lodge-to-Lodge
Total Mileage: 51
Total Elevation Gain: 8,100
Challenges: Four back-to-back days of 10+ miles; high-elevation hiking on remote, sometimes uneven paths
The Payoff: Another favorite and equally tough Dolomites hiking tour; this one follows a different route than the Hut-to-Hut (above) but with similarly stunning Tyrolean scenery. Starting in Bolzano, we head east to Europe’s highest Alpine pasture, then the twin peaks of Sasso Piatto and Sasso Lungo and the lovely mountain town of Selva Gardena. The gentle tinkling of cowbells is the soundtrack here, and gondola rides in certain sections provide a grand overview. Aside from the peaks, our premiere hotel properties are one of the things guests comment on most.
Guests Say It Best: “Each of the lodges was a luxurious retreat, the food was outstanding, and the guides were knowledgeable and attentive,” wrote Backroads guest Inge Sengelmann. “The Dolomites themselves were a dream. Having lived in the Colorado Rockies, I am not easily impressed, but every viewpoint was awe-inspiring and the South Tyrolean architecture and the wildflowers in the fields made me feel like I was in a fairy tale.” Added guest Daniel Coyle: “The trail options were great, with both the low and high having great views, challenges and wonderful lunch huts.”
Discover Backroads’ Dolomites Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour
Nepal Lodge-to-Lodge
Total Mileage: 36
Total Elevation Gain: 9,900
Challenges: 8,600 feet of total elevation loss; back-to-back eight-mile days with a cumulative total of 5,700 feet of elevation gain and 4,400 feet of elevation loss
The Payoff: Hiking in Nepal is on the wish list of many mountaineers. On this nine-day exploration of the Himalayas, five are dedicated to hill climbs on or near the famed Annapurna Circuit, with spectacular views of 23,684-foot, snowcapped Annapurna South. We visit with locals in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu as well as in remote mountain hamlets, passing glacially fed rivers and tiered rice paddies along the way. And we spend time on the trails and waterways of Chitwan National Park, home to rhinos, Bengal tigers, sloth bears and river dolphins.
Guests Say It Best: “This trip ticked every box for me. As a small child, my earliest memories were of exotic photographs in National Geographic magazines. This trip was like being in that magazine. The amazing chaos of Kathmandu, the absolutely breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the tranquility and adrenaline adventure of the jungle. The physical activity and balance between mountain lodges and five-star resorts was perfect. The cultural immersion was an unexpected bonus. This was the trip of a lifetime and a journey into a unique world,” wrote Melissa Hoffman.
Discover Backroads’ Nepal Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking Tour
