The 3 Best and Most Challenging Alpine Hiking Trips from Backroads

Backroads offers a series of really challenging itineraries in stunning mountain ranges around the world that avid hikers will love. (Photos courtesy of Backroads)

I’ve always been a little bit of a hard-charger, aiming for super challenging days of hiking, biking, kayaking or other fun outdoor activities that help me connect with natural surrounding or an interesting destination. 

But I know some of you are really hard core hiking enthusiasts, taking on spectacular adventures that make my outings look tame.

One of my favorite active travel companies is Backroads, and I’ve taken four different trips with them, from biking river cruises on the Danube River or in France’s Bordeaux wine region to a multi-sport adventure in New Zealand. 

They were definitely a fun mix of challenges rides and hikes plus food and other fun. 

But if you’re up for a true challenge, Backroads has top-level hikes that will satisfy even the most hard-core enthusiast.

The company offers more than 30 hiking tours that include Level 5 Routes (see chart) to meet your peak-chasing, mileage-maxing aspirations amid epic landscapes. 

Exploring the high country is trekking at its purest. You experience sweeping views, quiet trails, remote wilderness and the satisfaction of summiting ridgelines in some of the planet’s most spectacular mountain ranges.  

Here are three fantastic options that we recommend for your next alpine adventure.

1. Lodge to Lodge in the Pyrenees

Backroads’ lodge-to-lodge Pyrenees hike covers stretches of trail that are surrounded by rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes and wildflower meadows.

This Backroads hiking trip last six days, covers 55 miles and 11,400 feet in elevation.

The Payoff: Conquer stunning mountain passes and stretches of the Aragonese Way, part of the Camino de Santiago. Discover medieval landmarks and high-altitude vineyards. Your final destination is Canfranc Estación, a century-old beaux arts train station converted to a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel. 

Highlights: Imagine hopping from one stunning mountain hotel to the next, all while tracing some of the most breathtaking sections of the GR11 — one of the Pyrenees' legendary long-distance trails. 

This isn't your average hike; it's a carefully curated adventure that lets you soak in the alpine scenery without carrying a heavy pack every night.

Each day, you lace up your boots and set off on handpicked stretches of trail, surrounded by rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes and wildflower meadows. The GR11 is famous for its challenging beauty, and walking even a portion feels like stepping into a postcard of the high mountains.

What makes it truly special is coming "home" each evening to chic, cozy mountaintop resorts and with the deep satisfaction of having earned your relaxation after a day on the trail. 

You'll also step onto a highlight of the Aragonese Way, part of the iconic Camino de Santiago. This historic route is dotted with medieval landmarks, ancient stone villages and striking architecture that tell stories of pilgrims who've walked these paths for centuries. It's a beautiful blend of adventure and cultural depth.

And let's talk about the food — because in the Pyrenees, hearty mountain gastronomy is essential. You'll refuel at traditional huts and welcoming family run bistros, digging into rich regional dishes like slow-cooked stews, cured meats, hearty cheeses and whatever seasonal specialties the kitchen is making. Nothing tastes better than a warm meal after hours in the fresh air.

All of this unfolds in a region shaped by its dramatic alpine landscape, a turbulent history of border life between Spain and France, and a unique culture that's fiercely proud of its roots. The Pyrenees feel worlds away from everyday life — remote yet welcoming, wild yet refined.

2. Patagonia Lake District

The hiking in Patagonia features postcard-perfect views of turquoise water framed by jagged Andean peaks and dense forests.

This Backroads hiking trip is seven days and covers 50 miles and 13,700 feet of elevation, with  an epic Day 2 challenge of nine miles and 3,600 feet of elevation.

The Payoff: This journey gives hikers the highlights of gorgeous, sapphire lake-studded Nahuel Huapi National Park, home to jagged peaks, snowcapped volcanoes and pumas. Watch condors soar on thermals — beneath you! And indulge in spa treatments at a Relais & Châteaux hostería (inn). 

Highlights: This trip brings you to the heart of Patagonia, exploring Nahuel Huapi National Park and its sprawling, stunning lake that gives the whole area its name. This grand tour mixes epic scenery, adventure, incredible food and cozy lodgings.

Your trek allows you to take in postcard-perfect views of turquoise water framed by jagged Andean peaks and dense forests. It's the kind of place where every bend reveals something even more beautiful.

Then, there's the peaceful river float through high-altitude steppes — think gentle currents, wide-open landscapes, and the chance to pull over at a secluded backcountry beach for a refreshing swim. It's pure, unhurried Patagonia magic.

The hikes? They're next-level. Grand treks lead you up to sweeping summits, into dramatic box canyons and through jagged alpine amphitheaters where the mountains feel close enough to touch.

Your accommodations include one night you're at a cozy wilderness ranch, feeling like you've stepped into old-school Patagonia life. Also, an elegant lakeside palazzo with European vibes — think luxurious touches, killer views and that perfect spot to unwind after a day outdoors.

Food is a highlight of the trip. You'll refuel at trailside refugios with hearty mountain fare, join a classic Argentine asado where the grill masters work their magic over open flames and even get hands-on in an interactive empanada-making class. Argentina's cuisine shines brightest when it's fresh and shared with good company.

This Nahuel Huapi adventure wraps up everything that makes Patagonia special: breathtaking nature, active days, soul-satisfying meals, and stays that make you never want to leave.

3. The Canadian Rockies

On the Canadian Rockies itinerary, you’ll hike in fields of wildflowers and forests. Plus, trails take you along along emerald-hued lakes g savor views of the Continental Divide, glaciers and Canada’s second-highest waterfall

This Backroads hiking trip is for six days, during which you’ll cover 50 miles and 9,700 feet of elevation.

The Payoff: Hikers experience Banff National Park during its summer splendor. You’ll trek fields full of wildflowers and wander through larch forests. Lodge at alpine retreats in moose country. Hike along emerald-hued lakes, and savor views of the Continental Divide, glaciers and Canada’s second-highest waterfall.

Highlights: Imagine stepping into the heart of the Canadian Rockies for a trip that feels like pure cinema. This adventure takes you through some of the most stunning spots in Kananaskis Country and beyond, offering days filled with turquoise lakes, towering peaks and wildlife encounters.

You have the chance to hike to Elbow Lake — a stunning emerald-green gem tucked into a glacial basin right below the massive faces of Mount Rae, Mount Arethusa and Elpoca Mountain. The water glows against the rugged surroundings, and reaching it feels like discovering a hidden treasure.

Then, there's the scenic trail through Burstall Pass, where you wander among vibrant wildflower meadows and golden larch forests, with epic views opening up to the Robertson Glacier. It's one of those hikes where every step brings a new postcard-worthy scene — snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and that crisp mountain air that makes everything feel alive.

During your trip, you’ll stay at cozy alpine retreats that put you right in the middle of it all — where moose might casually wander through the meadows outside your window, and the mountain views stretch on forever. After a day on the trails, coming back to that kind of peaceful, scenic spot is the perfect reset.

You’ll also visit the turquoise shores of Emerald Lake and venture into the alpine beauty of Paradise Valley and Emerald Basin. These spots deliver that classic Rocky Mountain splendor — crystal-clear waters reflecting jagged peaks, surrounded by thick evergreen forests.

Wildlife include mountain goats scaling the cliffs, pikas darting between rocks with their little hay bundles and marmots whistling warnings from the boulders. 

When you’re here, you understand why the Rockies are legendary: raw beauty, rewarding hikes, wildlife surprises and quiet moments when the world feels perfectly still.