Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide
Distance: 77 miles (122.6 km)
Days: 5-10 days
Elevation gain/loss: 18,308 ft gain (Gaia GPS); 24,040.7 ft gain/23,444.6 ft loss (FarOut)
Best seasons: Spring and Fall
Permits: None required
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Stewardship: Foothills Trail Conservancy (FTC)
The Foothills Trail was my first solo backpacking trip of more than 20 miles and 3+ nights. Trail selection was a big deal. This 77-mile non-motorized footpath quickly became my top choice as a first thru-hike for a few reasons:
I could complete it within a week of vacation from work.
It’s known to be well-maintained and well-supported. AKA, it felt safe.
Multiple digital and paper navigation options (free and paid).
It can be hiked in one push with no re-supply needed.
Convenient trailhead shuttles.
It’s impressive that every consideration on that list proved true. If you are looking for a shorter point-to-point route that will hold a special place in your heart… consider the Foothills Trail.
Treeline Review: Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide


Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide
Distance: 77 miles (122.6 km)
Days: 5-10 days
Elevation gain/loss: 18,308 ft gain (Gaia GPS); 24,040.7 ft gain/23,444.6 ft loss (FarOut)
Best seasons: Spring and Fall
Permits: None required
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Stewardship: Foothills Trail Conservancy (FTC)
The Foothills Trail was my first solo backpacking trip of more than 20 miles and 3+ nights. Trail selection was a big deal. This 77-mile non-motorized footpath quickly became my top choice as a first thru-hike for a few reasons:
I could complete it within a week of vacation from work.
It’s known to be well-maintained and well-supported. AKA, it felt safe.
Multiple digital and paper navigation options (free and paid).
It can be hiked in one push with no re-supply needed.
Convenient trailhead shuttles.
It’s impressive that every consideration on that list proved true. If you are looking for a shorter point-to-point route that will hold a special place in your heart… consider the Foothills Trail.
Treeline Review: Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide


Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide
Distance: 77 miles (122.6 km)
Days: 5-10 days
Elevation gain/loss: 18,308 ft gain (Gaia GPS); 24,040.7 ft gain/23,444.6 ft loss (FarOut)
Best seasons: Spring and Fall
Permits: None required
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Stewardship: Foothills Trail Conservancy (FTC)
The Foothills Trail was my first solo backpacking trip of more than 20 miles and 3+ nights. Trail selection was a big deal. This 77-mile non-motorized footpath quickly became my top choice as a first thru-hike for a few reasons:
I could complete it within a week of vacation from work.
It’s known to be well-maintained and well-supported. AKA, it felt safe.
Multiple digital and paper navigation options (free and paid).
It can be hiked in one push with no re-supply needed.
Convenient trailhead shuttles.
It’s impressive that every consideration on that list proved true. If you are looking for a shorter point-to-point route that will hold a special place in your heart… consider the Foothills Trail.
Recent articles
Other categories
You might also like
Built for the Outdoors
see ALL PRODUCTSSuivez-nous sur Instagram
Plus qu'une entreprise de plein air.
From the trail
Rencontrez nos ambassadeurs. Ce sont des experts de la piste qui aiment la façon dont nos produits résistent aux éléments et qui nous ravissent avec les récits de leurs aventures de haut niveau.
meet our ambassadors





















































































































































