Boundary Waters, MN

Located in northern Minnesota, the boundary waters is one of my favorite places I have been for canoeing and backpacking. There are over 70 entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Most of these entry points are on lakes or rivers connected by narrow water ways or trails for portaging. Each point is unique with a wide range of difficulty levels. All of the entry points are listed on the BWCA Website along with difficulty ratings and how to get there. On BWCAWiki.com, there are reviews of many of the entry points, and details about fishing, camping, and how to get to individual lakes.


I have entered on the Echo Trail at entry point #14 and had an amazing experience. The trip started with a 40 rod portage from the parking area down to the river. Traveling up the river was a great time, seeing some great scenic landscapes and wildlife along the way. One of the things that I really like about the BWCAW is the fact that there are only about 3-4 designated camping areas on each lake, thus providing a solemn and tranquil place to pitch a tent. My group found a great spot right on Upper Pauness Lake and set up camp. We were there for a few days and had a great time taking a day trip to the Canadian border, eating lunch on the Canadian waters.

The BWCAW has many backpacking opportunities as well and many people love the chance to take a side trip going deep into the wilderness. I would highly suggest taking a trip to the BWCAW if you would like to get out into some of the most serene woods left untouched by man.

Grand Canyon, AZ

Nestled deep within the walls of the Grand Canyon lies a small village named Supai. The Indian people of the Supai reservation discovered early on that they are live in an area where tourism would thrive. Even though the main source of income is tourism (http://www.havasupaitribe.com/aboutus.html), I have always felt that this is a place to get away from the busyness of life and relax while taking in some beautiful sights.

The hike in to the village is eight miles starting off with about two miles of steep switchbacks into the canyon. After this it is an easy hike down to the village. The village is home to about 450 members of the 650 member Havasupai tribe (http://www.desertusa.com/mag06/sep/supai.html). It is very interesting to walk through this village and see the homes and businesses that have been established in this very poor community. An interesting fact about Supai is that it is the only place in the US that still has the U.S. Postal Service deliver mail via pack mules. After the village there is a two mile hike to the campgrounds, and the waterfalls of the Havasu creek.

The translation of Havasupai is "People of the Blue-Green Waters." I think this is a fitting name for a place with one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world. Havasu falls is a drop of about 100 feet to multiple pools of the famous blue green waters. Mooney falls is about two miles downstream and drops 200 feet. These falls are part of the main draw for backpackers and photographers. The Havasu Indian reservation has a special place in my heart because of the serenity and rest that it offers. I can't wait until I have the chance to return some day.

Hey!

Welcome to "Just Go Backpacking...." This site is intended to provide some useful information on the top 20 or so places to go backpacking in the U.S. I have been to a few of these sites and others have been visited by friends of mine. I hope this provides some useful information for those that are interested in planning a backpacking trip to one of our fine locations here in the United States. Enjoy!