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Treeline Review: Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide

A 77-mile trail for hikers looking for an intermediate shake-down hike, yet demanding in elevation.

Treeline Review: Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide

Last updated:
May 27, 2025
|  5 min read

Treeline Review: Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide

Treeline Review: Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide

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A 77-mile trail for hikers looking for an intermediate shake-down hike, yet demanding in elevation.

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Treeline Review: Foothills Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide

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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.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Kate Riley.

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.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Kate Riley.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Writer
Kate Riley
I'm Kate - a thru-hiker, runner, and gear enthusiast with 10 years of writing experience.
Media Mentions

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.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Kate Riley.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Writer
Kate Riley
I'm Kate - a thru-hiker, runner, and gear enthusiast with 10 years of writing experience.
Media Mentions
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