Take a backpacking trip on your next family vacation getaway.

Some of my favorite backpacking trips have been the ones where we took off to some "undiscovered" location on a vacation. I look back with fond memories on these trips because I was forced to spend time with my family and not get distracted by things like TV, books, and other items that tend to keep you from getting back to that missing item in today's society: communication. Many families come back from a trip feeling like they reconnected on a whole new level.

Have you had difficulties talking with your son or daughter and feel like you just can't get through? Something about camping in nature, forces people to come out of their shell and open up in ways that they never would on any other vacation.

I hope that this has gotten you believing a backpack trip with your family is a good thing. The benefits aren't just the better communication that usually happens, but you get great exercise, see awesome views and have plenty of time to conteplate life.

When I go backpacking, I tend to say few words and just enjoy the sites around me and get a lot of "thinking" time in. Granted when someone asks me a question or starts a conversation, some of the best discussions can happen.

One of my favorite things about backpacking into a predetermined location, is after the camp is set up.

Now if your family is already into backpacking and camping, you already know this stuff and don't need to hear it anymore...but I bet I got you thinking about some fond memories though, huh?

Enough of that now. You came to this page looking for some great places to backpack to right? Well, here are some personal favorites that I have enjoyed with my wife, family or friends.

The first one that comes to mind is the Trinity Wilderness in northern California. The second getaway that comes to mind is Zion National Park. The third one is Grand Teton National Park. The fourth one would be climbing Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, the two highest peaks in Colorado. The fifth would be hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota.

I will be adding to this list and writing about each one, just give me a little time to get them done. There is so much to write!