Backpacker Magazine's Hardest Day Hikes in America

In 2005, Backpacker Magazine selected 10 day hikes as America's hardest. They all are over 8,000 vert ft and span amazing terrain. From the article, the 10 are ranked as follows:

1. Timberline Trail Mt. Hood, OR
Score: 95 Miles: 41 Elevation Change: 12,000 feet X Factor: Insane mileage

2. Pemi Loop, White Mountains, NH
Score: 92 Miles: 32 Elevation Change: 18,000 feet X Factor: Knee-hammering rocks

3. Great Range Traverse , Adirondacks, NY
Score: 90 Miles: 25 Elevation Change: 17,600 feet X Factor: Endless ups and downs

4. Windom Peak, San Juan Mountains, CO
Score: 85 Miles: 20 Elevation Change: 11,600 feet X Factor: Violent thunderstorms

5. Cactus to Clouds Trail Mt., San Jacinto from Palm Springs, CA
Score: 80 Miles: 23 Elevation Change: 13,400 feet X Factor: Broiling temps

6. Great Smoky Mountains End-to-End TN/NC
Score: 78 Miles: 32 Elevation Change: 12,300 feet X Factor: Mud, bugs, humidity

7. Grand Canyon South Rim to North Rim AZ
Score: 74 Miles: 21 Elevation Change: 10,500 feet X Factor: Dehydrating heat

8. Enchantment Lakes Traverse , Cascade Range, WA
Score: 71 Miles: 18 Elevation Change: 11,000 feet X Factor: Sketchy footing up high

9. Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade , Canyon Loop Grand Teton National Park, WY
Score: 66 Miles: 19 Elevation Change: 8,000 feet X Factor: The occasional ultramarathoner passing you

10. Bigelow Range Traverse, ME
Score: 64 Miles: 17 Elevation Change: 10,000 feet X Factor: Black flies with attitude