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