( CNN ) -- Get off the grid and into the wild on an overnight backpacking trip . Backpackers are likely to experience the wilderness much more intimately than other types of travelers -- and reap the benefits of physical exercise and mental refreshment at the same time . `` A variety of studies show that even relatively brief experiences in nature can enhance feelings of energy and vitality , '' said Dr. Richard M. Ryan , professor of psychology , psychiatry and education at the University of Rochester . Nature has a way of magnifying little details you may have overlooked , and your safety and overall enjoyment depend on your preparedness . So if you 're not sure where to begin your backpacking adventure , consider a guided trip . 7 prime spots for wildlife viewing . Trip outfitters will often supply you with all the gear you need , including food . And guided getaways are not just for beginners . Seasoned backpackers often opt for guided trips too , says Ian Elman , owner of Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides , a company that specializes in these types of excursions . Many guides will customize trips to suit your specific needs and physical condition . Guided trip costs can range from less than $ 200 per person to thousands of dollars depending on the nature and length of your trip . Starting locally is a great way to gauge your interest and skill level for future expeditions . 12 things you might not have known about the Appalachian Trail . Ready for some adventure ? These five immense U.S. national parks offer backpacking trips of a lifetime : . Grand Canyon National Park . The Grand Canyon in Arizona offers some of the most challenging backpacking in the United States due to its steep trails and fast-changing weather conditions . If you opt to hike from the North Rim to the South Rim , you 'll experience an elevation differential of more than 10,000 feet from start to finish , according to the National Park Service . The reward ? Getting a unique perspective on the natural wonder and its geological rainbow from the base of the canyon . Are you a window flier or an aisle seater ? A popular itinerary for first-time backpackers is to spend a few nights at either Bright Angel or Indian Garden Campgrounds . These sites can be accessed by the Bright Angel Trail , and you 'll need a park service backcountry permit . The National Park Service maintains a list of companies authorized to guide backpackers within the park . Glacier National Park . Glacier National Park in Montana ranks as one of the most popular backpacking parks , according to the National Park Service . Its alpine lakes , steep mountains , abundant wildlife and more than 700 miles of trails make this park a backpacker 's dream . Belly River Trail is a popular route . This 13.6 mile trail offers spectacular mountainous scenery and passes by campgrounds at Elizabeth Lake and Helen Lake . The trail drops 740 feet in the first few miles then levels out . Backcountry campers will need a permit . Glacier Guides is the park-service approved outfit for guided and custom backpacking trips into the park 's backcountry . Yellowstone National Park . Yellowstone is one of the most diverse national parks , with landscapes ranging from forested mountain slopes to valleys bustling with wildlife to roaring rivers . Some 1,000 miles of trails criss-cross the park , some offering easy trips over gentle terrain , while others require technical skills and endurance . The park service says many of Yellowstone 's trails are more than 7,000 feet above sea level and most areas have snow until late May or early June . The park service suggests avoiding high elevations early in the season because some of these areas may be closed if conditions are considered unsafe for visitors . A list of outfitters permitted to guide backpackers within Yellowstone can be viewed on the park 's official website . Denali National Park and Preserve . Denali , in Alaska 's interior , encompasses more than 6 million acres of land and is home to North America 's tallest peak at 20,320 feet -- Mount McKinley . Black bears and grizzly bears are among the stars for wildlife spotters ( just keep your distance ) . This national park is about the size of Vermont , yet only a handful of trails exist in this vast , solitary area . Most of the trails are within three miles of the park entrance , but if you 're adventurous , you can explore the wild terrain , which ranges from a low-elevation taiga forest to snow-covered mountains . You 'll need to get a backcountry permit in person before you set out . Three park-authorized companies offer guided backpacking : Alaska Mountaineering School , Mountain Trip and Rigging for Rescue . North Cascades National Park . Escape to this national park in Washington state and surround yourself with mountains , glaciers and streams . Grizzly bears are among the 75 mammal species that inhabit the wilderness . Backpacking is popular at North Cascades and trips can range from an overnight on relatively level land to multiday hikes over multiple mountain passes . Mountaineering treks for varying skill levels are an option , too , but this is not a beginner 's venture . Beaver Loop trail is a moderate , forested route . The 34.2 mile journey offers a side trip with views of Challenger glacier and peak and usually takes three to four days . The park service lists authorized guides for North Cascades backpacking on its site .
Backpackers often experience national parks more intimately than other visitors . Studies show brief experiences in nature can enhance feelings of energy and vitality . Guided backpacking tours are available in some U.S. national parks .