Backroads

Backroads Delivering active, exceptional and original travel adventures throughout the beautiful corners of the world.
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A native of Moraga, California, Tom Hale possesses a passion for two seemingly divergent interests—business and back roads—which he has powered into the world's most successful active travel company. It was the back roads that first attracted him, as a competitive runner at Campolindo High School (where he still holds the two-mile record at 8:57.2) and at the University of Oregon, where he was a t

eammate of legendary runner Steve Prefontaine. Armed with a Masters in Environmental Planning from UCLA, Hale was six months into an environmental planning position in Las Vegas when the back roads called again—big time. A middle-of-the-night inspiration to start a bike touring company motivated him to pedal 5,000 miles alone through the West, all the while formulating plans for his new business. Settling in Berkeley, Hale washed fondue pots by night and built his fledgling travel company by day. In true entrepreneurial fashion, he did it all—designed the itineraries, maintained the bikes, led the trips, produced the catalog. His first trip—a bike tour of Death Valley—attracted four guests (one of them his mother.) Fast-forward 44 years of nearly consistent growth to 2023. Today Backroads annually hosts thousands of guests on biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure trips worldwide. Their 289 trip itineraries showcase the best lodging, dining, cultural attractions—and of course back roads—in destinations from California's Wine Country to classic settings in France, from the pampas of Patagonia to the hill country of Thailand. Backroads is staffed by some 200 people in its Berkeley headquarters and regional offices in Utah, Canada and France, and also employs approximately 800 Trip Leaders worldwide. From the beginning, Hale has strived for and succeeded in offering off-the-charts trips, believing that the world is best experienced up close and under one's own power. Backroads' success is largely measured by an exceptionally high rate of repeat guests—on average about 80% become repeat and referral guests. When he's not at the Berkeley office or on the road as Backroads' most eagle-eyed quality controller, Hale can be found at home in Kentfield with his wife Liz, daughters Avery and Georgia, and son William.

From slot canyons to hoodoos. The whimsical rock formations and jaw-dropping views. The red, orange and yellow hues. Lac...
01/24/2025

From slot canyons to hoodoos. The whimsical rock formations and jaw-dropping views. The red, orange and yellow hues. Lace up your hiking boots and explore two spectacular national parks on our Bryce & Grand Canyon Multi-Adventure Tour.

Check out all the details here: https://backroadsgo.com/4gN06q6

Let's be honest: Backroads trips are just as much about the incredible meals as they are about unforgettable activities....
01/22/2025

Let's be honest: Backroads trips are just as much about the incredible meals as they are about unforgettable activities. If you’re someone who plans your travels around the next great bite (you know who you are, foodies), explore some of our favorite culinary-inspired journeys here https://backroadsgo.com/3DGE5KW

A legendary coastline. Lost cities and ancient ruins. Food of the gods. A journey across land and sea, aided by friendly...
01/21/2025

A legendary coastline. Lost cities and ancient ruins. Food of the gods. A journey across land and sea, aided by friendly locals along the way. Discover our epic Turkey Walking & Hiking Tour here: https://backroadsgo.com/4aj0MRH

Backroads is featured in Forbes! Everett Potter's recent article spotlights Slovenia as Europe's hidden gem for adventur...
01/18/2025

Backroads is featured in Forbes! Everett Potter's recent article spotlights Slovenia as Europe's hidden gem for adventure seekers, highlighting our Italy & Slovenia Walking & Hiking Tour. Discover the breathtaking landscapes and thrilling experiences that await you in this unspoiled paradise.

Read the full article here:

On a continent struggling with overtourism, a Backroads walk reveals Slovenia, a hidden quarter of Europe that embraces adventure travel.

Shout out to these fine folks for reaching big trip leading milestones! Ruth, Allison, Nick, Jason and Paolo: we're luck...
01/18/2025

Shout out to these fine folks for reaching big trip leading milestones! Ruth, Allison, Nick, Jason and Paolo: we're lucky to have you all on our team!

Where bikes outnumber cars and windmills, canals and charming A-frame farmhouses dot the horizon. It doesn't get more Du...
01/15/2025

Where bikes outnumber cars and windmills, canals and charming A-frame farmhouses dot the horizon. It doesn't get more Dutch than this!

Ready for a springtime escape to the Netherlands? We still have space on some of our most popular trips! Learn more here: https://backroadsgo.com/4h1xLfp

From misty mountains to charming seaside villages, the United Kingdom is bursting with landscapes straight out of a stor...
01/14/2025

From misty mountains to charming seaside villages, the United Kingdom is bursting with landscapes straight out of a storybook (looking at you, Outlander). But with so much packed into such a small place, it’s easy to miss what makes each region truly distinct. That’s where a real local comes in handy. Lucky for us, we’ve got UK Regional Expert Keith Emslie to help us unravel this rich tapestry of cultures.

Read Keith's insights on all the UK trips we offer here: https://backroadsgo.com/40v9KHV

Updates from the field! Check out these recent photos from Trip Leaders Raphael and Judit in Patagonia. From research tr...
01/13/2025

Updates from the field! Check out these recent photos from Trip Leaders Raphael and Judit in Patagonia. From research trips to Women's Adventures, this season has been nothing short of incredible so far!

Discover our full catalog of trips here: https://backroadsgo.com/40ksmKO

Planning a trip to far-off places doesn't have to be a lot of work. From trekking permits and epic hotels to scenic shut...
01/10/2025

Planning a trip to far-off places doesn't have to be a lot of work. From trekking permits and epic hotels to scenic shuttles and private flights, we’ve got every detail covered so you can focus on the adventure.

Explore some of our Far & Away Favorites here: https://backroadsgo.com/3DG5RXM

Do you have a Backroads trip planned for 2025? Comment below and tell us where you’re going!Looking for some inspiration...
01/09/2025

Do you have a Backroads trip planned for 2025? Comment below and tell us where you’re going!

Looking for some inspiration for your next trip? Check out our Top 10 Bucket List Adventures here: https://backroadsgo.com/41XXOjb

Too early to dream about spring? Never. While winter adventures and epic ski days are upon us, so are those moments of l...
01/08/2025

Too early to dream about spring? Never. While winter adventures and epic ski days are upon us, so are those moments of longing for sunshine, blue skies and warmer weather. From Santa Barbara to South Carolina, here are our top picks for where spring arrives early in the U.S.

01/06/2025

Two of Europe's most alluring capital cities mark the start and finish of our Berlin to Prague Bike Tour. It's a week of winding country roads, peaceful forests and villages brimming with old-world charm—bookended with stays in two remarkable cities overflowing with history, beauty and architectural wonder.

Check out all the details here: https://backroadsgo.com/3W677d4

Ride beneath the stunning backdrop of the Alps in one of Europe’s most bike-friendly and adventure-loving countries. The...
01/04/2025

Ride beneath the stunning backdrop of the Alps in one of Europe’s most bike-friendly and adventure-loving countries. These incredible shots from our staff photographer Andrew Opila have us counting down the days to summer in Switzerland!

Learn more about our Switzerland Bike Trip here: https://backroadsgo.com/4flY6n4

Cheers to 2025! What's your New Years resolution? Ours is simple: explore further.Get a peek at the new destinations we’...
01/01/2025

Cheers to 2025! What's your New Years resolution? Ours is simple: explore further.

Get a peek at the new destinations we’re most excited to discover in 2025 in classic Backroads style: incredible cuisine, out-of-this-world hiking and biking and plenty of local flavor. Ready to make this next year truly epic? Join us! https://backroadsgo.com/3DLpMEC

Hot off the press: our 2025 travel trends, inspired by early guest bookings! From women-only departures and acoustic (no...
12/30/2024

Hot off the press: our 2025 travel trends, inspired by early guest bookings! From women-only departures and acoustic (non-electric) bike tours to the Alps and Portugal’s most intriguing islands, we’re seeing excitement for a wide range of travel styles, destinations and experiences.

Get inspired for your next adventure here: https://backroadsgo.com/3VRP5LA

PSA: just a couple more days to enter our 2024 Guest Photo Contest! Submit your Backroads trip photos for the chance to ...
12/28/2024

PSA: just a couple more days to enter our 2024 Guest Photo Contest! Submit your Backroads trip photos for the chance to win up to $5,000 in future trip credit here: https://backroadsgo.com/49M1JRZ

Photos by Backroads guest Jeff Goldberg on our Iceland’s Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour

12/24/2024

During our Portugal’s Algarve & Alentejo Multi-Adventure Tour we kayak along the Algarve’s iconic coastline, where pale cliffs frame the shimmering shoreline. With breathtaking grottoes, towering boulders and stunning natural arches, it’s a journey that will leave you reaching for your camera again and again.

Learn more about the trip here: https://backroadsgo.com/41N8TDK

🎥: Backroads Trip Leader Teryn Stewart

Let’s close out 2024 with a powerful impact! We're proud to team up with Trust for Public Land for one final push to pro...
12/23/2024

Let’s close out 2024 with a powerful impact! We're proud to team up with Trust for Public Land for one final push to protect our cherished public lands. Starting now, every donation will be triple-matched up to $250,000 through the end of the year, with Backroads matching the first $25,000. Join us in making a difference here: https://secure.tpl.org/site/Donation2?df_id=27110&mfc_pref=T&27110.donation=form1&autologin=true&s_src=EA24AW&s_subsrc=so-facebook-202412-fundraising&utm_medium=organicsocial&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=fundraising&utm_initiative=EOY&utm_version=Backroads

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801 Cedar Street
Berkeley, CA
94710

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

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+18004622848

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The perfect combination of history and culture along with sun, sea and a laid-back island atmosphere; the Dalmatian Coast provides for a travel experience like no other. Tap the link in our bio to join us on our Croatia Multi-Adventure Tour this summer! 🎥: Backroads Trip Leader Ela Filipovic (@filipovicela)

Berlin to Prague Bike Tour
Berlin to Prague Bike Tour

Two of Europe's most alluring capital cities mark the start and finish of our Berlin to Prague Bike Tour. It's a week of winding country roads, peaceful forests and villages brimming with old-world charm—bookended with stays in two remarkable cities overflowing with history, beauty and architectural wonder. Check out all the details here: https://backroadsgo.com/3W677d4

Countless memories were made during our 45th year. Thank you to everyone whose adventured with us and we can’t wait for what’s in store for 2025 💙

Our incredible Portugal’s Azores Multi-Adventure Tour through the eyes and lens of Backroads Trip Leader @judit___rh. We launched this trip earlier this year and it’s already shaping up to be one of our most popular Europe trips in 2025! Tap the link in our bio to join us here next season!

Portugal's Algarve & Alentejo Multi-Adventure Tour
Portugal's Algarve & Alentejo Multi-Adventure Tour

During our Portugal’s Algarve & Alentejo Multi-Adventure Tour we kayak along the Algarve’s iconic coastline, where pale cliffs frame the shimmering shoreline. With breathtaking grottoes, towering boulders and stunning natural arches, it’s a journey that will leave you reaching for your camera again and again. Learn more about the trip here: https://backroadsgo.com/41N8TDK 🎥: Backroads Trip Leader Teryn Stewart

A place where mountain panoramas appear at every turn, towering waterfalls spill into alpine streams and trails meander alongside babbling rivers. This is our Brenta Dolomites Home Base Walking & Hiking Tour. Ready to take the path less traveled? Tap the link in our bio to discover the trip! 🎥: Andrew Opila (@aopila)

This fall, we came together for our unforgettable annual Staff Ride—this year in beautiful Croatia! Over 500 Trip Leaders and staff from across the globe spent a week biking, reconnecting and celebrating life together. From cycling across sun-drenched islands and rugged cliffs to jumping into the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, it was truly a magical experience. A huge thank you to the wonderful people of Croatia for their warm hospitality and the incredible Staff Ride team who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life. We're already counting down the days for Staff Ride 2025.

One of our favorite activities on our Belize & Guatamela Multi-Adventure trip! Drift through the colorful underwater forests with a mask and snorkel while our expert guide points out nurse sharks, manta rays, schools of angelfish and other sea creatures. Tap the link in our bio to discover the trip! 🎥: Backroads Trip Leader Mitra Ghaffari

Pedal back in time as you explore the rugged beauty of northwest France. Here, history, nature and generous hospitality enchant the whole family.  Tap the link in our bio to discover our Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour! 🎥: Andrew Opila (@aopila)

On day three of our Norway Fjords Walking & Hiking Tour, we venture up the stunning sapphire-blue Nigardsbreen Glacier. Once at the top, we’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. We can’t wait to get back here next summer! Tap the link in our bio to learn more about the trip. 🎥: Backroads Trip Leader @jessicasumerling

Our home for two nights on our Vietnam & Cambodia Walking & Hiking Tour, these traditional wooden boats allow us to explore Halong Bay’s spectacular karst formations by day, then retreat to quiet coves at night. Tap the link in our bio to learn more about the trip! 🎥: Backroads Trip Leader @baloesje

Snow day in the Canadian Rockies! No matter the season, this mountain paradise is always one of our favorite places to explore. Tap the link in our bio to discover our winter trips here! 🎥: Backroads Trip Leader Stefan Carlberg

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