Backroads
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Delivering active, exceptional and original travel adventures throughout the beautiful corners of the world.
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 teammate 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.
10/05/2026
Everyone talks about the Dolomites in the summer, but we’re here to make a case for winter! When Backroads employee Keaton Doyle traveled here last season, she got to experience the mountains covered in snow and came away pretty enchanted by it all.
“Experiencing Val Gardena in the heart of winter was truly magical. Snow-covered peaks rising all around us, crisp mountain air and the quiet beauty that only the mountains can offer.”
Keaton’s favorite moments included snowshoeing, hiking to a cozy mountain hut for Tyrolean food and unwinding at Alpenroyal Hotel after a day outside.
We can't wait to kick off these trips in January. Learn more here: https://backroadsgo.com/4AwGtwv ❄️
Meaningful travel is about connection - and giving back to the places that inspire us.
Sponsoring and participating in Yosemite Facelift this year was a reminder of the importance of caring for these incredible places so they can be enjoyed for generations to come. We’re proud to support our staff in getting involved in efforts like this and helping make a positive impact on the places we visit.
Read more about our time at Facelift here: https://backroadsgo.com/4AIeVEA
A taste of British Columbia.
There’s a lot to love about exploring these isles by bike, especially when you get views like this along the way. Thanks to Trip Leader Barry O’Doherty for taking us along. Learn more about the trip here: https://backroadsgo.com/4dgIVNL
What makes Vietnam so special? Backroads Trip Expert Jonathan Dahn shares a few of his favorite parts of the Mekong region.
Biking through the jungle. Exploring Ha Long Bay. Following the rivers and canals of the south. And, most importantly, meeting the people who call this place home. There’s a lot to discover here - and even more to take home with you.
Learn more about our Vietnam trips here: https://backroadsgo.com/4hkCsDX
09/28/2026
Our Beginner Biking Basics series continues! After covering bikes, gear and cycling essentials in Part 1, a Backroads Trip Leader is back with more expert advice, this time focused on the skills that help make every ride smoother and more enjoyable.
Read Part 2 here: https://backroadsgo.com/46Ijgdn
09/27/2026
What exactly is a Casual Backroads trip?
It doesn't mean sacrificing quality. It means staying in hotels that are comfortable, welcoming and perfectly suited to the adventure, whether that's a charming inn in the English countryside, a family-run hotel in Ireland or a mountain lodge in the Dolomites.
The biking, hiking, Trip Leaders and support are the same. The difference is a more relaxed style of lodging that keeps you connected to the destination.
Sometimes the best hotel isn't the fanciest one. It's the one that feels like it belongs exactly where you are. Explore our Casual trips here: https://backroadsgo.com/470OBYA
Tomorrow is National Public Lands Day and we're celebrating all the wild, beautiful places that inspire adventure and spark connection. That's also why Backroads and Trust for Public Land have teamed up for a special giveaway supporting the places we all love to explore.
There’s still time to enter for a chance to win a $10,000 trip savings voucher for two toward a U.S.-based Backroads trip. From the Smoky Mountains to Yellowstone to the Channel Islands, where would you go? Get all the details here: https://t4pl.org/46n2WOM
09/24/2026
Everything about our Moroccan adventure is intriguing, immersive and exciting. You'll savor tagines and sweet mint tea, be swept up by the rhythms of local music and wander the colorful souks of Marrakech. Hike to a rustic village accessible only by foot in the Atlas Mountains, then bike past sun-drenched olive groves on your way to the sea. Every day feels different and every moment feels memorable.
Learn more about the trip here: https://backroadsgo.com/46WzjnE
09/22/2026
Happy Fall! 🍂 Fewer crowds, colorful landscapes and perfect days for hiking, biking and exploring make it a season we look forward to every year. Discover our favorite fall adventures here: https://backroadsgo.com/46YJIPH
Photos by Backroads Trip Leader Austin Sills-Trausch on our Hudson Valley & Catskills Bike Tour
One big day in the Rockies.
Starting at Tahakkow Falls – the second-highest waterfall in Canada – this level 5 hike takes us through Yoho Pass and over Burgess Pass before descending toward Emerald Lake Lodge.
10.7 miles. 2,500+ feet of elevation gain. And, of course, a refreshing jump in Emerald Lake to finish the day.
Discover the trip: https://backroadsgo.com/4yJDP4U
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801 Cedar Street
Berkeley, CA
94710
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| Sunday | 8am - 5pm |
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