Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale, and remains a family-owned and operated company. Tom's daughter, Avery Hale, now serves as Chief Experience Officer, and Tom is still in the office regularly. That continuity matters: more than half of Backroads' guests each year are repeat travelers or referrals, a loyalty signal that's unusual in active travel.

The company is headquartered in Berkeley, California, with offices worldwide. Its adventures span all seven continents, more than 60 countries, and over 500 itineraries, running more than 6,000 departures a year. Every trip leader is a direct Backroads employee, not a subcontracted local guide, with the limited exception of specialized local partners for activities like zip-lining in Costa Rica or river rafting in the Canadian Rockies.

Backroads began as a cycling company, and biking, hiking/walking, and multi-adventure trips are now roughly equal in popularity offering a broader range than the brand's original reputation suggests.