Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing backup paths to restore service in a network are provided. A method, according to one implementation, includes obtaining a route list as defined by a user, the route list including a plurality of explicitly-configured backup routes for restoring service between a source node and a destination node in a network when a working route is unavailable. The method also includes receiving input designating one or more of the explicitly-configured backup routes as one or more last-resort routes. In response to determining that the working route is unavailable and that the plurality of explicitly-configured backup routes, excluding the one or more last-resort routes, are unavailable, the method includes automatically computing one or more implicitly-computed backup routes.