Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Bakersfield?

Accepted Answer

Timber Gap Trail is the closest documented trip to Bakersfield at roughly 78 miles (about 87 minutes of driving) from the Cold Springs Trailhead (Mineral King) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Bakersfield?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Bakersfield, including Timber Gap Trail, require a wilderness permit from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near Bakersfield?

Accepted Answer

For Timber Gap Trail — the closest trip to Bakersfield — the best months are July, August, September.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Timber Gap Trail Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	78 mi	~87 min	9.7 mi	4,780 ft	32	Required
2	Black Rock Pass Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	78 mi	~87 min	13.7 mi	8,954 ft	54	Required
3	Monarch Lakes Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	78 mi	~87 min	7.1 mi	4,162 ft	30	Required
4	Cottonwood Pass to Chicken Spring Lake Inyo National Forest	88 mi	~98 min	15 mi	2,962 ft	30	Required
5	New Army Pass via Cottonwood Lakes Inyo National Forest	90 mi	~100 min	9.6 mi	3,596 ft	33	Required
6	Mount Whitney Trail Inyo National Forest	95 mi	~105 min	21.4 mi	6,460 ft	49	Required
7	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	101 mi	~112 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required
8	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	126 mi	~140 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required
9	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	127 mi	~141 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	129 mi	~144 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	143 mi	~159 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
12	San Bernardino Peak Trail San Gorgonio Wilderness	143 mi	~159 min	17.8 mi	9,300 ft	55	Required

Best backpacking trips near Bakersfield, CA