Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Chico?

Accepted Answer

Snag Lake Loop is the closest documented trip to Chico at roughly 63 miles (about 70 minutes of driving) from the Butte Lake Trailhead trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Chico?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Chico, including Snag Lake Loop, require a wilderness permit from Lassen Volcanic National Park (NPS). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near Chico?

Accepted Answer

For Snag Lake Loop — the closest trip to Chico — the best months are July, August, September.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	63 mi	~70 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
2	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	112 mi	~124 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
3	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	139 mi	~154 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
4	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	178 mi	~198 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
5	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	184 mi	~204 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
6	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	185 mi	~206 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
7	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	200 mi	~222 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
8	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	217 mi	~241 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
9	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	231 mi	~256 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	247 mi	~274 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	251 mi	~279 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	258 mi	~287 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required

Best backpacking trips near Chico, CA