Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Elk Grove?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Elk Grove at roughly 77 miles (about 85 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Elk Grove?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Elk Grove, including Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine, require a wilderness permit from Eldorado National Forest (USFS). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near Elk Grove?

Accepted Answer

For Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine — the closest trip to Elk Grove — the best months are July, August, September.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	77 mi	~85 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	106 mi	~118 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	112 mi	~125 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	117 mi	~129 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	131 mi	~146 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	145 mi	~162 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	146 mi	~162 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
8	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	159 mi	~177 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
9	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	173 mi	~193 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
10	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	177 mi	~197 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
11	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	185 mi	~206 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required
12	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	191 mi	~212 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required

Best backpacking trips near Elk Grove, CA