Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Gilroy?

Accepted Answer

Ten Lakes Basin is the closest documented trip to Gilroy at roughly 124 miles (about 138 minutes of driving) from the Ten Lakes Trailhead trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Gilroy?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Gilroy, including Ten Lakes Basin, require a wilderness permit from Yosemite National Park (NPS). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near Gilroy?

Accepted Answer

For Ten Lakes Basin — the closest trip to Gilroy — the best months are July, August, September.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	124 mi	~138 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
2	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	129 mi	~143 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
3	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	136 mi	~151 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
4	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	145 mi	~161 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
5	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	148 mi	~165 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
6	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	153 mi	~170 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	159 mi	~176 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	164 mi	~182 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
9	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	166 mi	~185 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required
10	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	166 mi	~185 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
11	Timber Gap Trail Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	170 mi	~188 min	9.7 mi	4,780 ft	32	Required
12	Black Rock Pass Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	170 mi	~188 min	13.7 mi	8,954 ft	54	Required

Best backpacking trips near Gilroy, CA