Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Hayward?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Hayward at roughly 137 miles (about 152 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Hayward?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Hayward, 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 Hayward?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	137 mi	~152 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	137 mi	~153 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	143 mi	~159 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	149 mi	~166 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	162 mi	~180 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	171 mi	~190 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	183 mi	~204 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	193 mi	~214 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
9	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	196 mi	~218 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
10	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	202 mi	~224 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required
11	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	204 mi	~226 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
12	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	204 mi	~227 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required

Best backpacking trips near Hayward, CA