Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Novato?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Novato at roughly 145 miles (about 161 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Novato?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Novato, 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 Novato?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	145 mi	~161 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	164 mi	~182 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	170 mi	~189 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	176 mi	~195 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	179 mi	~198 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
6	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	182 mi	~202 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
7	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	189 mi	~211 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
8	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	200 mi	~223 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
9	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	214 mi	~238 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	225 mi	~250 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	228 mi	~254 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	237 mi	~263 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required

Best backpacking trips near Novato, CA