Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Oakland?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Oakland at roughly 139 miles (about 155 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Oakland?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Oakland, 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 Oakland?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	139 mi	~155 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	146 mi	~162 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	152 mi	~169 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	158 mi	~175 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	171 mi	~190 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	180 mi	~200 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	193 mi	~215 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	197 mi	~219 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
9	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	204 mi	~226 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
10	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	206 mi	~229 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	207 mi	~230 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	213 mi	~237 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required

Best backpacking trips near Oakland, CA