Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Palo Alto?

Accepted Answer

Ten Lakes Basin is the closest documented trip to Palo Alto at roughly 143 miles (about 159 minutes of driving) from the Ten Lakes Trailhead trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Palo Alto?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	143 mi	~159 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
2	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	149 mi	~165 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
3	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	150 mi	~167 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	155 mi	~172 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	167 mi	~185 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	174 mi	~193 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	186 mi	~207 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	194 mi	~216 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
9	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	197 mi	~219 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
10	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	201 mi	~223 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required
11	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	205 mi	~228 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required
12	Monarch Lakes Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	207 mi	~230 min	7.1 mi	4,162 ft	30	Required

Best backpacking trips near Palo Alto, CA