Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to San Marcos?

Accepted Answer

Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio is the closest documented trip to San Marcos at roughly 67 miles (about 75 minutes of driving) from the Vivian Creek Trailhead (Forest Falls) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near San Marcos?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near San Marcos, including Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio, require a wilderness permit from San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (USFS partner). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near San Marcos?

Accepted Answer

For Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio — the closest trip to San Marcos — the best months are June, July, September, October.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio San Gorgonio Wilderness	67 mi	~75 min	15.6 mi	10,800 ft	61	Required
2	Trans-Catalina Trail Channel Islands	68 mi	~76 min	38.5 mi	7,638 ft	49	Required
3	Forsee Creek to Johns Meadow San Gorgonio Wilderness	70 mi	~77 min	7.8 mi	1,600 ft	12	Required
4	San Bernardino Peak Trail San Gorgonio Wilderness	70 mi	~78 min	17.8 mi	9,300 ft	55	Required
5	South Fork Trail to Dry Lake San Gorgonio Wilderness	73 mi	~81 min	11.4 mi	4,400 ft	31	Required
6	Boy Scout Trail Joshua Tree National Park	85 mi	~94 min	15.6 mi	1,600 ft	14	Required
7	Cottonwood Pass to Chicken Spring Lake Inyo National Forest	235 mi	~262 min	15 mi	2,962 ft	30	Required
8	New Army Pass via Cottonwood Lakes Inyo National Forest	238 mi	~265 min	9.6 mi	3,596 ft	33	Required
9	Timber Gap Trail Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	243 mi	~270 min	9.7 mi	4,780 ft	32	Required
10	Black Rock Pass Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	243 mi	~270 min	13.7 mi	8,954 ft	54	Required
11	Monarch Lakes Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	243 mi	~270 min	7.1 mi	4,162 ft	30	Required
12	Mount Whitney Trail Inyo National Forest	246 mi	~273 min	21.4 mi	6,460 ft	49	Required

Best backpacking trips near San Marcos, CA