Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to South San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to South San Francisco at roughly 153 miles (about 170 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near South San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	153 mi	~170 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	156 mi	~174 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	162 mi	~180 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	168 mi	~187 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	181 mi	~201 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	189 mi	~210 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	202 mi	~225 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	209 mi	~232 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
9	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	209 mi	~233 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	212 mi	~235 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	214 mi	~238 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	220 mi	~244 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required

Best backpacking trips near South San Francisco, CA