Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Walnut Creek?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Walnut Creek at roughly 127 miles (about 141 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Walnut Creek?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	127 mi	~141 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	136 mi	~151 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	142 mi	~157 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	148 mi	~164 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	161 mi	~179 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	171 mi	~190 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	184 mi	~205 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	187 mi	~208 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
9	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	195 mi	~217 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
10	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	198 mi	~220 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
11	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	205 mi	~228 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
12	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	206 mi	~229 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required

Best backpacking trips near Walnut Creek, CA