Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Berkeley?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Berkeley at roughly 138 miles (about 153 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Berkeley?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	138 mi	~153 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	147 mi	~163 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	153 mi	~170 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	159 mi	~176 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	172 mi	~191 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	182 mi	~202 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	192 mi	~214 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
8	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	195 mi	~217 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
9	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	201 mi	~224 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	205 mi	~228 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	209 mi	~232 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	216 mi	~240 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required

Best backpacking trips near Berkeley, CA