Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Folsom?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Folsom at roughly 60 miles (about 67 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Folsom?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Folsom, 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 Folsom?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	60 mi	~67 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	103 mi	~114 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	109 mi	~121 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	112 mi	~124 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	127 mi	~141 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	130 mi	~144 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
7	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	142 mi	~158 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
8	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	157 mi	~174 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
9	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	172 mi	~191 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
10	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	175 mi	~195 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
11	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	183 mi	~203 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required
12	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	191 mi	~213 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required

Best backpacking trips near Folsom, CA