Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Fresno?

Accepted Answer

Rae Lakes Loop is the closest documented trip to Fresno at roughly 67 miles (about 74 minutes of driving) from the Road's End Trailhead (Cedar Grove) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Fresno?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Fresno, including Rae Lakes Loop, require a wilderness permit from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near Fresno?

Accepted Answer

For Rae Lakes Loop — the closest trip to Fresno — the best months are July, August, September.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	67 mi	~74 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required
2	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	69 mi	~77 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
3	Monarch Lakes Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	70 mi	~78 min	7.1 mi	4,162 ft	30	Required
4	Timber Gap Trail Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	70 mi	~78 min	9.7 mi	4,780 ft	32	Required
5	Black Rock Pass Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	70 mi	~78 min	13.7 mi	8,954 ft	54	Required
6	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	72 mi	~80 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
7	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	73 mi	~81 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
8	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	73 mi	~81 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
9	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	74 mi	~83 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
10	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	75 mi	~83 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
11	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	78 mi	~86 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
12	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	79 mi	~88 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required

Best backpacking trips near Fresno, CA