Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Lancaster?

Accepted Answer

San Bernardino Peak Trail is the closest documented trip to Lancaster at roughly 77 miles (about 85 minutes of driving) from the San Bernardino Peak Trailhead (Angelus Oaks) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Lancaster?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Lancaster, including San Bernardino Peak Trail, require a wilderness permit from San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (USFS partner). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near Lancaster?

Accepted Answer

For San Bernardino Peak Trail — the closest trip to Lancaster — the best months are June, July, September, October.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	San Bernardino Peak Trail San Gorgonio Wilderness	77 mi	~85 min	17.8 mi	9,300 ft	55	Required
2	Forsee Creek to Johns Meadow San Gorgonio Wilderness	80 mi	~89 min	7.8 mi	1,600 ft	12	Required
3	South Fork Trail to Dry Lake San Gorgonio Wilderness	82 mi	~91 min	11.4 mi	4,400 ft	31	Required
4	Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio San Gorgonio Wilderness	83 mi	~92 min	15.6 mi	10,800 ft	61	Required
5	Trans-Catalina Trail Channel Islands	93 mi	~104 min	38.5 mi	7,638 ft	49	Required
6	Boy Scout Trail Joshua Tree National Park	121 mi	~134 min	15.6 mi	1,600 ft	14	Required
7	Cottonwood Pass to Chicken Spring Lake Inyo National Forest	122 mi	~135 min	15 mi	2,962 ft	30	Required
8	Timber Gap Trail Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	125 mi	~138 min	9.7 mi	4,780 ft	32	Required
9	Black Rock Pass Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	125 mi	~138 min	13.7 mi	8,954 ft	54	Required
10	New Army Pass via Cottonwood Lakes Inyo National Forest	125 mi	~138 min	9.6 mi	3,596 ft	33	Required
11	Monarch Lakes Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	125 mi	~139 min	7.1 mi	4,162 ft	30	Required
12	Mount Whitney Trail Inyo National Forest	131 mi	~146 min	21.4 mi	6,460 ft	49	Required

Best backpacking trips near Lancaster, CA