Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Modesto?

Accepted Answer

Ten Lakes Basin is the closest documented trip to Modesto at roughly 79 miles (about 87 minutes of driving) from the Ten Lakes Trailhead trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Modesto?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Modesto, including Ten Lakes Basin, require a wilderness permit from Yosemite National Park (NPS). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near Modesto?

Accepted Answer

For Ten Lakes Basin — the closest trip to Modesto — the best months are July, August, September.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	79 mi	~87 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
2	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	84 mi	~93 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
3	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	91 mi	~101 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
4	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	98 mi	~108 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	103 mi	~114 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	111 mi	~124 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	124 mi	~138 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	134 mi	~149 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
9	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	138 mi	~153 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
10	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	146 mi	~162 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required
11	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	146 mi	~162 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required
12	Monarch Lakes Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	156 mi	~174 min	7.1 mi	4,162 ft	30	Required

Best backpacking trips near Modesto, CA