Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Napa?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Napa at roughly 127 miles (about 141 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Napa?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Napa, 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 Napa?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	127 mi	~141 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	151 mi	~168 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	157 mi	~175 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	163 mi	~181 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	165 mi	~183 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
6	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	176 mi	~196 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
7	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	177 mi	~197 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
8	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	189 mi	~210 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
9	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	203 mi	~225 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	215 mi	~239 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	218 mi	~243 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	227 mi	~252 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required

Best backpacking trips near Napa, CA