Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Petaluma?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Petaluma at roughly 145 miles (about 161 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Petaluma?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Petaluma, 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 Petaluma?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	145 mi	~161 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	168 mi	~187 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	169 mi	~187 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
4	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	174 mi	~194 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
5	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	175 mi	~194 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
6	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	180 mi	~200 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
7	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	194 mi	~216 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
8	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	206 mi	~228 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
9	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	219 mi	~244 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	231 mi	~257 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	234 mi	~260 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	242 mi	~269 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required

Best backpacking trips near Petaluma, CA