Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Richmond?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to Richmond at roughly 139 miles (about 155 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Richmond?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Richmond, 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 Richmond?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	139 mi	~155 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	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	177 mi	~196 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	187 mi	~207 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	189 mi	~210 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
8	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	195 mi	~217 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
9	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	200 mi	~222 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	211 mi	~234 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	214 mi	~238 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	221 mi	~246 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required

Best backpacking trips near Richmond, CA