Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to Riverside?

Accepted Answer

San Bernardino Peak Trail is the closest documented trip to Riverside at roughly 25 miles (about 28 minutes of driving) from the San Bernardino Peak Trailhead (Angelus Oaks) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near Riverside?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near Riverside, 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 Riverside?

Accepted Answer

For San Bernardino Peak Trail — the closest trip to Riverside — 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	25 mi	~28 min	17.8 mi	9,300 ft	55	Required
2	Forsee Creek to Johns Meadow San Gorgonio Wilderness	27 mi	~30 min	7.8 mi	1,600 ft	12	Required
3	Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio San Gorgonio Wilderness	28 mi	~31 min	15.6 mi	10,800 ft	61	Required
4	South Fork Trail to Dry Lake San Gorgonio Wilderness	32 mi	~35 min	11.4 mi	4,400 ft	31	Required
5	Boy Scout Trail Joshua Tree National Park	69 mi	~76 min	15.6 mi	1,600 ft	14	Required
6	Trans-Catalina Trail Channel Islands	71 mi	~78 min	38.5 mi	7,638 ft	49	Required
7	Cottonwood Pass to Chicken Spring Lake Inyo National Forest	176 mi	~196 min	15 mi	2,962 ft	30	Required
8	New Army Pass via Cottonwood Lakes Inyo National Forest	179 mi	~199 min	9.6 mi	3,596 ft	33	Required
9	Timber Gap Trail Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	184 mi	~205 min	9.7 mi	4,780 ft	32	Required
10	Black Rock Pass Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	184 mi	~205 min	13.7 mi	8,954 ft	54	Required
11	Monarch Lakes Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	184 mi	~205 min	7.1 mi	4,162 ft	30	Required
12	Mount Whitney Trail Inyo National Forest	187 mi	~207 min	21.4 mi	6,460 ft	49	Required

Best backpacking trips near Riverside, CA