Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to San Bernardino?

Accepted Answer

San Bernardino Peak Trail is the closest documented trip to San Bernardino at roughly 18 miles (about 20 minutes of driving) from the San Bernardino Peak Trailhead (Angelus Oaks) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near San Bernardino?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino?

Accepted Answer

For San Bernardino Peak Trail — the closest trip to San Bernardino — 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	18 mi	~20 min	17.8 mi	9,300 ft	55	Required
2	Forsee Creek to Johns Meadow San Gorgonio Wilderness	21 mi	~23 min	7.8 mi	1,600 ft	12	Required
3	Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio San Gorgonio Wilderness	22 mi	~25 min	15.6 mi	10,800 ft	61	Required
4	South Fork Trail to Dry Lake San Gorgonio Wilderness	25 mi	~28 min	11.4 mi	4,400 ft	31	Required
5	Boy Scout Trail Joshua Tree National Park	64 mi	~71 min	15.6 mi	1,600 ft	14	Required
6	Trans-Catalina Trail Channel Islands	79 mi	~88 min	38.5 mi	7,638 ft	49	Required
7	Cottonwood Pass to Chicken Spring Lake Inyo National Forest	169 mi	~188 min	15 mi	2,962 ft	30	Required
8	New Army Pass via Cottonwood Lakes Inyo National Forest	172 mi	~192 min	9.6 mi	3,596 ft	33	Required
9	Timber Gap Trail Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	178 mi	~198 min	9.7 mi	4,780 ft	32	Required
10	Black Rock Pass Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	178 mi	~198 min	13.7 mi	8,954 ft	54	Required
11	Monarch Lakes Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	178 mi	~198 min	7.1 mi	4,162 ft	30	Required
12	Mount Whitney Trail Inyo National Forest	180 mi	~200 min	21.4 mi	6,460 ft	49	Required

Best backpacking trips near San Bernardino, CA