Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to San Mateo?

Accepted Answer

Ten Lakes Basin is the closest documented trip to San Mateo at roughly 151 miles (about 168 minutes of driving) from the Ten Lakes Trailhead trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near San Mateo?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near San Mateo, including Ten Lakes Basin, require a wilderness permit from Yosemite National Park (NPS). Always check the managing agency before you go.

Question 3

When is the best season to backpack near San Mateo?

Accepted Answer

For Ten Lakes Basin — the closest trip to San Mateo — the best months are July, August, September.

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	151 mi	~168 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
2	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	152 mi	~169 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	157 mi	~174 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	175 mi	~195 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	183 mi	~204 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	196 mi	~217 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	205 mi	~227 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
9	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	207 mi	~231 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
10	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	212 mi	~235 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required
11	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	214 mi	~238 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
12	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	215 mi	~239 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required

Best backpacking trips near San Mateo, CA