Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to San Rafael?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to San Rafael at roughly 147 miles (about 163 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near San Rafael?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near San Rafael, 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 San Rafael?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	147 mi	~163 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	161 mi	~179 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	167 mi	~186 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	173 mi	~192 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	187 mi	~207 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Lost Coast Trail King Range (Lost Coast)	188 mi	~208 min	24.4 mi	405 ft	15	Required
7	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	190 mi	~211 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
8	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	197 mi	~219 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
9	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	210 mi	~233 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
10	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	221 mi	~246 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
11	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	224 mi	~249 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
12	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	232 mi	~257 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required

Best backpacking trips near San Rafael, CA