Question 1

What is the closest backpacking trip to San Ramon?

Accepted Answer

Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine is the closest documented trip to San Ramon at roughly 128 miles (about 142 minutes of driving) from the Glen Alpine Trailhead (Fallen Leaf Lake) trailhead.

Question 2

Do I need a permit to backpack near San Ramon?

Accepted Answer

Many routes near San Ramon, 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 Ramon?

Accepted Answer

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

#	Trip	Miles away	Est. drive	Distance	Gain	Difficulty	Permit
1	Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Desolation Wilderness	128 mi	~142 min	11.6 mi	3,200 ft	25	Required
2	Ten Lakes Basin Yosemite National Park	131 mi	~146 min	11.1 mi	4,212 ft	32	Required
3	Clouds Rest via Sunrise Lakes Yosemite National Park	137 mi	~152 min	17.4 mi	5,884 ft	39	Required
4	Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Yosemite National Park	143 mi	~159 min	22 mi	5,034 ft	50	Required
5	Rush Creek to Thousand Island Lake Inyo National Forest	156 mi	~173 min	15.8 mi	2,683 ft	27	Required
6	Duck Pass to Duck Lake Inyo National Forest	165 mi	~184 min	9.5 mi	3,210 ft	28	Required
7	Little Lakes Valley Inyo National Forest	178 mi	~198 min	6.4 mi	1,242 ft	20	Required
8	Sabrina Basin Inyo National Forest	189 mi	~210 min	8.5 mi	3,652 ft	30	Required
9	North Lake–South Lake Loop Inyo National Forest	192 mi	~213 min	47.2 mi	9,320 ft	73	Required
10	Snag Lake Loop Lassen Volcanic National Park	195 mi	~217 min	7.8 mi	603 ft	11	Required
11	Rae Lakes Loop Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks	199 mi	~221 min	41.4 mi	7,047 ft	58	Required
12	Big Pine Lakes Inyo National Forest	200 mi	~222 min	13.5 mi	7,086 ft	46	Required

Best backpacking trips near San Ramon, CA