Sierras

2022 Backpacking Permit Deadlines for California and More

2022 Backpacking Permit Deadlines for California and More

A list of crucial deadlines and permit dates you won’t want to miss in order to book your summer backpacking trip

Backpacking Island and Twin Lakes — Desolation Wilderness, CA

Backpacking Island and Twin Lakes — Desolation Wilderness, CA

Only four miles in, this is a great trip to make early season, for beginners, or as a quick overnight into the backcountry.

2020 Backpacking Permit Deadlines for California and More

2020 Backpacking Permit Deadlines for California and More

I’ve compiled a list of 2020 deadlines and permit dates you won’t want to miss in order to book your summer backpacking trip

Backpacking the Lakes Trail Overnight to Pear Lake — Sequoia National Park, CA

Backpacking the Lakes Trail Overnight to Pear Lake — Sequoia National Park, CA

Only a six mile hike past an epic valley lookout and four gorgeous alpine lakes makes the Lakes Trail one of the most popular trails in Sequoia National Park

Backpacking Minaret Lake — Mammoth, CA

Backpacking Minaret Lake — Mammoth, CA

Doable in a short weekend backpacking trip, Minaret Lake sits below the Minarets, some of the most dramatic peaks in the Sierra.

Backpacking Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes — Bishop, CA

Backpacking Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes — Bishop, CA

This flat trail spanning no less than 6 spectacular lakes in less than 5 miles makes for a leisurely hike with some of the best views in the Sierras

Backpacking Duck Lake Pass Trail — Mammoth, CA

Backpacking Duck Lake Pass Trail — Mammoth, CA

Less than 10 miles roundtrip, the Duck Lake is the perfect overnight backpacking trip to experience classic Sierra lakes and mountains.

Hike and Climb Eagle Lake Buttress — Desolation Wilderness, CA

Hike and Climb Eagle Lake Buttress — Desolation Wilderness, CA

Hiking to Eagle Lake combined with climbing Eagle Lake Buttress make for a great day adventure of mountaineering, alpine views, and fun routes.

Thousand Island Lake, Ediza Lake, and Iceberg Lake Loop - Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA

Thousand Island Lake, Ediza Lake, and Iceberg Lake Loop - Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA

One of the most beautiful areas I've ever hiked, I feel like I could have spent days exploring the gorgeous basin and alpine lakes below the Minarets

Backpacking Matlock Lake & Kearsarge Pass — Eastern Sierra Inyo NF, CA

Backpacking Matlock Lake & Kearsarge Pass — Eastern Sierra Inyo NF, CA

With it's incredible alpine views, Kearsarge Pass gives quick access to Kings Canyon from the Eastern Sierras, making it a perfect weekend backpacking trip.

North Fork Big Pine Creek (Summer) - Inyo NF, CA

North Fork Big Pine Creek (Summer) - Inyo NF, CA

One of the best backpacking trips in the Eastern Sierras, the North Fork Big Pine trail offers epic views of several turquoise alpine lakes below the Palisades

Backpacking Sabrina Lake to Hungry Packer and Moonlight Lakes — Inyo National Forest, CA

Backpacking Sabrina Lake to Hungry Packer and Moonlight Lakes — Inyo National Forest, CA

Looking for a Sierra backpacking trail to a basin full of alpine lakes? The area around Sabrina Lake offers great fishing, flower meadows, and waterfalls

North Fork Big Pine Creek (Spring) - Inyo NF, CA

North Fork Big Pine Creek (Spring) - Inyo NF, CA

For our first backpacking trip of the season, we decided on the North Fork of Big Pine Creek - a beautiful basin of glacier-fed lakes that I have been eagerly waiting to do. Once we got there, I could see why this was a popular destination - the impressive snow-capped peaks towering above all 9 beautiful lakes, great fishing, and ease of access make the North Fork the ideal Sierra hike.

Mitchell Peak Day Hike — Sequoia and Kings Canyon, CA

Mitchell Peak Day Hike — Sequoia and Kings Canyon, CA

Mitchell peak has one of the best 360 degree views of the Sierras in Sequoia Kings Canyon Park, easily accessible by a short 3 mile day hike

Backpacking Mono Meadow to Lower Ottoway Lake - Yosemite NP, CA

Backpacking Mono Meadow to Lower Ottoway Lake - Yosemite NP, CA

Lower Ottoway lake is one of the prettiest lakes I have ever seen. Experience true wilderness and the best Yosemite scenery on this three day backpacking trip