Beginner Friendly Backpacking Trips in California
It can be overwhelming to take the leap from day hiking or car camping to multi-day backpacking adventures. There is a lot more to consider - where to go, what to pack, wilderness safety - the list goes on and it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite trips for new backpackers to tackle in the Sierra.
All trips prioritize:
One night length - All trips can be completed overnight, the perfect trip length for those getting started.
Short mileage - Trip destinations are are only a few miles from the trailhead to adjust to slower, harder hiking with a pack. Backcountry miles require a lot more time and energy, especially at high elevations. A short trip to the destination means more time relaxing at camp!
Small elevation gain - Relatively small amount of elevation gain to avoid grueling climbing.
Well-maintained trails - All trails have no technical terrain. Trails are are well-worn dirt or rock paths which are maintained by the National Forest Service.
Well-traveled trails - During the summer, these destinations are popular for campers staying the night. It can be comforting to know other backpackers are in the same area.
Plenty of water - Each trail has water access to ensure easy refills on water supply for hydration and cooking.
Alpine lakes - Each trip leads to a stunning alpine lake where you will spend the night!
Bear Lake, Emigrant Wilderness, Stanislaus National Forest
Trailhead: Crabtree Trailhead
Type of Trail: Out and back
Mileage: 7.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 870 feet
Days Required: 2 days
Permit Requirement: Permits are required for all overnight trips into Emigrant Wilderness. Permits can be acquired by applying online, over the phone or a walk-in.
Bear Lake is a short and gentle backpacking route that is wonderful for beginner backpackers, families with children or those looking for an easy trek without sacrificing a beautiful landscape. Bear Lake sits on Lily Creek inside the Emigrant Wilderness which stretches along the northern border of Yosemite National Park and shares the same granite peaks, pine valleys and piercing blue lakes. Camping at Bear Lake is limited to one night which makes this route a perfect overnight trip. The trip is a total of 7.4 miles with an elevation gain of 870 feet. The trail is considered easy as it is short and well maintained with a few moderate climbs and no technical sections.
Twin Lakes, Desolation Wilderness, Eldorado National Forest
Trailhead: Twin Lakes Trailhead
Type of Trail: Out and back
Mileage: 5.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Days Required: 2 days
Permit Requirement: Permits are required for all overnight trips into Desolation Wilderness and can be booked on recreation.gov.
Twin Lakes is an awe-inspiring hike out of the Wrights Lake area that leads to two alpine lakes nestled under Mount Price in Desolation Wilderness. The backpacking route offers gorgeous high country terrain, granite peaks and sun-soaked lakes all within a short hike from the trailhead. Partway through the hike, the trail transitions from forest to exposed granite where the trail can be a little difficult to follow so watch carefully for cairns and rock paths laid by rangers to use as markers. Backpackers can choose to explore beyond Twin Lakes to Island Lake to visit another spectacular Desolation Wilderness lake.
Sword Lake, Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, Stanislaus National Forest
Trailhead: County Line Trailhead
Type of Trail: Out and back
Mileage: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,070 feet
Days Required: 2 days
Permit Requirement: Permits are required for all overnight trips into Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Permits can be acquired by applying online, over the phone or a walk-in.
Sword Lake and neighboring Lost Lake are a scenic and leisurely overnight trip located in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The trail is easy to follow and leads to a granite basin tucked into the Dardanelles mountain peaks. The trail passes through a burn scar from the Donnell fire so there is limited tree cover throughout the hike but the forest surrounding the lakes was untouched and remains a backcountry oasis. For much of the summer, the lake warms enough to enjoy a lengthy swim. The drive into the trailhead requires a few miles of off-roading through dirt, rock and potholes so choose a vehicle accordingly. A perfect introductory backpacking trip without biting off too much!
Tamarack Lake, Desolation Wilderness, Eldorado National Forest
Trailhead: Echo Lake Trailhead
Type of Trail: Out and back
Mileage: 7.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 895 feet
Days Required: 2 days
Permit Requirement: Permits are required for all overnight trips into Desolation Wilderness and can be booked on recreation.gov.
Tamarack Lake is a serene alpine lake located in the Echo Lakes basin within Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. The hike is short with minimal elevation gain but the climb is along a rocky hillside to be sure to have stable footwear. The hike offers sweeping views of the valley and towering granite peaks. There is a water taxi that runs from the trailhead to Upper Echo Lakes which saves ~2.5 miles of hiking for a fee of $14 per person. The lake itself is a piercing blue with incredible views of Ralston peak and lots of well-shaded areas to set up camp. There is a general store at the trailhead where backpackers can wrap up their trip with an ice cream cone!
Blue Lake, John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest
Trailhead: Sabrina Lake Trailhead
Type of Trail: Out and back
Mileage: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,430 feet
Days Required: 2 days
Permit Requirement: Permits are required for all overnight trips into Desolation Wilderness and can be booked on recreation.gov.
Blue Lake is a jaw-droppingly beautiful alpine lake in the John Muir Wilderness, located just outside the town of Bishop. While this is the most challenging trip on our list due to elevation gain and altitude (maximum elevation of 10,400 feet), the crystal clear lake and backdrop of 13,000 foot granite peaks along the Sierra Crest is well worth the effort. In order to adjust to the high elevation, consider booking a night at the Sabrina Lake Campground before the trip. The trip is only a few miles in each direction but requires a taxing climb up the rocky hillside at the south end of Sabrina Lake before arriving to Blue Lake. There are endless campsites to choose from along the western shoreline of the lake. Nearby alpine lakes can be visited to add to the adventure!