The Top 20 Backpacking Trips Near San Francisco
There's true wilderness to be found. Go find it.
Ah, San Francisco. What a beautiful place to live, right? The Bay Area is the perfect combination of thriving city life and immediate access to world-class outdoor adventures. Of course, the whole thriving urban thing means that once in awhile, you need to escape the hustle and bustle, get the heck out of town and explore the backcountry. Lucky for San Franciscans, visitors, or nearby locals, there is an endless supply of epic trails to explore and true wilderness to be found. Whether you’re looking to knock out a quick strike mission to one of the nearby state parks or go for a long weekend escape to the Sierra, you’ll find something that does the trick for you on this list.
1. Climb Cone Peak in Big Sur Area (Sea to Sky Route)
Photo: Josiah Roe
2. Backcountry Camp at Big Basin Sunset Trail Camp
Photo: Christian Arballo
3. Backpack to Pt. Reyes Coast Campground
Photo: Josiah Roe
4. Backpack the Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead
Photo: Jeff Driscoll
5. Backpack the Lost Coast: Mattole to Black Sands Beach
Photo: Whitney Whitehouse
6. Camp on Angel Island
Photo: Brian Heifferon
7. Backpack to Point Reyes Wildcat Campground
Photo: Miranda Leconte
8. Camp at Glacier Point (winter only)
Photo: Sarah Vaughn
9. Backpack Bear Valley to Coast Camp Loop
Photo: Jeff Driscoll
10. Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point
Photo: Austin Trigg
11. Backpack Sam McDonald Park
Photo: Ashley Chang
12. Backpack te Redfern Pond
Photo: Ashley Chang
13. Backpack to Dewey Point from Tunnel View
Photo: Jonathan Reed
14. Backpack to Pat Springs
Photo: Max Berger
15. Backpack the Pine Ridge in Big Sur, North Ridge Coast Loop
Photo: Chris DeAntonio
16. Backpack to the Ventana Wilderness’ Sykes Hot Springs
Photo: Blake Maitoza
17. Winter Backpack to Sentinel Dome in Yosemite
Photo: Kyle Frost
18. Backpack to Bear Lake Emigrant Wilderness
Photo: Greg Balkin
19. Backpack to Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Hike Half Dome
Photo: Eddie Jo
20. Backpack to Goat Camp in Big Sur
Photo: Andrew Conway
Cover photo: Miranda Leconte
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
