Best Backpacking in San Francisco
Looking for the best backpacking in San Francisco? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Francisco. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the incredible Outbound community.
Camp on Angel Island
Thousands of years ago, this island was a fishing and hunting ground for the Miwok Native Americans. It has also been an outpost for the U.S. Army and a cattle ranch. Now, it’s one of the closest places to escape from the hustle of San Francisco ...
Backpack to Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp
In order to make this trip possible, go to recreation.gov and make a reservation for Wildcat Camp (available year-round). On your way to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to grab your camping permit. For more infor...
11.4 miles
1945 ft gain
Backpack the Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead
Day 1
Before heading to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to pick up your permit. To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the trail camps. Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed. Per...
17.13 miles
3837 ft gain
Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead
Spanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude ...
20.5 miles
2705 ft gain
Backpack the Bear Valley to Coast Camp Loop
Permit and Trail Camp InfoTo stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the Trail Camps. Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed. Permits for the Trail Camps can be booked up to 6 months in advance. If you are looking to ...
15.09 miles
2834 ft gain
Hike the Sky Trail in Point Reyes
Sky Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a dramatic, mostly single-track trail that runs along the main spine of the Inverness Ridge and across highest mountains in Point Reyes, looming above the Olema Valley and Highway 1 which mark the San ...
11 miles
1250 ft gain
Backpack to Sky Campground in Point Reyes National Seashore
Entering Point Reyes National Seashore from Bear Valley Road the Sky Trailhead is a 4.9 mile drive. Camping in Sky Camp requires a Camping Permit. You can get one at Recreation.Gov or reserveamerica.com. Getting a Permit in person at a visitors...
2.2 miles
185 ft gain
Backpack to Pt. Reyes' Coast Campground
This campground is the closest you can get to staying overnight on Pt. Reyes coastline if you're backpacking in. Once you get there, enjoy the view!The easiest way to get to the camp is from the slightly uphill hike along the Laguna Trail and the ...
3.6 miles
Backpack Sam McDonald Park
The Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger statio...
6 miles
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
Located deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect p...
11.7 miles
Hike to Little Yosemite in the Sunol
Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the a...
4 miles
Backpack the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
Want to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail.To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junct...
30.8 miles
