Southern California is renowned for its extensive network of hiking trails, attracting legions of day hikers. However, many aspiring backpackers near Los Angeles feel unsure where to start or how to gain experience. This guide is designed to bridge that gap. We’ve compiled a list of ten excellent overnight backpacking trips that are accessible from the greater Los Angeles area.
These trails offer a fantastic introduction to backpacking or provide seasoned hikers with new challenges, all within a reasonable distance from the city. They are perfect for dipping your toes into the world of multi-day adventures and experiencing the backcountry under the stars. Each trip can often be modified to suit different fitness levels and time constraints, making backpacking near Los Angeles accessible to many.
1. Coastal Backpacking at Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County is often overlooked for overnight trips, yet it offers stunning backcountry camps with sweeping ocean views. While the trails are busy during the day, you can hike in, set up camp, and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific. As evening falls, the crowds dissipate, leaving you with a serene coastal wilderness experience.
This park serves as an ideal location for a “gear shakedown.” Testing new backpacking equipment in a relatively low-risk and easily accessible environment before a bigger adventure is a smart strategy. It’s a perfect way to ease into backpacking near Los Angeles without venturing too far from civilization.
2. Santa Cruz Trail: A Strenuous Overnight Hike
Located in the Santa Barbara backcountry, the Santa Cruz Trail offers a more strenuous out-and-back backpacking experience. This 10-mile hike involves a significant 2,500 feet of vertical gain. It’s best tackled in the spring before the summer heat sets in.
Setting up camp by a stream under the shade of hundred-year-old oaks provides a welcome rest after the climb. The distance and elevation gain here closely mirror a typical day on the famous John Muir Trail, making it excellent training. Time your trip right in the spring for a spectacular wildflower display.
Spring wildflowers along the Santa Cruz Trail, a backpacking route near Los Angeles
3. Barker Valley in the Palomar Mountains: An “Upside-Down” Adventure
Scott Turner highlights Barker Valley in the Palomar Mountains of northeast San Diego County as a great overnight trip. This is a classic “upside-down” hike: you descend 1000 feet to reach the river and camping area, meaning the challenging climb is saved for the return trip.
At 6.5 miles round trip, it offers a gentler introduction to backpacking compared to some longer routes. The rewards include beautiful meadows, a refreshing river, and a picturesque waterfall. It’s also a dog-friendly destination, adding to its appeal for those looking for accessible backpacking near Los Angeles.
4. Santa Anita Canyon: History and Peaks
Santa Anita Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains offers a unique backpacking experience steeped in local hiking history. You can choose to camp at Hogee’s along Winter Creek or Spruce Grove on the Gabrieleño Trail. Both campgrounds have been used by hikers for over a century.
For ambitious backpackers, the option to summit Mt Wilson – one of the peaks in the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks challenge – from these camps adds an extra layer of adventure. Hiking loops like the one connecting Gabrieleño to the summit and back via Winter Creek allow for customization based on your energy and time. These lush canyons feel wonderfully secluded, a world away from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.
Hikers ascending a trail rising out of Santa Anita Canyon, a backpacking destination near Los Angeles
5. Cucamonga Peak: Summit Camping with City Lights
Backpacking to Cucamonga Peak offers a memorable overnight experience, especially if you’re aiming for the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. The primary challenge here, beyond the elevation gain, is packing in all your water – six liters is recommended for an overnight stay.
The true magic of this trip lies in the views from the summit. Witnessing the sunset paint the sky, followed by the breathtaking expanse of city lights twinkling below, creates an unforgettable scene. Sunrise offers equally spectacular vistas. You might even catch the Disneyland fireworks from this vantage point. Cucamonga Peak is another excellent option for dog-friendly backpacking near Los Angeles.
6. Mt Baldy: Challenging Summit Overnight
Camping on the summit of Mt Baldy (Mount San Antonio) is a raw and challenging experience. Like Cucamonga Peak, you must carry all your water to the top. It’s known for being cold, windy, and exposed, requiring proper preparation and gear.
Despite the harsh conditions, the panoramic sunrise and sunset views from Southern California’s second-highest peak are absolutely worth the effort. This trip provides a true test of your backpacking skills and resilience. It’s also a dog-friendly hike, allowing your canine companion to share in the high-altitude adventure.
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Full moon rising during a backpacking trip to Mt Baldy near Los Angeles
7. San Bernardino Peak Trail: Views from Limber Pine Flat
The San Bernardino Trail extends all the way to San Bernardino Peak and beyond, offering options for longer trips. However, for a fantastic overnight experience, you can hike to Limber Pine Flat and set up camp there. This campsite provides a strategic stopping point with access to stunning scenery.
The primary draw for backpacking to Limber Pine Flat is the exceptional views it affords. Looking out over vast valleys and mountain ranges from your campsite is a truly rewarding experience after the hike. This makes the San Bernardino Peak trail, even just to Limber Pine Flat, a worthwhile destination for backpacking near Los Angeles for those seeking panoramic vistas.
Scenic view of mountains from Limber Pine Flat on the San Bernardino Peak trail, a backpacking route near Los Angeles
8. Catalina Island: Island Backpacking Experience
You don’t have to commit to the entire Trans-Catalina Trail to enjoy overnight backpacking on Catalina Island. A popular option is taking the ferry from San Pedro to Two Harbors and then day-hiking to a specific campsite like Little Harbor or Parsons Landing.
These sites are located on different sides of the island, each offering a distinct coastal vibe. Backpacking on Catalina is a unique Southern California experience that feels like a true escape. If you live in the LA area, it’s a must-do trip that combines a ferry ride, coastal hiking, and camping by the sea.
Campsite at Parsons Landing on Catalina Island, a popular backpacking destination near Los Angeles
9. San Gorgonio: Highest Peak in SoCal
While many tackle San Gorgonio, Southern California’s highest peak, as a challenging day hike, staying overnight offers a much richer experience. Camping allows you to witness incredible sunsets and sunrises from high elevations. High Creek campsite, for example, provides memorable views as captured in the photo below.
Halfway Camp is another excellent option for an overnight stay, strategically located roughly halfway to the summit from the Vivian Creek trailhead. Spending the night on San Gorgonio allows you to acclimatize and tackle the summit push the next day feeling more rested. It’s the tallest mountain in SoCal, and backpacking allows you to truly savor the journey.
Sunset view from a High Creek campsite on San Gorgonio, a challenging backpacking trip near Los Angeles
10. San Jacinto: Personal Favorite with Sierra-like Views
San Jacinto holds a special place as a personal favorite for backpacking near Los Angeles. It offers incredible versatility with trailheads accessible from Idyllwild or via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The mountain features beautiful alpine meadows and rugged peaks that evoke the feeling of the Sierra Nevada.
Options abound, from pushing for the San Jacinto summit to exploring destinations like Wellman’s Divide. It’s a mountain where generations have backpacked; the author even took their daughter here on an overnight trip before she could walk. Backpacking here allows for stunning views and varied terrain, making it a consistently rewarding destination.
Scenic view of Round Valley on Mt San Jacinto, a favorite backpacking spot near Los Angeles
Wrapping Up Your Backpacking Near Los Angeles Adventure
These ten locations represent some of the best opportunities for overnight backpacking near Los Angeles, offering diverse landscapes and challenges. From coastal bluffs to towering mountain summits, each trip provides a unique way to connect with the natural world surrounding the city. These aren’t just hikes; they’re invitations to experience the peace and challenge of the backcountry.
It’s important to remember that most overnight trips in these wilderness areas require permits, typically obtained from local ranger stations. Researching and securing these in advance is crucial for a smooth trip. Don’t let the logistics deter you – the rewards of backpacking near Los Angeles, spending a night under a sky full of stars away from the city lights, are immense. Start planning your adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacking Near Los Angeles
Is backpacking near Los Angeles suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Several trips mentioned, like Crystal Cove or Barker Valley (despite being “upside-down”), offer shorter distances and less extreme terrain, making them excellent choices for those new to backpacking. They provide a good opportunity to test gear and practice skills before attempting more challenging routes.
Do I need permits for backpacking trips near Los Angeles?
Yes, almost all designated wilderness areas near Los Angeles require permits for overnight camping. The specific process varies by location (National Forest, State Park, etc.), so it’s essential to research the requirements for your chosen trail well in advance. Permits often have quotas, so planning ahead is recommended, especially for popular destinations.
What’s the best time of year for backpacking near Los Angeles?
The ideal time varies by elevation. Lower elevation and coastal trails (like Crystal Cove, Catalina) are often good year-round, though can be hot in summer. Mountain trails (San Gabriel, San Bernardino Mountains) are best in spring and fall. Summer is possible at high elevations but can still be hot and requires attention to water. Winter brings potential for snow in the mountains, requiring different gear and expertise.
What gear do I need for an overnight backpacking trip near Los Angeles?
Essential gear includes a backpack, tent, sleeping bag appropriate for the expected temperatures, sleeping pad, hiking boots, food, water filter or treatment, camp stove, navigation tools (map, compass, GPS), headlamp, first-aid kit, and layers of clothing. Specific trips might require additional gear like bear canisters (rarely in SoCal but check), ice axe/crampons in winter, or extra water capacity.
Are dogs allowed on these backpacking trails near Los Angeles?
Some trails and campgrounds are dog-friendly, while others are not. For instance, Barker Valley, Cucamonga Peak, and Mt Baldy are mentioned as dog-friendly. Always check the specific regulations for the park or forest you plan to visit before bringing your dog, and ensure they are kept on a leash.