Embarking on an overnight backpacking trip offers a profound escape from the urban hustle, allowing you to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself, and experience the tranquility of the wilderness. While Southern California is famed for its beaches and cities, it also boasts an incredible network of trails waiting to be explored with a pack on your back. If you’re searching for accessible and rewarding backpacking trails near Los Angeles, you’re in luck.
This region provides diverse landscapes, from coastal bluffs to towering mountain peaks, perfect for adventurers of all levels looking for a taste of the backcountry close to home. These ten routes offer stunning scenery, physical challenge, and unforgettable nights under the stars, proving that wild experiences are closer than you think.
Many people assume that true wilderness backpacking requires traveling hundreds of miles, but the truth is that several exceptional opportunities exist just a short drive from the heart of Los Angeles. These trails provide a chance to test your gear, build experience, or simply enjoy a quick overnight getaway without dedicating a full weekend to travel. They range from relatively easy coastal strolls to strenuous mountain climbs, ensuring there’s a perfect adventure waiting for you, whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or just getting started. Let’s explore some of the top backpacking trails near Los Angeles that should be on your list.
Explore Top Backpacking Trails Near Los Angeles
Southern California, particularly the areas surrounding California‘s largest city, Los Angeles, is a treasure trove for hikers and backpackers. Finding the right trail for an overnight trip can seem daunting, but focusing on proximity and accessibility reveals a fantastic selection. We’ve curated a list of ten exceptional backpacking trails near Los Angeles that offer varied experiences, from ocean views to alpine environments.
Each of these trails provides unique challenges and rewards, making them ideal for a quick escape or a training ground for longer expeditions. Whether you seek solitude by a mountain stream or panoramic views from a windswept peak, you’ll find an option that satisfies your craving for adventure within a reasonable distance from the city. Let’s dive into the specifics of these remarkable routes.
1. Crystal Cove State Park Coastal Trek
Crystal Cove State Park, located just south of Los Angeles in Orange County, might be known for its beaches, but it also offers surprisingly good backcountry camping with stunning ocean vistas. You can hike in after a workday, set up camp, cook dinner, and catch a Pacific sunset.
Finding Your Perfect Amateur Astronomy Telescope – Expert Guide 2025
Discover the Best Michigan Places to Visit for Unforgettable Adventures in 2024
Discover the Top 11 nevada places to visit
Spring wildflowers in the Santa Barbara backcountry
The trails here are popular during the day but become peaceful overnight, leaving you with expansive views and the sound of the waves. This park is excellent for beginners or for experienced backpackers needing a convenient spot to test new gear or shake down their pack before bigger adventures. Its accessibility makes it one of the most convenient backpacking trails near Los Angeles.
2. Santa Cruz Trail Wilderness Hike
For a more challenging overnight trip within the Santa Barbara backcountry, the Santa Cruz Trail offers a strenuous out-and-back journey. Best tackled in the spring to avoid excessive heat, this trail involves a significant 10-mile hike with 2,500 feet of elevation gain to reach a streamside campsite shaded by ancient oak trees.
This trip is comparable in distance and elevation gain to a typical day on the famous John Muir Trail, making it an excellent training ground to gauge your body’s response to sustained climbing and distance. Timing your visit with the spring season can reward you with spectacular wildflower displays, adding vibrant color to your backpacking experience.
3. Barker Valley “Upside-Down” Adventure
Located in the Palomar Mountains northeast of San Diego County, Barker Valley offers a unique “upside-down” backpacking experience. The trail descends 1000 feet to a river valley where you camp overnight, requiring you to hike up 1000 feet the next day to return to the trailhead.
This 6.5-mile round trip is a gentler introduction to backpacking compared to some of the more strenuous mountain routes. The valley features meadows, a river, and a waterfall, creating a picturesque setting for your overnight stay. It’s also known for being dog-friendly, making it a great option for backpackers with canine companions.
4. Santa Anita Canyon Historical Trails
Santa Anita Canyon provides a deep dive into Los Angeles’ hiking history while offering accessible overnight opportunities. You can camp at sites like Hogee’s on Winter Creek or Spruce Grove on the Gabrieleño Trail. These campgrounds have hosted hikers for over a century.
Rising out of the valley
For the ambitious, you can combine your overnight stay with a summit bid on Mt Wilson, one of the popular Six-Pack of Peaks. The lush canyons feel like a world away from the nearby urban sprawl, offering a peaceful escape on one of the most historically rich backpacking trails near Los Angeles.
5. Cucamonga Peak Summit Camp
Backpacking to Cucamonga Peak via the Icehouse Canyon Trail offers a challenging but incredibly rewarding overnight experience. Reaching the summit requires packing in all your water (around six liters is recommended), but the effort is well worth the views.
Full Moon hike up Mt Baldy
Camping near the summit allows you to witness spectacular sunsets and sunrises. The nighttime brings incredible star gazing and city lights views – we even spotted Disneyland fireworks from the top! This is another dog-friendly trail, perfect for sharing the high-altitude magic with your furry friend. Backpacking to Cucamonga Peak is among the most memorable backpacking trails near Los Angeles.
6. Mt Baldy Exposed Climb
Camping on top of Mt Baldy (officially Mt. San Antonio), the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, is an intense experience. It’s cold, windy, and exposed, requiring you to carry all necessary water. However, the sunrise and sunset views from this prominent summit are simply unparalleled in the region.
This challenging climb and exposed overnight stay test your mettle and gear. It’s a popular destination for day hikers, but spending the night reveals a different, more rugged side of the mountain. Like Cucamonga, it’s also dog-friendly, adding to its appeal for some hikers.
7. San Bernardino Peak High Camp
The San Bernardino Trail offers options for overnight trips, even if you don’t aim for the peak on the first day. Stopping at Limber Pine Flat for camp provides a fantastic experience partway up the mountain.
Photo: Mitch Barrie
Expansive view from a high mountain ridge, showcasing the dramatic landscape found on some backpacking trails near Los Angeles.
The main draw here is the stunning panoramic views available from the higher elevations, like the one pictured above. Making it an overnight trip allows you to savor these views at dawn and dusk, avoiding the crowds and enjoying the solitude of the mountains.
8. Catalina Island Coastal Backpacking
You don’t need to hike the entire Trans-Catalina Trail to enjoy overnight backpacking on Catalina Island. Catch a ferry from San Pedro to Two Harbors and enjoy shorter overnight hikes to destinations like Little Harbor or Parsons Landing.
Beachfront campsite at Parsons Landing on Catalina Island, a unique destination for backpacking near Los Angeles.
Each location is on a different side of the island and offers a distinct coastal camping vibe, from secluded beaches to harborside convenience. Backpacking on Catalina Island is a quintessential Southern California experience and a must-do for anyone living near Los Angeles seeking a unique overnight adventure by the ocean.
9. San Gorgonio Peak Base Camp
While San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, is a popular day hike, transforming it into an overnight trip offers a far richer experience. Camping at High Creek or Halfway Camp (roughly midway to the summit) allows you to break up the strenuous climb and enjoy incredible sunset and sunrise views that day hikers miss.
Sunset from our campsite at High Creek
Spending the night on San Gorgonio makes the journey to the top feel less rushed and more of a full immersion into the alpine environment. Even if you don’t summit after camping, the experience of sleeping on the mountain is rewarding in itself. It’s one of the most challenging and iconic backpacking trails near Los Angeles.
10. San Jacinto Scenic Escape
Mt. San Jacinto holds a special place for many Southern California hikers, including me, having backpacked there since my youth. Accessible from Idyllwild or via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, it offers varied entry points and experiences. The mountain features beautiful alpine meadows and rocky peaks reminiscent of the Sierra Nevada range.
First Look at Round Valley
Options abound, from camping at established sites like Round Valley (accessible from the tram) to pushing higher towards Wellman’s Divide or the summit. The variety of trails and the stunning high-mountain scenery make San Jacinto arguably the best destination for backpacking trails near Los Angeles.
Important Considerations for Backpacking Near LA
While these backpacking trails near Los Angeles offer incredible experiences, remember that overnight trips in wilderness areas often require permits. These can typically be obtained from the local ranger station managing the area (like the Forest Service or State Parks). Always check the specific requirements for your chosen trail and campsite well in advance of your trip.
Preparation is key for any backpacking adventure, even short overnighters. Ensure you have the right gear, plenty of water or a reliable filtration system, navigation tools, and a plan for food and waste. Researching trail conditions, weather forecasts, and potential hazards (like heat, snow, or wildlife) will significantly enhance your safety and enjoyment. These backpacking trails near Los Angeles are accessible, but they still require respect for the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacking Near Los Angeles
- Do I need a permit to backpack near Los Angeles?
Yes, most overnight backpacking trips in wilderness areas near Los Angeles, especially within National Forests and State Parks, require a wilderness permit. Check with the managing agency for the specific trail beforehand. Some popular areas may require reservations months in advance. - What is the best time of year to go backpacking near Los Angeles?
The best time varies by location. Coastal trails like Crystal Cove or Catalina are pleasant year-round, though summer can be hot. Mountain trails (San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto) are best in late spring, summer, and early fall. Winter brings snow and requires different gear and experience. Spring offers wildflowers in many lower-to-mid elevation areas. - How difficult are these trails?
The difficulty ranges significantly. Crystal Cove and Barker Valley offer easier introductions (though Barker Valley has an uphill finish). Trails like Santa Cruz, Cucamonga Peak, Mt Baldy, and San Gorgonio are strenuous, involving significant elevation gain and distance, suitable for more experienced backpackers or those looking for a challenge. San Jacinto offers options from moderate (via the tram) to difficult. - Are campfires allowed on backpacking trails near Los Angeles?
Regulations on campfires vary depending on fire danger levels and specific campsite rules. Often, campfires are restricted to designated fire rings or prohibited entirely, especially during dry seasons. Always check current restrictions and consider using a portable stove for cooking. A California Campfire Permit is often required even for stoves outside developed campgrounds. - What kind of wildlife might I encounter?
Southern California is home to various wildlife, including deer, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, and birds. In mountain areas, you might see bears (bring a bear canister where required), mountain lions, and rattlesnakes. Be aware of your surroundings, store food properly, and know how to react if you encounter wildlife.
Wrapping Up Your LA Backpacking Adventure
Southern California offers an incredible array of backpacking trails near Los Angeles, providing convenient opportunities for overnight adventures. From the refreshing ocean air of Crystal Cove and Catalina Island to the challenging peaks of San Gorgonio and San Jacinto, there’s a trail to suit every taste and fitness level. These trips offer more than just hiking; they are immersive experiences in the diverse landscapes, rich history, and quiet solitude that exists surprisingly close to one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas.
Planning your trip, securing permits, and being prepared are essential steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Stepping onto these trails means leaving the city behind and connecting with the natural world in a profound way. Which of these amazing backpacking trails near Los Angeles will you explore first?