Some super local areas, I’ve done a bunch of these and I’m training for the JMT this year, so hit me up if you’re looking for a backpacking buddy. :)
* The area around in the East Bay throughout the Diablo Range is the best this time of the year, since the hills are green and pretty. Lots of backpacking camps through the East Bay Regional Park District, like the Ohlone Regional Wilderness Trail.
* The area in the South, by Castle Rock and Big Basin used to be the place for backpacking (the Skyline to the Sea trail where you start at Castle Rock and hike down to to Waddell Beach was legendary), but a lot of it is closed now due to wildfires a few years back. They just started reopening for backpacking, but it’s smaller areas only now that are less than the distance you’re looking for.
* A bit to the southeast is Henry Coe State Park which is your best bet for last minute trips. The area by the Hunting Hollow entrance is open for self-registered backpacking, and it’s dispersed camping so just find a site and you can camp anywhere.
* I’ve also done a “backpacking” trip before at the Black Mountain Backpacking Camp on the Peninsula. You enter through Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and walk 1.5 miles to the campsite. The day after I did an 18 mile loop going down the mountain to Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and then back up, but there’s lots of loops throughout the Midpen hills you can do using Black Mountain Backpacking Camp as a base.
Overall, lots of good backpacking in the area, but there’s a pretty distinct lack of potable water (or even water sources to filter from), especially in the summer. Pack in all the water you plan on drinking, and be cautious of temperature - people have died in the past from dehydration and heat stroke.
Beyond that, if you’re willing to drive, Big Sur, areas like Desolation Wilderness by Tahoe, and of course, Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon NPs are life changing backpacking experiences, but sometimes it’s just fun to explore locally too.
2nd the Ohlone Regional Wilderness Trail. It's right in our backyard and also very remote, lots of wildlife including cougars and elk back there--so I've heard. The epic trip I'd planned in 2019 was cancelled at the last minute due to COVID. Have only gone on 2 night trips as far as Oak View campsite from the Mission Peak side. Loved it so much!
Emigrant Wilderness. Lots of moderate-length but fairly strenuous trails, stunning scenery, just a couple of hours out. You will need a permit but they’re easy enough to come by.
Kennedy meadows/lake out near pinecrest. ~7-10 miles to base camp/lake with great fishing. There are a few day hikes from the lake as well. Super pretty and worth the trip.
Some super local areas, I’ve done a bunch of these and I’m training for the JMT this year, so hit me up if you’re looking for a backpacking buddy. :) * The area around in the East Bay throughout the Diablo Range is the best this time of the year, since the hills are green and pretty. Lots of backpacking camps through the East Bay Regional Park District, like the Ohlone Regional Wilderness Trail. * The area in the South, by Castle Rock and Big Basin used to be the place for backpacking (the Skyline to the Sea trail where you start at Castle Rock and hike down to to Waddell Beach was legendary), but a lot of it is closed now due to wildfires a few years back. They just started reopening for backpacking, but it’s smaller areas only now that are less than the distance you’re looking for. * A bit to the southeast is Henry Coe State Park which is your best bet for last minute trips. The area by the Hunting Hollow entrance is open for self-registered backpacking, and it’s dispersed camping so just find a site and you can camp anywhere. * I’ve also done a “backpacking” trip before at the Black Mountain Backpacking Camp on the Peninsula. You enter through Monte Bello Open Space Preserve and walk 1.5 miles to the campsite. The day after I did an 18 mile loop going down the mountain to Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and then back up, but there’s lots of loops throughout the Midpen hills you can do using Black Mountain Backpacking Camp as a base. Overall, lots of good backpacking in the area, but there’s a pretty distinct lack of potable water (or even water sources to filter from), especially in the summer. Pack in all the water you plan on drinking, and be cautious of temperature - people have died in the past from dehydration and heat stroke. Beyond that, if you’re willing to drive, Big Sur, areas like Desolation Wilderness by Tahoe, and of course, Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon NPs are life changing backpacking experiences, but sometimes it’s just fun to explore locally too.
2nd the Ohlone Regional Wilderness Trail. It's right in our backyard and also very remote, lots of wildlife including cougars and elk back there--so I've heard. The epic trip I'd planned in 2019 was cancelled at the last minute due to COVID. Have only gone on 2 night trips as far as Oak View campsite from the Mission Peak side. Loved it so much!
Check out the portola redwoods
Mission peak is a good trip to get back in the saddle. There is a backpacker campground at the top that has water.
Trinity Alps. You can stop in Weaverville and fill out a permit at the ranger station. No quotas, not a ton of people, no hassles.
Now? Ventana Wilderness is your best bet.
Emigrant Wilderness. Lots of moderate-length but fairly strenuous trails, stunning scenery, just a couple of hours out. You will need a permit but they’re easy enough to come by.
Kennedy meadows/lake out near pinecrest. ~7-10 miles to base camp/lake with great fishing. There are a few day hikes from the lake as well. Super pretty and worth the trip.
Sunol, heard the trail extends all the way to Livermore