Looking for the best backpacking in Los Angeles? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Los Angeles. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Los Angeles
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Altadena, California
Eaton Canyon to Idlehour Trail Camp
4.5
10.99 mi / 3291 ft gain
Idlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, ...
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Los Angeles County, California
Idlehour Trail
4.0
14.89 mi / 4665 ft gain
Idlehour Traillocated near Mount Wilson, California,is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well.To access the Idlehour Campground ...
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Los Angeles County, California
See AlsoBackpacking Los Angeles Travel Guide (2024 • Surfing & Tacos)Backpacking in Los Angeles: Discovering the City of AngelsThe best Backpacking in and near Los Angeles County, CaliforniaComplete Backpacking Guide to Traveling in Los Angeles - ELMENSBear Canyon via Switzer Falls Trailhead
6.67 mi / 1273 ft gain
Parking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has...
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Los Angeles County, California
Trail Canyon Falls
4.0
4.56 mi / 1017 ft gain
To get to the trail, take Big Tujunga Canyon Road until you see signs for Trail Canyon Road. The entry point is easy to miss, but keep an eye out for a stop sign and cars parked at the bottom of a dirt path. Drive upthe dirtpath for direct parking at the trailhead (4x4 is definitely recommended...
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Pearblossom, California
Cooper Canyon Trail Camp
5.37 mi / 1214 ft gain
There's a small parking lot just below Cloudburst Summit on the way to Mount Waterman. Start your adventure there. I'd be hard-pressed to say it's more than 15 yards from the sign for the summit (7018' AMSL).There's a fireroad, if you're newer to altitude and don't know how to read a map (or e...
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Pearblossom, California
Mt. Waterman
5.0
5.87 mi / 1499 ft gain
Mt. Waterman is accessed along Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest. Heading east from La Canada look for mileage marker 58.0 (34 miles from La Canada) just past the closed ski resort. Park at one of the large paved turnouts on your left. Display an Adventure Pass ($5 at Ranger Station or Big...
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Azusa, California
Little Jimmy Trail Camp
4.3
3.36 mi / 607 ft gain
Take Hwy 2 out of La Canada north along Angeles Crest Highway. Follow this for quite some time enjoying the fine views in all directions. After traveling through two consecutive tunnels continue to the Islip Saddle parking lot (on left). There will be a vault toilet & a picnic table. Display ...
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Mount Baldy, California
Cedar Glen Camp
4.88 mi / 1650 ft gain
Cedar Glen Camp is a great beginner backpacking trip just outside of Los Angeles, California. Starting from the Icehouse Trailhead (also used for Cucamonga Peak), head out on the Icehouse CanyonTrail from the parking area. The trail will intersect with the Chapman Trail, at which point, you'll t...
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Mount Baldy, California
Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon Trailhead
16.22 mi / 5610 ft gain
We started out at 8am on a Sunday, usually parking at Ice House Saddle can be tricky, I would advise going earlier. We headed out on our journey hiking up to the saddle, when you reach the switchbacks there is a fresh water spring, it's the last place you can get water...so stock up! We pressed o...
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Llano, California
Table Mountain Campground
Table Mountain Campground isa hilly campground that offers ADA-accessible sites, pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, BB! grill, water, and parking spaces for a two-car limit. Rules are strictly enforced, which is great, so we can enjoy nature and not someone’s party/music.Book your campgro...
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Los Angeles County, California
Bikepack Catalina Island
5.0
43.5 mi / 5700 ft gain
This is a great introductory overnight bikepacking adventure. With restaurants, water, and stores at each end of the ride, your packing list is minimal. Head out on Saturday morning and make it back in time for dinner on Sunday evening.Packing ListYour Bike – I did this ride on my drop bar grav...
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Avalon, California
Trans-Catalina Trail
5.0
37.67 mi / 8189 ft gain
This adventure is a great way to see the entire island of Santa Catalina. Catalina Island is situated less than 30 miles off the coast of Southern California, and can be reached by ferry from Dana Point, San Pedro, or Long Beach. Catalina Express in the company that operates the ferry.This adve...
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Malibu, California
La Jolla Valley Walk-In Camps
5.0
10.58 mi / 2146 ft gain
Hello Friends! I just took a really chill overnight backpacking trip to the La Jolla Valley Backcountry campsite and I’m going to give you some details so you can have as nice of an outing as I did!The trailhead is conveniently just off of the Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the T...
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