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California Hot Springs, California

Looking for the best backpacking in California Hot Springs? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around California Hot Springs. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near California Hot Springs

  • Three Rivers, California

    Backpack to Franklin Lakes & Franklin Pass

    11.4 mi / 2500 ft gain
    Franklin Lakes is part of the Sequoia National Park and can be reached from the trailhead starting near the Mineral King Ranger Station. Bear containers are required and can be rented at the Ranger Station. The hike to Franklin Lakes campground will take 6 hours or less (depending on your speed/h...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Backpack in Mineral King

    5.0
    30 mi
    The trailhead is right near the Mineral King Ranger Station (on Mineral King Rd) in Sequoia National Park. Depending on where you're coming from I would recommend driving in and camping at Cold Springs Campground (which is also in close proximity to the ranger station) the night before you begin ...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Backpack to Crystal Lakes

    5.0
    9.8 mi / 2200 ft gain
    The trail to Crystal Lakes begins at the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Trailhead (7,800 feet elevation), which is located at the end of Mineral King Valley Rd.  The trail immediately ascends through a meadow boasting dramatic alpine views and a roaring waterfall. Eventually you'll cross Monarch Creek and b...
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  • Three Rivers, California

    Backpack the Little Five & Big Five Lakes Loop

    5.0
    26.5 mi / 10000 ft gain
    Day 1: A long, rewarding day. Over the course of 11.5 miles you will complete around 10,000ft of elevation change.  To start, park the car at the Sawtooth-Monarch Trailhead (7500ft) and begin on the trail, immediately ascending to Timber Gap (9500ft).  Once at the gap, the trail makes it's way do...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Backpack the High Sierra Trail

    5.0
    71 mi
    The High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, on the West side of the Sierra Nevada range, and ends at Whitney Portal on the East, traversing the highest and most beautiful part of the Sierras. From deep river canyons to high alpine peaks, lakes, and meadows, this hike...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike Crescent Meadow

    4.5
    1.6 mi
    Crescent Meadow is a collection of loops in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. The trailhead is located just past the tunnel log east of General's Highway 198. The main loop is 1.6mi total. However you can take any of the loops to the General Sherman tree 3mi, Tharp's Log trail 0.5mi, or ...
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  • Inyo County, California

    Backpack Mount Langley

    5.0
    21 mi / 4000 ft gain
    Mt. Langley sits four hours north of Los Angeles and is one of the easier 14ers to bag in California. Mt. Whitney absorbs most of the foot traffic, so enjoy the relative quiet and seclusion.The trailhead starts at Horseshoe Meadows/Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campgrounds and meanders for 7.5 miles...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike to Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park

    4.5
    10.4 mi / 2200 ft gain
    Begin this hike at the Alta Peak Trailhead in the Sequoia National Park. The trail initially takes you east-southeast through a loosely forested area that is stark and arid. Around 1.5 miles in you'll cross a small creek, but this creek may dry up in the late spring/summer. Shortly after the cree...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Hike to Pear Lake via the Lakes Trail

    5.0
    12.4 mi / 2300 ft gain
    The Lakes Trail to Pear Lake can be done as either an overnight stay or a day hike.  For overnight, you'll need to get a permit but there are beautiful camping spots available at both Emerald Lake and Pear Lake.  As a day hike, plan to spend all day since you'll undoubtedly pause at each lake for...
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  • Sequoia National Park, California

    Backpack to Big Bird Lake & Moose Lake

    30 mi / 8000 ft gain
    This trip requires a wilderness permit. You can get one at the Lodgepole Visitor Center where you can also rent a bear canister or use the bathroom before heading out.Wolverton Trailhead -> Big Bird Lake (~12 miles)The start of the trail is on the left side of the parking lot and towards the m...
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