Independence, California
Looking for the best backpacking in Independence? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Independence. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Independence
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Big Pine, California
Fourth Lake via Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail
4.012.6 mi / 3205 ft gainFrom Big Pine, you'll turn onto Crocker St. to head towards the mountains. Once you are about 11 miles down the road you will see a sign and a turnoff on the right for trailhead parking. That is where you are going to want to park if you are staying overnight but you can continue to where the roa...Read more -
Bishop, California
Evolution Basin via South Lake
35.66 mi / 7769 ft gainIt’s been called the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada, the highlight of the entire 211-mile John Muir Trail. Whatever superlatives are used to describe it, Evolution Basin is undoubtedly one of the most incredible landscapes you’ll ever explore. There is a small catch, though: There is no easy ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Treasure Lakes Trail
5.05.79 mi / 1375 ft gainThe Treasure Lakes Trail is dog and kid friendly, just make sure all parties can handle the elevation gain. The scenery throughout the entire hike is amazing, and early in the summer, the creeks roar. The lake is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The trail is best used in the summer an...Read more -
Bishop, California
Bishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail
52.67 mi / 9173 ft gainBishop Pass Trail to John Muir Trail to Piute Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Bishop, California.Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack into the Palisades from Bishop Pass
18 mi / 4000 ft gainDrive up to the trailhead near South Lake from the town of Bishop (you can get directions at the Ranger Station when you get a permit). The hike goes from approximately 9,000 ft. to 13,000 ft. over the course of 9 miles.The first approximately 6 miles are on trail to the top of Bishop Pass. From ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Long Lake via Bishop Pass
5.51 mi / 991 ft gainDirections The trailhead for Long Lake starts by South Lake outside Bishop, CA. You'll want to take Line Street, which is the 168, West out of Bishop. Approximately 14 miles up, you'll want to merge left towards South Lake. This junction is well-signed if you keep an eye out for it. Head th...Read more -
Bishop, California
Climb Columbine Peak's NE Ridge
15 mi / 5000 ft gainDirections This Bishop Pass Trail starts by South Lake outside Bishop, CA. You'll want to take Line Street, which is the 168, West out of Bishop. Approximately 14 miles up, you'll want to merge left towards South Lake. This junction is well-signed if you keep an eye out for it. Head the rest ...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Mount Silliman, Sequoia NP
5.011.24 mi / 4449 ft gainThere is available parking at the campgrounds at the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Lodgepole's elevation starts at 6720 ft. Twin Lakes Trailhead starts right at the base, which you will be following to get to Mount Silliman. Along Twin Lakes Trail are several campgrounds for your journey, you can go...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack to Crystal Lakes
5.09.8 mi / 2200 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack the Little Five & Big Five Lakes Loop
5.026.5 mi / 10000 ft gainDay 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...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Hike to Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park
4.510.4 mi / 2200 ft gainBegin 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...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Hike to Pear Lake via the Lakes Trail
5.012.4 mi / 2300 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Sequoia National Park, California
Backpack to Big Bird Lake & Moose Lake
30 mi / 8000 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack to Franklin Lakes & Franklin Pass
11.4 mi / 2500 ft gainFranklin 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...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack in Mineral King
5.030 miThe 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 ...Read more -
Tulare County, California
Backpack to Weaver Lake, CA
7 mi / 1075 ft gainThe hike to Weaver Lake begins at the Big Meadows trailhead in Sequoia National Forest (elevation: 7,633 ft.). There is roadside parking at the beginning of the trailhead and more parking available just inside the gate. At the trailhead, there is a vault toilet, trash receptacle, and map of the a...Read more