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The Best Backpacking in Oakland

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

Top backpacking spots in and near Oakland

  • Castro Valley, California

    Aaron Alcorn Castro Valley to Brentwood Memorial Trail

    58.54 mi / 6755 ft gain
    Aaron Alcorn Castro Valley to Brentwood Memorial Trail is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Castro Valley, California.
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  • Lafayette, California

    Briones Peak via Lafayette Ridge Trail

    10.46 mi / 1598 ft gain
    Briones Peak via Lafayette Ridge Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Lafayette, California.
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  • Tiburon, California

    Camp on Angel Island

    5.0
    Thousands of years ago, this island was a fishing and hunting ground for the Miwok Native Americans. It has also been an outpost for the U.S. Army and a cattle ranch. Now, it’s one of the closest places to escape from the hustle of San Francisco and set up camp. Camping on the island requires ba...
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  • Martinez, California

    Orchard, Toyon Canyon, Lagoon, Briones Crest, Spengler and Diablo View Loop

    8.13 mi / 1598 ft gain
    Orchard, Toyon Canyon, Lagoon, Briones Crest, Spengler and Diablo View Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Martinez, California.
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  • Alamo, California

    Green Valley to Wall Point Road Loop

    7.09 mi / 1375 ft gain
    Green Valley to Wall Point Road Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Diablo, California.
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  • Clayton, California

    Mitchell Canyon Road to Eagle Peak

    7.62 mi / 2129 ft gain
    Mitchell Canyon Road to Eagle Peak is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Clayton, California.
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  • Clayton, California

    Mitchell Rock, Twin Peaks, Eagle Peak, Mount Diablo, North Peak and Mount Olympia Loop

    15.44 mi / 4678 ft gain
    Mitchell Rock, Twin Peaks, Eagle Peak, Mount Diablo, North Peak and Mount Olympia Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Clayton, California.
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  • Sausalito, California

    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail

    10.12 mi / 2021 ft gain
    Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail Loop via Coastal Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Sausalito, California.
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  • Kentfield, California

    Lake Lagunitas, Bon Tempe and Alpine Lakes, Cataract Falls to Mount Tam Loop

    14.78 mi / 3645 ft gain
    Lake Lagunitas, Bon Tempe and Alpine Lakes, Cataract Falls to Mount Tam Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Greenbrae, California.
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Dipsea to Ben Johnson Trail Loop

    10.13 mi / 2680 ft gain
    Dipsea to Ben Johnson Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Stinson Beach, California.
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  • Sunol, California

    Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail

    4.0
    3.01 mi / 705 ft gain
    Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org.  After entering the kiosk you...
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  • Fremont, California

    Rose Peak From Sunol

    18.64 mi / 3714 ft gain
    Rose Peak From Sunol is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sunol, California.
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  • Los Altos Hills, California

    Rhus Ridge and Chamise Trail

    10.1 mi / 1555 ft gain
    Rhus Ridge and Chamise Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Los Altos, California
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  • Bolinas, California

    Coast Trail: Palomarin Beach to Limantour Beach

    15.72 mi / 2671 ft gain
    Coast Trail: Palomarin Beach to Limantour Beach is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a lake located near Bolinas, California.
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  • Bolinas, California

    Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp via Coast Trail

    5.0
    11.19 mi / 1926 ft gain
    In order to make this trip possible, go to recreation.gov and make a reservation for Wildcat Camp (available year-round). On your way to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to grab your camping permit. For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvis...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead

    4.7
    15.72 mi / 3091 ft gain
    Day 1 Before heading to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to pick up your permit. To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the trail camps.   Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed.   Permits for the trail camps can be booked up to 6 mo...
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