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The Best Backpacking in San Rafael

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

Top backpacking spots in and near San Rafael

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Bolinas, California

    Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead

    20.5 mi / 2705 ft gain
    Spanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude among the grassy hillsides and forested ridges. Th...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Olema Valley, Lake Ranch, Stewart and Greenpicker to Bass Lake, Wildcat Campground and

    15.09 mi / 3163 ft gain
    Olema Valley, Lake Ranch, Stewart and Greenpicker to Bass Lake, Wildcat Campground and is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Point Reyes Station, California.
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  • Point Reyes Station, California

    Mount Wittenberg, Woodward Valley, Coast Trail, and Glen Camp, Bear Valley Loop Trail

    15.66 mi / 2628 ft gain
    Mount Wittenberg, Woodward Valley, Coast Trail, and Glen Camp, Bear Valley Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Point Reyes Station, California.
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  • Point Reyes Station, California

    Point Reyes Extended Loop

    28.39 mi / 5367 ft gain
    Point Reyes Extended Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Point Reyes Station, California.
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  • Point Reyes Station, California

    Woodward Valley Backpacking Loop

    15.79 mi / 2507 ft gain
    Woodward Valley Backpacking Loop is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Point Reyes Station, California.
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  • Point Reyes Station, California

    Bear Valley to Coast Camp

    14.17 mi / 2411 ft gain
    Bear Valley to Coast Camp is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Point Reyes Station, California.
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  • Point Reyes Station, California

    Woodward Valley Trail

    13.48 mi / 2064 ft gain
    Woodward Valley Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Point Reyes Station, California.
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  • Point Reyes Station, California

    Bear Valley to Sculptured Beach and Sky Camp

    14.89 mi / 2628 ft gain
    Bear Valley to Sculptured Beach and Sky Camp is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Point Reyes Station, California.
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  • Point Reyes Station, California

    Meadow Trail and Sky Trail to Coast Trail

    14.45 mi / 2812 ft gain
    Meadow Trail and Sky Trail to Coast Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Point Reyes Station, California.
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