Verhoeven’s top suggestion for first-timers is heading to Frog Lake, a 4.3-mile mostly shaded round trip from the Coe Ranch Entrance/Visitor Center in Morgan Hill. You can find a detailed, downloadable PDF full of information about the route — perfect to bring with you on your trip, either on your phone or printed.
You’ll need a backpacking permit, but they’re easy to get at Coe (either online at ReserveCalifornia, by calling or walking up day-of) and don’t require advanced reservations — another reason Coe is perfect for beginners.
Be advised that Coe can get very hot in the summer, so Verhoeven advised that this area is best enjoyed in spring, fall or winter, when daytime temperatures are relatively low. If you do go in the summer, plan to bring more water than you think — heat exhaustion can be common.
“People bring way too little water,” he said.
Some routes in Coe are quite long and steep, so make sure you know the elevation gain and mileage of the route you plan to take before you leave.
Coe’s extremely thorough website makes planning your first backpacking trip here easy, with links to trail conditions, plenty of trip recommendations and information about fees and permits. Backpacking is $5 per person per night plus entrance fees, which are either $8 or $6 per vehicle, depending on the entrance.
Coe isn’t just great for beginners — it’s a unique experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the Bay Area’s natural landscape. With miles of open space surrounding the park and no cows allowed, it’s unusually peaceful and quiet given its proximity to urban areas of the Bay. From mountain lions to acorn woodpeckers to newts, wildlife is plentiful here.
“The sounds change throughout the year,” Verhoeven said. “Spring is extra quiet because the grass and oaks have not dried up yet. Because you’re in a place that’s really quiet, you can hear sounds that you normally can’t. They are usually drowned out.”
Beginner backpacking idea 2: Castle Rock State Park
If you’re looking for a hideaway in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park might be for you.
Hiking to the Castle Rock Trail Camp is the best bet for a beginner’s backpacking trip, only a 2.7-mile hike from the main parking lot via the Saratoga Gap Trail. Another bonus: Each campsite has a picnic table and drinking water, with vault toilets are situated nearby. Plus, if the weather gets unexpectedly dicey, there’s also a camp shelter.
As for making a reservation, ample backcountry sites are available to book via a handy online form and some are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. The state park also has a calendar to help you pick a weekend best for you, and reservations are paid for over the phone — a great time to ask any questions you may have, as well as getting a water and trail conditions report.
One thing to keep in mind: Unlike at Henry Coe, no dispersed camping is allowed at Castle Rock — you must camp at designated camp spots only.
Beginner backpacking idea 3: Point Reyes National Seashore
Bothwell’s recommendation — and mine — is Point Reyes. Not only is this stunning stretch of coastline a Bay Area must-visit generally, its ample and interconnected trails make it easy to build a backpacking route that’s right for your fitness and comfort levels. The catch: Camping reservations, which also serve as your backpacking and parking permit, can be tough to snag. Your best bet is to log onto Recreation.gov before 7 a.m. exactly two weeks before your trip to try for a slot. If you strike out, keep trying — people do cancel last-minute.
Call or stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center before you start your trip to get the most up-to-date information on trail conditions and suggested routes to your campsite.
Campsites in Point Reyes are $30 per night and include parking. Just like at Castle Rock, you’ll have to camp in designated areas only, but campsite amenities include water faucets with drinkable water and vault toilets. Bothwell said that, along with the achievable hikes-in, these campsite amenities are a big reason he recommends Point Reyes to beginners. “It’s a great way to remove the variable of, hey, can I carry my gear? And can I sleep in the woods without having to deal with things like peeing and pooping and water and food storage?” he said. You’ll also find more information about camping in this area on Point Reyes’ website.
Be aware: There are black bears at Point Reyes, so make sure you’re following basic bear safety advice, including storing your food in the lockers available at the campsite. That includes any toothpaste and hygiene products, plus utensils or other gear that has any scent.
What gear should I bring backpacking?
You can find many checklists for backpacking gear online — like this Backpacking Gear List from REI or Backpacker Magazine’s own list. But remember: every item you bring, you have to carry, so don’t overdo it.
For the stuff you don’t already own, consider renting or borrowing for your first time out. It’s worth getting used to the gear and deciding if you even like backpacking before spending money on your own kit. “Allow yourself to have the mindset of a learner,” advised Bothwell.
Some beyond-the-basics packing tips that you might not have anticipated:
Test-drive key items at home
Load up your backpack itself with gear before you head out on your first trip to get used to the weight and how to pack it (remember, the heaviest items should go closest to your spine). If you’re using a new tent, make sure you do a test-run setting it up before your trip, so you’re not frantically searching for cell service to pull up a YouTube demo on your phone.
