backpacking in socal

[calmedic]

Anyone have any ideas on where to take a 2-3 day backpacking trip? I was thinking mt san antonio/sanjacinto area? Mabey even up towards lake issabella or sequoia? Any recomendations would be appreciated.

[dedub]

Depends on what you consider SoCal. If you're in the Eastern Sierras near Bishop, check out the North Fork Big Pine Creek area. If you're in the Western Sierras near Bakersfield, check out the Sierra Trail, which starts out of Kings Canyon. If you're in LA proper, head east to Big Bear. Finally, if you're near OC or San Diego, check out Idyllwild as a base for several hikes at elevation (from 5,000' up to 12,000'). It may be still too hot, but for pure desert hiking, check out Anza Borrego and/or Joshua Tree.

[350oshin]

check out sespi wilderness it is beautiful

[ThemBastards]

I have been contemplating a Lake Elsinore to San Clemente trip but it would be more than a 3 day trek I think. Plus you have the marine base but it can be done. I want to do it. Maybe a Fall or Winter start date would be good.

[Hunt]

head to the Sierras

[TrailerparkTrash]

Off topic slightly, but i have a friend that is a psycho! Hes retired and has hiked the Pacific Crest Trail 5 times.

To the OP, lake isabella area in the Piaute mountains (south side of the lake) is awesome! Bring a handgun for protection however. Also, avoid dear season which is now (bow) and next month (general rifle). Too many hillbillys up there during dear season. Outside of that, its awesome!

[78USN98]

Spent a lot of time in Anza Borrego years ago. Being a Colorado mountain boy, again many years ago, I can honestly say that the California Desert areas are some of the most beautiful! I thoroughly enjoy the hikes in the San Jouqain Mountain areas also.

[bubbagump]

San Gabriel Mountains
Sespe
San Bernardino National Forest
Joshua Tree

[prc104]

Wherever you do decide to go backpacking in SoCal, a big issue is water. You either have to pack it in or make very sure there will be water where you are going to stop for the night.

So a water filter might be on your list.

Back in the day Whitewater canyon was good, San Gorgonio Peak, and San Jacinto peak were good trips. They all have some water throughout the year. Haven't been there in a while though.

A good training hike with full gear is the trail that starts from the Palm Springs Museum and you can go all the way up to the Tramway in a day. Then take the tram down. Check out your gear and your body at the same time... before you hit the trail for 3 days!!

Have Fun!

[calmedic]

I appreciate all the advice. Does anyone know of a website with maps/guides for any of these hikes. Also anyone with experience on the High Sierra Trail? How late in the season can I go before my 3 season gear isn't enough?

[kemasa]

San Gorgonio is nice, especially staying at the peak. I prefer to do it two days up and one day down.

As it gets colder, there are many places to go in Joshua Tree.