Southern California Options

jchang16 · Post by **jchang16** » Jun 27 2002 9:39 am

Okay, I really hate posting something like this, asking for ideas outside of Arizona. But I have heard that on Friday, all of the forests will be closed to public access. For the past two weeks now I have been trying to rack my brain on finding somewhere to go for a two night backpacking trip in the middle of July and everywhere I think of is either closed due to fire or is soon to be closed. And now that the forests are going to be closed that really limits my options in Arizona and I am dying to go somewhere.

Now my question is, does anyone know of any good places to go in Southern California to go backpacking? I figure it is about 4.5 hours to San Diego, which is the same amount of time it would take to get to some of the areas here in good ol' Arizona. So, if any of you have any experience with this area, your help would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff

pixelfrog · Post by **pixelfrog** » Jun 27 2002 11:08 am

Well Joshua Tree Rocks! Literally.

But I'm sure it would be mighty hot there at this point of the summer already. Good to keep the crowds down but a little rough on hiking.

Hiking in the early morning or early evening could be very rewarding though.

Paul

Randy · Post by **Randy** » Jun 27 2002 11:12 am

JChang:

From what I've seen, most of Southern California, and New Mexico is in the same boat. some monsoon relief is probably building up in the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico (505-539-2481 Ranger Station) and the lower altitude (8,000) trails may still have running water. Other than that, the only places which show promise are the high Uintas near Salt Lake or the northern Sierras north/west of Reno. -Randy

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Jun 27 2002 11:18 am

I'd like to suggest you consider backpacking on Catalina Island. I did a weekend backpacking trip there a few years ago and it was wonderful. Mild climate, views in every direction, free roaming buffalo, camping on the beach...talk about stars at night! The conservation staff will even provide you with wood and water at your campground. We did a hike from Two Harbors to Parson's Landing and then looped back...it was spectacular.

More info can be found here
http://www.scico.com/camping/home.html

If you'd like additional information, please let me know![/list]

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Jun 28 2002 3:51 pm

Catalina Island is cool. Very foggy in the mornings all summer. Usually burns off 9-10 am. However, you may not wanna return to Arizona!

For high mountain Southern California hiking you're looking at the San Bernadino National Forest. Coming from Arizona just head out west on 1-10 as you approach Indio(the outtermost burb of Palm Springs) you'll see your two options... Both mountains are over 10k, yet will still be warmy.

Overview Map - Warning big 600k+ file!
http://hikearizona.com/t2002/dated/062802/so-cal.jpg

San Jacinto looms over Palm Springs to the South
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Most of the trails are generally around the 8k level so weatherwise it's like Summerhaven on the Catalinas but the trees here are bigger cause of more rainfall.

San Gorgonio (Big Bear) is to the North
I know that Big Bear had decent skiing last winter so it couldn't be too bad. However the higher elevations seem to be barrenish. San Bernadino Peak Divide has always looked interesting to me but I'm not into the backpack thing. Most of the trails start around the lush 5k level and steeply ascend. I've only hiked a little of the lower elevation trails.
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For either destination it's about 5 hours from PHX. You'll need an Adventure Pass. Available at any FS office and several local businesses on route. Just look for the big "Adventure Pass" sold here signs. The pass is also good for the Angeles, Los Padre and Cleveland forest.
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permits for backpackers, looks like a pain
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Lizard · Post by **Lizard** » Jun 28 2002 9:48 pm

The San Jacinto Mountains, aka the Desert Divide, are a great hike if they are open. IMO this is one of the best, most scenic hikes in Southern California, and it would be perfect in this season. Here are some photos:

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If you've got four days or so (plus drive time), you could easily backpack the entire length of the range from the Pines to Palms highway to I-10 via the Pacific Crest Trail.

Lizard