How many of you are out there? I'm in Ventura, CA. You?

Thousand Oaks here.

With visiting family we just went to the Coastal Cone, at the harbor, tonight.

We just hiked Paradise falls out there last weekend.
Nice little hidden place.

The Big OC

Pasadena here - spending more and more time in the Eastside to prepare for JMT next summer. Heading to the Charlotte Dome area next week!

Another OC here, although in a week I'll be moving to SLO.

Highland Park! Where are you all Northeast LA folks hiking w/ the 2 closed?

Pasadena as well.

Serving a life sentence in OC.

San Dimas, east of Pasadena. San Gabriels, San Bernardinos.

Torrance here. I usually day hike up in the Portuguese Bend area in PV, and just got back from a backpacking trip in SEKI.

san diego

Palm Springs. 100s of miles of trails within a 60 mile radius.

Edited by ngatel on 08/03/2010 05:16:54 MDT.

Highland Park.

La Mirada here.

Hey, grampa -- looks like we're neighbors. I live in Fullerton, near Gilbert and Rosecrans (a couple of blocks north of Amerige Heights).

Tujunga

In and around Pasadena/Glendale.

In answer to the Q about Angeles Crest: the crest is still accessible; only the lower section of ACH is closed. You drive up Big T, go left on Angeles Forest, turn right on Upper Big T, and then connect to the upper section of ACH. Adds about 30 min. to the drive, but the backcountry is open. Great time to get out in the backcountry -- the road closure has WAY reduced the number of folks in the backcountry. I did two hikes along the PCT last month. Hardly saw anyone.

And of course there's always the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains as well as the mountains in Ventura County.

BUNCHES of hikes out there. So Cal is fabulous place for hikers.

HJ

Orange County (aka Behind the Orange Curtain)

Pasadena. The station fire kind of screwed things up but there are still plenty of backpacking/hiking choices east of the the fire zone.

"Hey, grampa -- looks like we're neighbors. I live in Fullerton, near Gilbert and Rosecrans (a couple of blocks north of Amerige Heights)."

You're just down the road! I live near Rosecrans and Biola!

"You're just down the road! I live near Rosecrans and Biola!"
Cool! Want to do a day-hike in the San Gabriels sometime?

San diego.

After surfing on here, I knew some of us had to be neighbors! Some of us have probably passed each other on the trails.

Well maybe not on the trails, but most certainly on the freeways!

Scripps Ranch/Miramar refugee here. I now pass more cows than cars! Don't miss that 8 mile 50 minute commute either.

I'm in Santa Babylon. (Santa Barbara)

La Cañada Flintridge. For those out of the area we are home to JPL and are just above the Rose Bowl and our neighbors in Pasadena, Alta Dena and Glendale.

Awesome hike right in our backyard.

In the winter you'll find me at Mt. Waterman.

Santa Clarita

Jeff,

What brings you to San Luis Obispo? I've been here two years now myself. Will be happy to share any tips or insight my short time here has given me.

Morgan


P.S. Just discovered this site a few days ago... this is my first post!

Welcome aboard, Morgan!

Hi Scott(or anyone else who knows),

As the JPL guy have you been up th4 Arroyo Seco trial to the Switzers area and beyond lately? I'm just wondering if the trial is open and/or the extent of the fire damage. Thanks.

Thanks Stephen! I've been having a great time "window shopping" in the Gear Swap forum. All around terrific site!

Morgan

Poway

I'm in Corona

I'm at school in the city of Orange... anyone have some favorite trails or overnight trips in that area?

"I'm at school in the city of Orange... anyone have some favorite trails or overnight trips in that area?"
Head for the San Gabriels. (But watch out for the Angeles Crest Highway closure, which can be worked around but not ignored.)

"As the JPL guy have you been up th4 Arroyo Seco trial to the Switzers area and beyond lately? I'm just wondering if the trial is open and/or the extent of the fire damage. Thanks."

Don,

I have not been up the Arroyo Seco behind JPL and beyond since the Station Fire. That part of the Forest is closed up until sometime in September. After the fire there were stories about people being told by Rangers that if they were caught in the area they would be fined upt to $5,000.00. My brother in law rides up to Brown Mtn. a lot. It was like a moonscape after the fire.

I usually hike up from my house on a fire road that is 1/2 on County roads and the rest is Forest Service which is also supposedly closed. I have not been bothered by anyone on those hikes. I am sure you could just hike up the valley and be okay but, technically, it is still closed.

That's all I can give you.

Scott

Santa Clarita, Valencia.

I'm in Carpinteria.

I mostly stick to the local Los Padres.

Scott--Thanks for the info re Arroyo Seco. I've did an overnight into the Mt. Lowe camp earlier this year which skirted the burn area. The devastation was amazing to see.

San Diego. Univesity City specifically. Got a nice little canyon trail down to the train tracks in my backyard.

I live in Tujunga. Wanted to check out more of the Angeles Forest, but due to the fires, I can't explore my "backyard". I was planning on learning it real well.

All,

I'm a newbie (not to camping but to backpacking) and am looking for a nice 1-2 night out and back type trip for me, my wife and 11 yr old daughter. Nothing to strenuous the first time out. We live in Tehachapi so anywhere in the Lone Pine to Bishop area would be good. Any suggestions?

Thanks

a fellow OCer.

Wow, didn't realize there were so many Orange County folk on the forums.
I myself was born and raised behind the orange curtain in Huntington Beach, did a 4 year stint in Santa Barbara for undergrad (Go Gauchos!), but am facing life here in Boston (oh the woes of adult responsibility and career choices.) Miss that California sun...you guys have it good. I always try to make a quick Mt. Baldy trip when I'm back home though

Im in Menifee, which is between riverside and temecula

La Jolla/UTC

East County San Diego. Spring Valley.

Altadena, exactly 1 mile from the Angeles National Forest border.

So when are us SoCal folks going to do some local trips?

+1 Craig. The Bay area has their yearly meetups. You guys gotta rep the better half ;)

Chula Vista. I am surprised how many people are from the San Diego area.

+1 on a SoCal meetup.

San Diego Here!

So when are us SoCal folks going to do some local trips?

I thought we did. But you were the only other person who showed up :)

"I am surprised how many people are from the San Diego area"

Shouldn't be. With the weather down there you don't need much gear at all most of the year.

Just keep in mind all of you So CA folks, we are on our 3rd year and have it down. Let's see what you guys can do!

The EAST East County, Lake Morena, Ca.

Chad, do you know Mike? Last I saw him was in early March. I saw him a couple times though since he was spending a lot of time on the PCT.

Who might Mike be? Got a last name?

Oops, his name is Rick. I don't know his last name.

Not sure without a last name, but I don't know any Rick's that backpack off the top of my head.

I have no idea on his last name. I know that he was helping with the concrete work with the cabins at Lake Morena earlier this year and that he was training to hike to Big Bear.

I hope the Cowboy fire stays away from you guys. It looks to be on the PCT and was heading in your general direction.

A little late joining this post, but a SoCal get-together would be welcome this spring. I'm in Laguna Beach.

Uhm, me too. Costa Mesa. Fun local hikes. Just did the Newport Back Bay yesterday.

Highland Park!

I'm in Highland Park, near Pasadena. With the 2FWY closure I hike mainly in the Mt. Baldy area. Look forward to a meet up!

I'm interested in a SoCal get together in the spring. I'm in OC/North San Diego County area. Just let me know!

Michael

Hey all. The get together did happen. This thread is a year old.

Come to Coe in Feb.!

I'm also interested in a spring get-together this year. I'm in La Mirada, a small community near the 5 and the 91. Not much local for hiking, unless you like to dodge mountain bikers on the Fullerton Loop! ;)

Long Beach here. a 2012 get together would be fun =)

Pasadena. Many years ago I use to hike in San Gabriel Mountains with my kids, but now backpack mainly in Sierras, generally starting on Eastern side. A 2012 get-together would be fun.

I'm down there for work almost once a month it seems. I come down for your lovely toxic waste sites. Perchlorate in Beaumont, gasoline in Riverside, 7 million gallons of jet fuel under Victorville, and just about every contaminant in Carson. Then I fly home to Kenai Alaska for most of my hiking and life.

But if I'm down there when you're getting together, that would be cool.

A 2012 get-together would be fun for the southern CA BPL contingent.

We did a small one last spring in the Sespe Wilderness behind Ojai. Had about a dozen folks show up from around central CA and LA-areas. Good times, hope it can come together again this year.

see last year's trip report here

-Nick

I forgot when I originally posted, but I'd be up for a GTG. That'd be great. The Sespe looks awesome. I'd love to get a chance to explore it.

When are we going?
The Sespe is always a good local spot.
I could probably round up a posse of other local derelicts.

Hey Warren,

I'm actually in Costa Mesa as well! I go running at the back bay all the time. On a hiking hiatus due to some injuries right now though.

I'm in Northern San Joaquin Valley (Stockton area), have considered for several years to try a winter-early Spring Southern CA hike, when our area is in deep tule fog.

Keep us in mind.

Bakersfield. Not quite So Cal, but a 2-3 hour drive is doable. Hell, I've driven 3 hours one way just to eat at the Whitney Restaurant.

Coe is definitely on my list, just depends on my work situation.

Edited by TRAUMAhead on 12/21/2011 12:29:04 MST.

Jeff, cool to know there's another BPLer here in Costa Mesa. I like to hike the Back Bay or the Duck Club for their scenic beauty and to keep up my fitness. Give me a PM if you'd like to do one of those. I usually do 5-8 miles and it just takes a few hours.

North San Diego Here (Oceanside).

I think that if we have a get-together (SoCal Gathering of the Gear Geeks or SCGGG) it should be relatively central, so its not a gnarly drive for the San Diego contingent. San Gorgonio perhaps? Joshua tree (maybe a little far)?

"North San Diego Here (Oceanside).

I think that if we have a get-together (SoCal Gathering of the Gear Geeks or SCGGG) it should be relatively central, so its not a gnarly drive for the San Diego contingent. San Gorgonio perhaps? Joshua tree (maybe a little far)?"

Jace,

I'm in North County, too. Good call on both of those spots. I was just in J Tree in November and had a blast. Gorgonio would be great and I'll throw San Jacinto into the mix, too, if we all start looking in the southern SoCal areas.

Michael

Bakersfield also, Christopher I have some hikes scheduled for this year, if you're interested shoot me a PM. One is coming up here real soon, New Years Eve in south Yosimite.

Jack

I live in Manhattan Beach. I think it would be great if we had a southern california group that met up occasionally.

I started a PCT Meetup for those interested in Section Hiking:

http://www.meetup.com/Pacific-Crest-Trail-Hiking-and-Backpacking-Meetup-Group/

Also in Costa Mesa and would be interested in a local backpack. I don't have a whole lot of experience with local trails.

John,

Ya, I'm just getting to know the one's in our back yard. The back bay and the duck club are two that are fun. And Laguna Canyon has some neat walks. I've only done one of them but hope to do more soon. Many of them are point-to-point so you need a car at both ends.

I bet there are others in the nearby locale who'd like to do a GTG at least a few times a year. I'm gonna look at Todd's invite.

Jeff, you interested?

Hi Warren,

The Sespe Wilderness and Anza Borrego hikes mentioned above sound great for a weekend. I've done the Oak Flat hike from the Candy Store a few times but it is very dry. San Mateo Canyon photo displayed in the Photo or Post Trip forum appears to have plenty of water....just some thoughts.

John

I'd be interested. I'm working a lot of weekends right now, but I can try and make myself available.

I'm interested in the hikes you mention John, but was more interested in doing local hikes in Newport, Irvine, and Laguna Hills during the winter months. Most of the time is spent on the trail instead of driving to a destination. Plus, it keeps me in shape for the more strenuous hikes. Maybe yourself, Jeff, and I can coordinate some nearby walks, if you two are interested. Sorry I didn't get back sooner. Happy New Years everyone.

For those of you in the OC area interested in some day hikes until an overnighter can be worked out, I'm up for that. I'm pretty familiar with the Cleveland National Forest hikes off of the Ortega Hwy and the Holy Jim Trail, Laguna Canyon Wilderness, Aliso & Woods Canyon, etc. Holy Jim to Santiago Peak is a great hike, about 16 miles round trip and a great way to stay in shape with a big elevation change (though you never get over 5500 feet total) for those of you that like to stay sharp for peak bagging.

I'm a little under the weather right now, but send me a PM or post something here and let's hit the trail.

Michael
(SoCal Mike)

Mike, cool. I've done a few hikes in those areas you mentioned. But 16 miles round trip would kill me. I usually do something over five and under ten. I did 7.1 on the Millard Canyon hike in the San Gabriels last Monday. Four hours with a few stops and 1600'/1600' gain/loss. Was fun, but took all day by the time I drove from Costa Mesa to Altadena, eat before trail, then drive home and eat out again. That's why I'm looking to do local for a while. -I know my local isn't your local.- Anyway, it would be fun for some of us to get together. Short drives to a 3-4 hour hike and we could use 1/2 to 2/3 day and still have a little time left over.

@ Warren: OC is pretty local for me. I work there, just live down south. So a day hike in your area is cool with me.

The next time I get a day hike organized, I'll put out a post here and anyone who is interested is more than welcome to join in. I'll mix it up between shorter and longer hikes.

I look forward to meeting with some fellow BPLers.

Michael

Likewise Mike. I look forward to getting out.

Moving to San Diego this coming April and can't wait.

If anyone is interested in some hikes near Santa Clarita, Ventura, Angeles Crest, let me know.

Mike

I'd be interested in joining you guys on some day hikes. Just let me know when you have something planned.

This thread is so long, I thought a list of those interested in participating would help. I can also do this with a direct pm link.

Edited by leaftye on 12/31/2011 22:01:33 MST.

Hi
I'm in Santa Monica, my main hiking partner is my 8 year old daughter. We have mainly been car camping JTree, Yosemite, Sequoia. I would like to start introducing her to backpacking over nights this year and some snow camping if it ever comes.

If there is anyone with children around the same age that would like to plan an over night that would be great. I was thinking about taking the tram up in palm springs and hiking to Round Valley for her first winter camping experience.

Best

Calabasas (West San Fernando Valley). I am including a cool link that I found for local hikes. I have used this in a couple of places atround the country. We have been on a number of hikes in the LA area and just completed the Backbone Trail (70 miles total) in the Santa Monica mountains. Best regards - Jon

http://www.localhikesbeta.com/default.aspx#list/cityzipbox/91302/40

SoCal BPLers…

Many of us SoCal BPLers have been talking about getting together for local hikes so I thought I’d get the ball rolling.

On January 28, 2012, I’m planning on hiking to Sitton Peak in the San Mateo Wilderness.

Some Details:

Date – Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012
Time - 9:00 a.m. start time. (BY POPULAR DEMAND, NEW START TIME IS 9 A.M. Please try to arrive a little early)
Destination - Sitton Peak (3273 Feet elevation, 2150 elevation gain)
Length of Trip – About 10 miles, round trip.
Difficulty –Moderate, with a steep incline for the last .5 mile to get to the peak (poles recommended).
Duration – About 3.5 to 4 hours including some time to enjoy the peak’s view.
Notes – Bring water and food. There’s no water along the trail. You need an Adventure Pass to park. The candy store across the street from the parking lot usually sells them if you don’t already have one but I recommend getting one in advance.

More details and directions posted in the Trip Announcement/Hiking Partner forum.

PM me or post questions on the Trip Announcement/Hiking Partner forum.

Michael

Edited by SoCalMike on 01/21/2012 08:07:30 MST.

San Diego, next to Mission Trails park

Its near Hesperia and Phelan...but not as far north as Victorville...
You probably stopped to pee, get gas, or eat at In-n-Out on your way to Vegas 5 min from my house.
So much Hiking near by its like the mountains taunt me....

Darn near anywhere In Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and probably Ventura with enough notice to plan a ride...
I want intot he group...whats the initiation? Is there like a Fraternity pledge thing happening? I will eat sardines and hot peppers while running naked through a crowded mall parking lot to get in....wait that sounded to desperate...BUT I HAVE ALMOST NO HIKING BUDDIES!!!!!!! lol

There are organized outdoor groups all over Southern California that do hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering. Take your pick.

--B.G.--

but this thread has kinda evolved into a sorta BPL hiking group....and i was just trying to be funny....

The Southern California BPL society has completed their first hike. see link for report in the Post Trip forum

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=58866