Overnight Hikes in SoCal

This time of year to avoid snow, try Big Sur
Bothers Gap to Pat Spring and a day hike to double cone etc.

I dont get out that way much. closer toward LA theres a few. Lytle creek up to icehouse saddle is a good dayhike and if you start at the road it would be a bit longer, maybe 5 miles flat and 8 moderate. just turn back when you hit the snow. clean water all the way and plenty of good camping. Also Joshua Tree is only about hour and a half for you. Seems like San Jacinto should have a few but I dont know.

It's a little out of your desired area but how about the southern Los Padres National Forest? You could plan any number of hikes into the Sespe Wilderness from out behind Ojai/Santa Paula/Filmore of Hwy 126, 150 or 33. You could even start from out by Frazier Park or Pyramid Lake area off the I-5.

I'd assume the Angeles National Forest has some overnight opportunities as well but I've never hiked there so I can't give you any specifics.

Another option is the Santa Monica Mtns behind Malibu. I've day hiked some of these trails but I understand there's some opportunities for overnight trips. Reliable water sources might be a little spotty though.

There are overnight hikes in the coastal foothills in Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove State Park has some trails and three overnight camp sites (no reservation needed). Here’s a link to a map of the area: Crystal Cove map

SGWA has info on the trails around San Gorgonio if you’re into trying out winter/snow gear: SGWA

David, if you're just looking for some gear check out type hikes, the San Gabriel Mountains here in So. Cal. have some good spots. Idlehour Trail Camp, Spruce Grove Trail Camp, and Hoegee's Trail Camp all are still open in the post Station Fire era. I was just up at Spruce Grove on Saturday, and it's a nice spot for a quick weekender.

You can get more info on these from the USFS web site for Angeles National Forest.

HJ

Here's a loop that you can do from Chantry Flats which is above Arcadia, CA, that goes up to Spruce Grove and Hoegee's trail camps. This can be done as a day hike as well, but for gear checkouts, it makes a nice hike, and its very accessible. Hoegee's is in my opinion over used, but Spruce Grove only had one camper in it when I was there on Saturday.

If you want a little longer loop, take in the Summit of Mt. Wilson which will add about 7 more miles IIRC.

HJ

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