Backpacking Near LA (5-hour drive) in Early July

[BH]

We have a Rae Lakes permit with an entry date of June 30th, but it looks like conditions could make the trip all but useless – as stream crossings in both directions could be impassable. We knew the south fork bridge was out, but thought we’d be able to hike counterclockwise and make it to Glen Pass or Kearsarge Lakes. However, as of 6/18, Bubbs creek near Bailey Bridge is too swift to cross, and that’s only 2 miles from the trailhead. Going to call the wilderness office today, but it sounds like we’d be wasting our time.

If we can’t get a refund for our flight to LA, any thoughts on good backpacking within say a 4-hour drive of LA? Finding somewhere that isn’t sweltering hot is the challenge.

[Matthew / BPL]

What is San Jacinto like in the summer? I’ve never been up there.

[Ben H.]

There is lots of backpacking near LA.  What are you looking for (distance, elevation changes, streams or desert?).  The Trans-Catalina Trail, San Jacinto Wilderness, lots of places in Angeles NF, Los Padres NF, Cleveland NF, San Bernardino NF, Joshua Tree NP, Death Valley NP, Channel Islands NP… all of that stuff will be hikable in July.

edit: ok, noticed you specified not too hot.  July isn’t usually our hot season, but if you are inland at low elevation it can get hot.  How about: Trans-Catalina Trail or San Jacinto Wilderness.  The PCT goes by LA at about 8k feet… nice and cool, not snowed in or impassable water crossings.  You can take the Palm Spring Aerial Tram to San Jacinto SP and have a nice trip.  You can also drive to Idlewild and get to the same area.

[Art …]

so your permit is for Rae Lakes Loop entering on the “west side”.

have you considered entering via Onion Valley on the east side ? permits are pretty easy to get, and that opens up several opportunities.

San Jacinto is a reasonably nice place, but its no Sierra, and not something I would fly in special for.

[Jane Baack]

Suggest you phone Cedar Grove Pack Station. They will know current situation as they have to know what’s safe/unsafe for their clients. They do the Rae Lakes Loop so they know both routes from Road’s End.

Second, if you can’t do the Rae Lakes Loop at all, rent a car in L.A., drive to Mammoth and, starting from Agnew Meadows, do the Thousand Island Lake Loop-absolutely gorgeous. Hike from Agnew Meadows to Th. Island, then to Ruby, Garnet, Ediza as an extra if time, on to Shadow Lake then back to Agnew or from Shadow Lake take the JMT to Red’s Meadow then the shuttle to your car. Get the new permit in town of Mammoth Lakes. Show them your permit for Rae Lakes and beg for mercy!! and a new permit for Th. Island Lake Loop. Check with Red’s Meadow Pack Station (or people at the store or café) to get latest, current info. Good luck!

[Andrew Stevens]

I would think you could do a good loop out of Horseshoe Meadow to Mitre Basin or towards Mt. Langley.  I just did Cloudripper out of South Lake yesterday, and it was really good.  I looked toward Baker Creek out of Big Pine, and it looked fine.  The snow is melting pretty quickly so another week or two should be a lot better.  Went up to Paiute Pass last week and that was fine.  More snow than not above 10,000, but pretty manageable.

[Author]

Posts