Camping - SoCal

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Somebodyelse5

Somebodyelse5

16124-75030
10 Year
Joined
Feb 9, 2014
Threads
89
Messages
4,532
Location
Tukee Town, AZ
Hey guys I am new to california, looking to go do an overnight trip somewhere next weekend. Need to get away from all the crazy city people. I am in the Orange County/LA County area.


Any cool places to check out? I was hoping for something in the range of an hour or two to the dirt. Wouldnt mind hitting some easy trails on my way in.

Would be nice if there was some hiking, rock climbing (boulder/sport), swimming, or anything cool to check out while I am there.

My rig is stock other than tires, so Im not looking for anything extreme.

Thanks!
 
Somebodyelse5 said:
Hey guys I am new to california, looking to go do an overnight trip somewhere next weekend. Need to get away from all the crazy city people. I am in the Orange County/LA County area.


Any cool places to check out? I was hoping for something in the range of an hour or two to the dirt. Wouldnt mind hitting some easy trails on my way in.

Would be nice if there was some hiking, rock climbing (boulder/sport), swimming, or anything cool to check out while I am there.

My rig is stock other than tires, so Im not looking for anything extreme.

Thanks!
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You could try the Gorman area, and go up on Alamo Mountain. It would be 1-2 hours to dirt, depending on your location in SoCal. The Hungry Valley/ Gorman area is an OHV area, so you'll need to get to the limited use area on Alamo for cool temps and some quiet.

No real rock climbing, decent hiking, you could also wade in Piru creek with all the losers.

If you want to go farther afield, take a look at the South Fork of the Kern River area, including even Monanche Meadows.

The San Jacinto Mountains are closer, but I dont know alot about them, other than the tram to the top
 
Awesome, ill definitely check those out. Honestly ill avoid marinating with losers in stagnant water haha, im really looking for a quiet mellow area. Ill look into some climbing areas that might be near (mountainproject has area based info, now i have a starting point)

Campings not frowned upon? I should also add that i am "anti-campsite" and much prefer being self sufficient...
 
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Up Hwy 38 to Big Bear there are unreserved yellow post campsites. Wheeling in the area too. Reserved campsites will be long gone and you'll need to get up their early to nab a yellow post site on a weekend.
 
where in OC/LA county area?
I'm in Ventura County...not too many "drive up and camp" roads left open up here. But i'd be willing to chime in if you have a spot in mind and want tips.
there are some bouldering spots in Malibu, and Ojai, but no camping near those.
If you really want a drive, head up to Jalama Beach, or Refugio State beach.
 
Pablo, thank you, great site. I didnt get to make it out this weekend unfortunately. Did get fresh oil in the motor this morning though :)

I will do some research and will likely post back with questions. Sadly it seems that all of the climbing crags that are in the near vicinity of the "LA Basin" have a somewhat varying, but typically large, gang/homeless/drug addict presence...which is just a huge bummer. Something about graffiti just ruins the "outdoors"

Can anyone send me some direction on what I should do to get away from all of these people/city folk yuppies who think hiking is a stroll on a dirt road and "mountainbiking" is riding a bike on anything that isnt the street? I am totally used to AZ where a simple 45 minute drive gets me to the beautiful middle of no where desert..... how do you guys handle this haha?
 
Somebodyelse5 said:
Pablo, thank you, great site. I didnt get to make it out this weekend unfortunately. Did get fresh oil in the motor this morning though :)

I will do some research and will likely post back with questions. Sadly it seems that all of the climbing crags that are in the near vicinity of the "LA Basin" have a somewhat varying, but typically large, gang/homeless/drug addict presence...which is just a huge bummer. Something about graffiti just ruins the "outdoors"

Can anyone send me some direction on what I should do to get away from all of these people/city folk yuppies who think hiking is a stroll on a dirt road and "mountainbiking" is riding a bike on anything that isnt the street? I am totally used to AZ where a simple 45 minute drive gets me to the beautiful middle of no where desert..... how do you guys handle this haha?
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I go up along Angeles crest highway often. There is a *little bit* of climbing, some MTB, a lot of hiking. You just need to drive a bit to get away from the $hitheads. Remember, 15 million people live in the "LA area" so if 0.001% go up there.....
 
Kofoed said:
I go up along Angeles crest highway often. There is a *little bit* of climbing, some MTB, a lot of hiking. You just need to drive a bit to get away from the $hitheads. Remember, 15 million people live in the "LA area" so if 0.001% go up there.....
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Any particular areas of interest up angeles crest highway?

1973Guppie said:
Big bear


...via IH8MUD app
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I was looking into heading up there this weekend, maybe doing some bouldering at the north shore boulders and some roped at fishermans buttress. Do you have any suggestions on camping, fishing, wheeling trails (for an almost stock UZJ100)? Just looking to explore a bit, and having some points of interest is a great start
 
Success!!! Forest road 2N10 in Big Bear has "yellow post" camp sites. Only needed a permit for my stove (seriously? I guess its california...)

Fishermans Buttress(t)

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I just spent a few week days near Kennedy Meadows and Monanche Meadows. The OHV crowd will show up on the weekends, but during the week it felt like I had the whole forest to myself. It was a great get away.
 
Rover4 said:
I just spent a few week days near Kennedy Meadows and Monanche Meadows. The OHV crowd will show up on the weekends, but during the week it felt like I had the whole forest to myself. It was a great get away.
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Very cool, ill look into it. unfortunately i am stuck being a weekend warrior haha
 
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