Topic: Multi Day Hike Suggestions...

[SCUBA_Dale]

Hey guys and gals,

I've been inspired to go on a multi day backpacking trip.  Being that this would be something I've never done before, I am up for suggestions for a good place to start, specifically in SoCal.  I've got the basics down for what to bring..but am up for suggestions on some things you bring that most people wouldn't think about.  Thanks guys!

[FrankB]

It's been a while, but one of my favorite places was always Mt. San Jacinto State Park.  I generally short-cut the hike in by taking the tramway up from Palm Springs.  The longest I ever stayed up there was 4 days.  The coldest was an overnight between Christmas and New Years when there was 8' of snow up there.  That is where I learned (the hard way) that you should not try to walk backwards on snowshoes with a large pack on your back.  If you're new at this, you may wish to save this area for a warmer season however; it is probably a bit chilly up there right now. It really is quite beautiful though.

If you're willing to carry all your water, there are some spots in Anza Borrego that would be nice this time of year.  Same for Joshua Tree (but a lot colder right now).

[knightrider]

If possible, plan a route that makes it possible to have water dropped off or available so you don't have to carry it all. 

[RBduffer]

Take a lab top and some hot chocolate, find a cabin and watch someone else do it on youtube

[Jayrat]

Take a lab top and some hot chocolate, find a cabin and watch someone else do it on youtube

^^^^^
or hire a Sherpa

[Ghost65]

Hey guys and gals,

I've been inspired to go on a multi day backpacking trip.  Being that this would be something I've never done before, I am up for suggestions for a good place to start, specifically in SoCal.  I've got the basics down for what to bring..but am up for suggestions on some things you bring that most people wouldn't think about.  Thanks guys!

Common sense and baby wipes.

Wear a good wide brimmed hat to protect #1...and stay clean while packing lightly with #2.

A few questions....

Will you be trekking solo or with a group?

If solo...take Jordan's/knightrider's advice and plan your hydration carefully.  Either prep to carry, cache, or filter what you will need.  If you are filtering, check area water stores for history and frequency.  Nothing worse than counting on water, and finding none.

If in a group...distribute your heavy-er camp items amongst a few of the hikers.  You can pack with more comfort this way, and group hiking is more fun if you know the folks you will be sharing a pit toilet with.

When will you be hiking? 

To Frank B.'s point, the local mountains are great, lots of access to the PCT and other great hikes, but the lower desert will be more temperate during the day.  Less water there though.

Finally, I work at a place that has great hiking resources...PM me and maybe we can meet to discuss your plans at the place where my W2 sleeps. 

[Celt]

I have been thinking over the last couple of days about what advice I might give since you are asking for it here. There has already been some really great stuff put out there for you. If I could interject something to think about is doing something that's well within your present capabilities. Your pack weight is going to play a huge factor. Since you have not done overnight backpacking if I could make the suggestion of going somewhere like Idyllwild/Cuyamaca and get a campsite. Do long day hikes returning to the car camp site and try not to use all the available facilities like the water and stuff from your car. Try using just what you packed. If you get into a jam the stuff is there. The reason I suggest this is so you can get used to packing. Set up and take down your tent each morning and pack it with you and all your gear to include water. If you need to return to your campsite it's no big deal because of inclement weather or a minor sprain etc. Think of it as something of a safety net getting used how to do all of this. You don't want to be out somewhere 15 miles out and remember you forgot to pack fuel for your stove or that you forgot your insulated pad and spend a night freezing. 

Medium to long day hikes hauling all your stuff will really give you a great idea what you can haul, what you want to haul and what you must haul. If you get out there quite some distance from your car camp spot and are doing well find a nice spot and set up camp, all the better. Get some decent back country navigation skills especially if you are going to be in the woods and not with well worn trails as you can easily get turned around. Basic first aid is helpful too. Without going on too long here I think you are going to find you really enjoy yourself out there!

[SCUBA_Dale]

Thank you for the suggestions!  I don't ever plan on going by myself...never know what could happen.  Lemans(Fire Ninja) and I have been talking about doing part of the PCT.  I like the suggestion on loading up our bags and doing a day hike to get acclimated with the weight.  I'll keep you guys posted on our progress, or if we just scrap the idea, .  Maybe we'll just get "labtops" and watch Les Stroud on Youtube...

[FrankB]

As long as you are careful it is probably okay to go by yourself.   Maybe just start with an overnight.   I used to do overnight and 2-night hikes by myself a lot when I was younger.  Of course, it was not by choice as much as I could not always find someone pleasant to go with me.   It's easier in the summer when the nights are shorter.  I can still remember one of the longest nights I ever spent was alone on Mt. San Jacinto, in late December on 8' of snow, in a slightly defective rented tent, freezing my ass off.  I still went out alone after that, but in warmer climate; once was enough for the whole snowshoeing into a high elevation camp and deep snow thing.  It was beautiful though.

There are some parts of the PCT in San Diego County that are nice, except if it's too dry and you forget to notice the large ant hill you've set your tent on top of.  There is also a little valley off of Palomar Divide Truck Trail that is popular; and very scenic. It's been years since I've been there so I'm blanking on the name, but it was really scenic, and has a stream running down the middle of it.

Celt's suggestions are very good.