Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board hiking ideas please

okay,,,this is not a Whitney thing...but I know someone on this board can help me

I am looking for a 3 day, 2 night backpack trip somewhere reasonably close to Los Angeles...

San Gabriels look cool...but i am having a hard time getting good info.....the "100 hikes" book is OKAY.... but the map stinks and I cannot figure out a decent way to link up a couple of the hikes...

basically I need about 25 miles or so to cover and decent access to water..... I am taking my son with me

please help...especially if you can direct me to a website or book

The Gabrielino National Recreation Trail might be what you're looking for. It starts at Chantry Flat and ends at JPL. Plenty of water along the route, and several trail camps to choose from. It can be done in two days, or a very relaxed three days.

Check the weather, though, it can be hot this time of year.

The San Gorgonio high country is really good this time of year. You could start at South Fork TH and camp at Dry Lake, or Dollar Lake and hike several of the peaks in the area.

Another option is San Jacinto. You can start by riding the Tram up from Palm Springs (heat then is not a factor). The mileages may be a bit on the lean side (Mountain Station to Top of San J is 5.5 miles). Camping and water in Round Valley (about 4 miles from Mountain Station). Great way to beat the heat.