hey guys im in los angeles in the santa monica area and i was wondering what your guys favorite spots are around here to drive and go camp and what not. im just looking for a place that i could go with a couple friends on a weekend with a relaxing drive with mild wheeling and good scenery and just chill. i was thinking about beaches in slo but i was wondering if theres anythign closer to me.

im new to this area btw and want to explore some good stuff. tell me what your favorite spot is.

 

Hungry valley is pretty nice, and the miller jeep trail is amazing, but I think Miller is closed right now because it was damaged in some fires a little while ago.

 

rowher flats (sp?)
hungry valley
big bear
azusa canyon
cleghorn (off the 15)
joshua tree

 

Baja

 

Cleveland national forest is pretty nice for those day trips, nothing extreme.

trails up in lake arrowhead and bigbear are nice.

go buy this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Calif...e=UTF8&s=books

 

Hands down Joshua Tree and the Dale Mine district in that same area! LOTS to see and LOTS to do!!
Click the picture for the album:

 

I live right around the Santa Monica area too, and I've been looking for some good trails as well. I found this book to be a good resource: http://www.amazon.com/Backcountry-Ad.../dp/1930193041. If you are interested in any weekend runs let me know.