Need overnight backpacking area recommendations.

[BryanL]

Hey guys, new to the board here. My friends and I are looking to do a weekend trip in 2 weeks and wanted to check out Idylwild and the San Jacinto area. We have cold weather gear (no crampons) and wanted a recommendation on where might be a good place to start. 10-12 miles max and we dont want to do more than 3k in elevation gain. Something nice and easy. Where would you recommend? Thanks for all the help!!

Also, if there is somewhere else in SoCal that you think might be a good trip instead i'm open to suggestions. We are in San Diego and don't want to drive more than 4 hours.

[Ulysses]

Hi BryanL. Are you looking to do some snow camping? With the expected snow this week I would think that most of the hikes around Idyllwild might require snow shoes to get into the high country (unless you especially like postholing). There are a ton of great backpack trips to be had this time of year in the area if you want to avoid the snow. Cactus Springs trail is one of my favorites. The PCT from highway 79. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has a ton of great options as does Joshua Tree National Park. We hiked the Stubbe Springs trail in JTNP last weekend and had a great time (temps in the high 20s at night). I also like the Whitewater area this time of year as long as the winds aren't too bad.