hello all so where should i go first?

[Duskimp]

Have all of tomorrow free and wanted to try hiking something more serious than wandering on angeles crest trails. The peak of san jacinto seems fun but is it good to go for someone that doesnt know anything? I searched and see that it can get crowded which im not a fan of and that it might still be slushy snow. Not after anything dangerous either so is this something better left for springtime?

Just looking for a nice hike that will take the better part of a day and at the end there is a destination instead of just wandering off the trail and ending up on the angeles crest highway. Not in bad shape so dont have to go too esay.

EDIT for the peak it seems the easiest method is to take the tram up and there is a clear trail from there to the top right? That was the trail i was looking at and referring to.

[Zé]

The peak of san jacinto seems fun but is it good to go for someone that doesnt know anything?

No

Well, at least not now when there's plenty of snow. You'll need winter gear specific to the conditions which I think others on this board know much more about.

What's this about stumbling on the ACH? There are plenty of trails that stay away from maintained roads

[Duskimp]

I guess a large part of my problem is not being able to indentify what really is a trail or not then as I just get off at a random spot on the ACH usually somewhere around the firestation by the little river somewhere after big tujunga canyon road and find a path and just start following. Anything easy to follow that leads me somewhere in angeles crest? Just want to spend a day outdoors and walk with a destination instead of just wandering till im tired then finding the road and going home.

[FIGHT ON]

careful now, you don't wanna end up looking like me do ya?

[Duskimp]

Me? end up looking like that? Impossible!

You're clearly the better dresser.

So anyone know something a bit more beginner friendly?

[AlanK]

It seems as it you would profit from a trip to Sport Chalet, REI, or something along those lines. Get a trail map of the Angeles National Forest and a copy of John Robinson's book Trails of the Angeles. There are many great trails available. They are not much harder to find than picking random spots off the highway, but it helps to know where to look.

[phydeux]

. . . and if you want to visit the San Bernardino or San Jacinto Mountains, get the other book by John Robinson: San Bernardino Mountain Trails. It contains hikes throughout The San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and Santa Rosa Mountains.

We don't want you ending up like 'Jack' in The Shining, nor as a 'Tommy': looking ridiculously deaf, dumb, and blind while bouncing between trees like a wayward pinball.

[halhiker]

Right now, the desert really is the best place to hiking. I went to Joshua Tree two of the past three days and it was beautiful. Also, the weather in the Palm Springs area has been spectacular. I'd recommend the West Fork of Palm Canyon or the Garstin Trail to Murray Peak or Murray Canyon or the Art Smith Trail or just about anything else out here.

Granted, it's a long drive from LA but if you've got a full day or a weekend, it's awesome. You can get some good mileage in and not have to worry about anything but having enough water.