hiking clubs? finding people to hike with?

[sonya]

hello all -

I'm Sonya. I'm pretty new to hiking in Southern California -- I'm pretty new to hiking in general -- but I'd like to do it more here. I've spent the last year traveling and doing some tea house treks (Leaping Tiger trail in China, and Annapurna circuit and Everest region in Nepal), and I did some small backpacking trips in the tame Pyrenees, but I don't really have any experience with being self sufficient in the wild. I'd like to go on a two day trip -- not long enough to die from lack of skills or exposure, but challenging enough to be fun and give me a taste of what doing the John Muir trail next year might be like-- but I'm a little nervous about doing it alone. It'd be good to go with someone else, since I'm sure I won't be prepared or knowledgeable enough.. (I'm better at asking "Which way?" in Nepali than reading a map). An REI employee was telling me about how great San Jacinto is, and I really miss being in the mountains and I don't want to go too far a drive away from the LA area. None of my old friends here are interested in backpacking. Anyone know where/how I can find people to go hiking with? And, any trail recommendations?

much thanks

[hikehigh]

Check out these Meet Up Groups and the Outdoors Club.

[phydeux]

If you just want to go for a hike, the area at the top of the Palm Springs Tramway is fairly benign. Lots of folks on the well-worn trail between the tram and the summit every weekend, so you're not really 'alone.' You can also backpack into Round Valley for an overnight trip; its only 2 miles in from the Tram (get an overnight permit in advance - its a popular area).

Local trails can also be found in John Robinson's San Bernardino Monutain Trails (includes the San Jacinto Mountains) and his Trails of the Angeles. Both are available at most bookstores, Amazon.com, and REI.

[Hikin_Jim]

Check out these Meet Up Groups and the Outdoors Club.

Both good, although there's a fee to join the Outdoors Club. The Sierra Club (no, they're not all eco-nazis) has a lot of outings, the vast majority of which are free (there tends to be a cost for overnight trips). You don't have to become a member to go on an outing (there might be one or two exceptions).

Here is a link to their Online Schedule of Activities. You might have to play with the settings a bit to see what you want.

And of course you can link up with people on this board. Just watch out for a certain blonde who has an affinity for dense brush and demonic cougars (inside joke).

[AlanK]

The Sierra Club (no, they're not all eco-nazis) has a lot of outings, the vast majority of which are free (there tends to be a cost for overnight trips). You don't have to become a member to go on an outing (there might be one or two exceptions).

Here is a link to their Online Schedule of Activities. You might have to play with the settings a bit to see what you want.

Not all eco-nazis? I guess that makes me curious about the percentage that are!

While we're on this generous streak:
Not all Democrats are socialists.
Not all Republicans are fascists.
Not all USC fans are drooling idiots.

[Hikin_Jim]

The Sierra Club (no, they're not all eco-nazis) has a lot of outings...

Not all eco-nazis? I guess that makes me curious about the percentage that are!

Um, well, I've had some interactions with someone who was just a tad extreme.

While we're on this generous streak:
Not all Democrats are socialists.
Not all Republicans are fascists.
Not all USC fans are drooling idiots.

Doh! Comment wants to come out, comment wants to come out.

[lilbitmo]

"AlanK wrote
Not all USC fans are drooling idiots.

Are you sure about that? Is there Imperical evidence to support that - LOL JK

[FIGHT ON]

im famous i tell ya, FAMOUS!
you guys can't stop thinking about good ol FIGHT ON can ya?!
I'm not that bad, you just have to get to know me!
here. have you ever seen such an honest face as this?!

[tinaballina]

Welcome Sonya, from all the information everyone has given you i think you should be set. Look forward to seeing you on the trail in fall.

[Zé]

http://www.meetup.com/SoCal-Hikers-and-Peakbaggers/

mostly dayhikes here though. checkout LA backpackers club on meetup too.