SoCal Backcountry

[FOX]

Hey all,

It's been forever since I've posted and I'm doing this in multiple places...so forgive the redundancy:)

After 42 years of living in Utah, life has relocated me to Southern California. For this desert rat, losing my close proximity to the Colorado plateau has been difficult and hard to take. Gone are the quick overnight trips to everything south of I-70. Distances are much greater here and more planning is required. So, I'm throwing a shout out to my other SoCal backcountry adventurers to point me in the right direction...or even take pity and invite me along haha. I know there have to be amazing places to see and explore here and I'm hoping I can discover areas nearby that don't require a 7 hour car trip. I've heard of the canyons in the San Gabriel's and Death Valley. I know there are amazing backpacking routes along the PCT (the John Muir trail especially). What about the Mojave? I'm an experienced canyoneer and used to the wide open spaces as well as a fellow solitude seeker. I'm definitely not one for following the beaten path.

Any info will be greatly appreciated!