Pa and I want to escape the city for a few days.

December 2, 2010 10:08 AM

Your ideas for a 3-day (preferably outdoor) adventure in southern or central California with my dad.

I'm visiting my dad in Los Angeles and he has a few vacation days he wants to use next week. We go backpacking together every summer, and we certainly don't mind sleeping in his truck, but I don't have any of my gear with me this time. That means we can't go anywhere too cold or too rugged. If you have an idea for an urban adventure, I'd love to hear that, too. We're game for just about anything, as long as we can drive there in fewer than six hours.

posted by HotPatatta to travel & transportation around California (12 answers total)

Have you been to Sequioa and Kings Canyon? They're only a few hours drive from LA. I don't know about the weather this time of year, though.
posted by something something at 10:13 AM on December 2, 2010

The state park at Anza Borrego is beautiful this time of year. Pleasant during the day, crisp and cold at night with gorgeous stars. It looks like the park will be open (they are closing some state parks).
posted by agatha_magatha at 10:17 AM on December 2, 2010

Death valley stays pretty warm. Sleep at the Racetrack, one of the darkest skies in the Lower 48.
posted by notsnot at 10:21 AM on December 2, 2010

Channel Islands?

Jalama Beach?

Both are lovely.
posted by dersins at 10:39 AM on December 2, 2010

Mineral King is a bit of a hidden gem.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:40 AM on December 2, 2010

If you're up for an urban adventure, you could follow the Big Parade stairway walk route. It's ~35 miles total.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 10:58 AM on December 2, 2010

Joshua Tree? Indian Cove will be warmer for camping than the main park.
posted by doctord at 11:04 AM on December 2, 2010

Seconding Joshua Tree! You can rent gear from Joshua Tree Outfitters if you need it.
posted by chez shoes at 11:26 AM on December 2, 2010

Another vote for Joshua Tree. Looks like temps are running in the mid-60s during the day and upper 30s at night.
posted by scody at 12:28 PM on December 2, 2010

We've been to Jalama, Joshua Tree, and the Sequoias, but now I'm thinking it might be time for us to revisit Joshua Tree for some rock scramblin'. Thanks for the suggestions!
posted by HotPatatta at 6:16 PM on December 2, 2010

Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Sequoia, or the PCH to San Francisco. Have a super good time, wherever you choose.
posted by TheClonusHorror at 6:49 AM on December 3, 2010

I appreciate all your suggestions! We spent a couple of nights camping under the stars--and in frigid nighttime temps!--in Joshua Tree and we had a super time together. What a great place.
posted by HotPatatta at 10:20 AM on December 11, 2010