Hello members! This is my first time planning a back country, overnight trip so I wanted to go somewhere not too far, just one night with my nephews and I, I've read a lot of the forum posts on what gear to take and what not but now as where to go....I did some research but I'd like to go somewhere within 1-1.5hr drive of riverside CA, I was thinking big bear but I wanted to know if anyone recommended anywhere else? And if big bear what are some good moderate-difficult trails? We'd like to do some fishing, or at least be close to a stream or lake. I'd like to do 18-22 miles round trip, probably early-mid September this year. I've done plenty of one day outings 11 mile+ round trip but I want to keep it basic since some of my nephews haven't gone more that 7-8 mile on difficult rated trails. (All 16 years old+)

Thanks, any advice would be appreciated!

The areas around Big Bear are good. San Gorgonio Mountain has at least three different approaches. San Jacinto is also a good location. I have done both mountains many times and like to use them for preparing for longer treks in the Sierras. Check with the ranger stations regarding water supply, restrictions, and permits.

This site has good information on San Gorgonio: http://www.sgwa.org/trails2.htm

Try this for San Jacinto:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636

You can check out my trip report along the Sespe I did with my 5 y.o. son (now 6)

http://www.backpacking.net/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showthreaded&Number=182172