Eksplorer,
I'm not sure how receptive you might be to this idea but you might check into
a unit of the Boy Scouts called Venturing. You say you will graduate from high school in a year so that puts you around 17-18.

http://www.scouting.org/Venturing/About.aspx

This is for 'young adults' age 14-20. You might could find a 'crew' in your area that focuses on backpacking. We have several here in the DFW metroplex that focus on high adventure (backpacking, whitewater, spelunking, etc). Crews are a lot different than troops (or at least they can be). They can share experience and knowledge and put you in touch with other groups.

Your profile doesn't list any information and you say you grew up around LA but not where you are now so I can't be much help.

Send me a PM and I'll see what I can find for you.

Tango