So I want to to start backpacking/hiking, but do not know where to start.

Lytle creek, cucamonga wilderness, Mt. San antonio to name a few

There are some good day walks.

I suggest you try forest falls in San Bernardino, there's a trail that starts from across the fire department(I don't know what the name of the trail). The trail is about 7 miles, takes you to above the waterfall. I suggest that you don't spend the night because it is quite cold up here, I live up here and I wouldn't spend the night there,its more of a summer trail. I would suggest pack as light as possible no tents,ect. Don't forget a pocket pistol(preferably a revolver with snake loads and sd rounds).The reason that I suggest that trail is that it's beautiful untouched nature. there's a creek with fish, less food to carry, and at night, if the sky is clear, you can see satellites. if you have any questions let me know, hope ive been of help, Happy camping.

I was going to suggest the trails in towards Mt San Gorgonio (Old Grey Back).  The road to Big Bear has a turn off for "Poop Out Hill".  There's a packing lot and day use/picnic area nearby.  This makes a great staging area to get ready before heading out.  From there, the backpacking trails lead into the back country.

Take all the water you will need.  Yes, it gets cold at night.

Before going into the Wilderness, you MUST stop at the Ranger station and get a permit.


Have you ever been car camping/day hiking before?

In my neck of the woods, Echo Mountain is a fun hike, it's about 5 and a half miles round trip.  The trailhead is in Altadena.  Parking is free; no permits are required.  It's moderately steep all the way up so you'll get a work out and there are some cool ruins from an old resort and railway.  Good views too:

http://socalhiker.net/echo-mountain-via-the-sam-merrill-trail/

Nearby is another beginner option, Henninger Flats.  You can camp overnight here too.  Views are great.  Just under 6 miles round trip I think.  You need a permit to camp:

http://www.hikespeak.com/campgrounds/henninger-flats-campground-san-gabriel-mountains/
http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/henninger.html

Never been there but closer to you is Crystal Cove State Park; there are trails there and also primitive camping:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=644

Here are some links to hiking blogs with lots of So Cal hiking ideas:

www.modernhiker.com
socalhiker.net
nobodyhikesinla.com

Ice House canyon up past Mt Baldy Village is a good place to start. Get there early if you go on the weekend. I would check the weather before going on any hike.

Sport Chalet and REI are your friends.  The people that work there are generally knowledgeable about their areas.  While you don't need everything superlight, quality is essential.  You will need a stove and cook kit.  Maybe go one size larger than an individual cook kit, you don't need to take it all, but having a larger pot than what you really need is a lot better than needing a bigger one.  While I didn't carry a stove until I was in college or a Scout leader, the days of not having to worry about firewood and USFS stove availability are long gone.  Foam pads are an essential (now when younger they weren't.  Wonder when that happened?)

Stream water is no longer safe, you can assume it has giardia and needs to be adequately processed.  So for short trips you might consider using canned foods, especially if you pack in water.  It already has water, is easier and quicker to cook and clean-up.  If you have water and/or know it will be there, then dehydrated is worth considering.

Echo Mtn, Mt Lowe, and Mt. Disappointment areas have a good complex of trails.  I spent most of my trail time in the San Gabriels and Sierras, nothing in the Saddleback and south in or near the OC.  Taking the Palm Springs Tramway and then hiking in to Round Valley, Mt. San Jacinto is a nice trip.  These are real mountains and it can be significantly cooler at the higher elevations.

thanks for all the trails and info

If it ever decides to cool off there are some nice trails in Joshua Tree

I've been up to the top of San Jacinto during the winter but not at this time of year.  I bet it's nice.  A nice tram ride to the top instead of humping your pack, then a relatively flat hike to a campsite.

San Jacinto has been our family favorite.  Did it in the spring the weather was perfect.  Bear Creek on Baldy was good.  

We got a book at REI for trails in the inland empire.  They have one for LA county, orange county etc...  The book was a great help for a new CA resident.  More useful than the websites I think.

Name of book?

 

It is a trifle cold at night these days on top of the Sierra Plateau.

Due to the 30 Year Drought, there are tons of restrictions scattered about for wood fires.  If you go, bring a stove.  Any old 1 or 2L aluminum or SS cookpot is a winner, for you.

Unless hunting, this is not the time for beginners to backpack way high up (anything above 6 or 7k' ).

With the mild daytime temps and reasonable (meaning above freezing) temps at lower altitudes, the desert at 2k or 3k' is attractive right now.  Especially for hunters looking for upland birds.

Watch your nav. and don't get lost.  First couple of trips can be easy and simple, so you can get your feet wet.

There are some great beginner overnights you can do in the Cuymacas in San Diego County.  California Riding and Hiking Trail, as well as portions of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Big sur is probably my favorite place in California to hike/backpack.  I'm going for a few days over thanksgiving.  It's beautiful, quiet and offers numerous trails for different experience levels.

If you are new to backpacking and/or have a lot of new gear, I suggest "car camping" as a first trip to get familiar with the gear and test that they work.  A campsite near, a 10-20 min walk, the parking area works great.  If anything goes sour you can always walk to the car and find food and a place to stay.  Trust me...trying to set up camp for the first time with a complicated tent, in the dark, with unexpected cold conditions in a 40mph wind is not fun.  It's also a good bailout plan for an inexperienced family or those with young children.

Ask someone in a Sport Chalet or REI for a campsite suggestion.