LA area in Jnauary

[Renatus]

Looks like I might be going to LA on business in January and I'm wondering whether to take some holiday afterwards to do a short bike trip. It looks like Grand Canyon and Yosemite will likely be out of bounds due to snow, but I thought perhaps of going out past Joshua, then up to Vegas, over to Furnace Creek and back through or around Mojave. Does anyone have any experience of winter biking in that area? I commute all year round here so I don't mind the cold but when it comes to snow I'd rather use skis than a bike!

 

[eosh_brit_los angeles]

Right now, Los Angeles weather is as per usual; glorious blue skies, about 18-20 degrees Celsius and we've not see any rain for weeks. I've just returned from a few days in the Los Padres forest (2,000m elevation) and it was only slighter cooler. The weather here should not put you off any adventure. A sweater for the evening stroll back from dinner should be sufficient anywhere in southern Cal.
Joshua Tree National Park is a very easy 2hour ride east of Los Angeles and very manageable on a bike. The freeway (I-10) isn't particularly interesting, so perhaps consider a detour via Big Bear Lake to extend the journey and see more than tarmac and trucks? I've stayed here before, and recommend it: www.mojavesands.com
If you haven't found this website yet, the State have designated areas specifically for recreational vehicle use: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1192
I hope this helps somewhat.

 

[sven]

Is the LA Crest Highway open? I know it can be blocked by snow in winter, but it's a fantastic ride if open

 

[Renatus]

Thanks for the replies. Trip seems to be on so I'll get in touch with HC Travel or Eagle rider about a bike.

Cheers,

Chris