This might be the weekend!

Where I FINALLY maybe try to backpacking somewhere semi-local to Los Angeles (it's hot out, and it's looking mighty nice in the high country). GASP, this is a big step for me. I'm a Northern Californian, former Yosemite/New Mexico NPS employee [wilderness snob] who can never wrap my brain around over-nighting anywhere this close to LA. While I day hike constantly in the area, in my mind all the campgrounds and even the what we would consider "backcountry" are filled with trash and drunk teens. But I'm sure this is probably not entirely true? (Maybe?) So, I've been sitting at work the last few weeks feeling incredibly stir crazy and find myself unable to pop up to the Sierras with a Sat/Sun off, and am wondering, is there anyone perhaps in the Angeles NF that might offer a nice (and maybe not drunk teenager filled) over night backpack? Admittedly, I've never ventured up the crest highway, and I've been curious since moving here if this might be a great way to at least have SOME semi-accessible weekend trips that don't require 4+ hours of driving... Any suggestions would be appreciated! I'm looking at you Jeff! It's suppose to be a warm weekend here, and I'm thinking that this might be a totally reasonable time (even in November) to go camp somewhere higher in elevation and not enjoy some below freezing temperatures :)