SoCal Ice Climbing Beginner

I took an ice climbing day course in Patagonia and really enjoyed it. I'm looking to get into ice climbing, but I'm unsure of how to get started.
I live in Southern California, so ice is far away. Are there some good beginner areas near by (aka. feasible for a weekend trip)?
I rock climb a lot, but none of my friends are interested in ice climbing. Where can I meet people who might want to figure this out with me or maybe teach me?
I was thinking about taking some lessons, but that seemed like it would be really expensive and maybe not the best way to find people who would be interested in do this long term with me. Is that wrong? Should I look into taking a long ice climbing course?

Well unless the smog freezes over I am not sure about ice climbing in S CA.
I would say make a trip up north to the cascades or save your pennies
for
ourayicepark.com/ice-festival/

I am new to socal but i was wondering if big falls near forest falls or lytle creek ever freezes over. I doubt it, but is seems possible during a cold year.

I have heard there is some ice climbing in the Sierras within 5-6 hours of socal. I am sure someone else can comment on the better than I can. I'd be interested in chasing some ice with you this winter. Pm me.

Best bet for regular forming ice is Lee Vining up in the Sierras.

Anything that forms up locally is going to be thin... And scary.

There are local couloirs that are fun snow climbs though. Up around Mt. baldy.

Yeah, not much real ice in southern California, bur a lot of good ice in the sierra. Lee Vining Canyon is the classic, but roadside at the June Lake loop is a good beginner area with easy access. there are many other routes as wel, including alpine ice in summer. Taking a class, or hiring a guide is always a good idea if you can afford it. There are several services in Bishop, but I highly recommend Mammoth Climbing Guides. Zach is solid, and a super nice guy who makes learning fun, and doesn't intimidate you into not asking qustions, or from feeling like a beginner.

ID a dedicated, reputable, professional, certified-instructor school/guide service and you will always look back at it when compared to those falling or limping around you and be thankful that you did. Learning to ice climb is not a social activity.....until you are ready for it.....only then can you strut around, looking for the best partners to climb with. It's a super dangerous sport, one that has been studied in terms of accidents/participant. Don't look for 'someone' to teach you. Save your $$, check up on the better services within the distance you are able to travel (sorry Lee Vining.....love ya a lot but not for ice climbing instruction) and get focused on THAT activity. No bowling, ice skating, curling, surfing as a 'class break'. Nothing in SoCal; closest is the slushy shop next to Jack's Surf Shop in Huntington Beach. You'll have to go north: check out Ouray, Colorado (not the best ice but at this point, you don't care and wouldn't know the difference -- there is a lot of it...even other human beings). Look up San Juan Mountain Guides or Chicks With Picks. You can take group lessons (discouraged by me anyway; were I a beginner, I'd opt for a dedicated guide), semi-private, or one-on-one. Stay for a week and try different combinations. My suggestion is to check out several services (certifications, years in business, does Vladimir own it, package prices, etc.) I've heard that one can even talk with them on the phone!!!! At a minimum, stay with one instructor for at least two, preferably three days. If he/she is a good instructor, they will suggest you work with another guide from their school so as to get another perspective. That's the sign of a professional. So get with it and report back to us; we're cheering you on. Winter's coming....last I checked.