englishal has pretty much covered it, just to add
these guys at KSMO to the rental options. Great outfit
You should be OK re the 'June Gloom'.
In making your choice of a/c, bear in mind that some of the places you want to visit definitely fall into the 'hot n' high' category. Discus where you'd like to go with whoever you end up renting from and get their advice. They may insist on a bit of training at, say, Big Bear.
Three-up realistically nothing less than a C182 will do the job (unless you're all pro jockeys, of course!).
Pilot's guide: if you mean something along the lines of a guidebook, then no idea. For aviation info, the AF/D.