For a good example of excellent Western writing, try the old Luke Short Westerns. The plots are nothing unusual, but the writing is exceptional: Great descriptions, dialog, and action scenes. GUNMAN'S CHANCE is top notch. Just one of many.

The unfenced range and the roundup were Scottish Highland traditions. The English liked fences and barns. Romanized Britons.

A good view of Old California is contained in Dana's TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST (as well as life aboard an American clipper ship with a hard-case skipper).

Just a few good spots for Southern California Western settings: Portola's trail, Mission San Gabriel, Anza's route, Lake Hughes and Elizabeth Lake, Lovejoy Buttes, Vasquez Rocks, Olvera Street, Pico House, Church of Our Lady of the Angels, Verdugo Adobe, San Fernando Mission, Lopez Adobe, Beal's Cut, Placerita Canyon, Fort Tejon (Kern County), La Casa de Adobe (replica), San Francisquito Canyon, Leona Valley.