What kind of snake is it?

Question
Hello, I live in the southern California in the high desert and we found this snake in our back yard. Can you please tell me what kind of snake is it? here are a couple links... Thank you!
1)http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p330/jimbodw07_2008/DSCI0113.jpg

2)http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p330/jimbodw07_2008/DSCI0115.jpg

3)http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p330/jimbodw07_2008/DSCI0116.jpg

4)http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p330/jimbodw07_2008/DSCI0117.jpg

5)http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p330/jimbodw07_2008/DSCI0117.jpg  

Answer
That is a very nice looking gopher snake!  It is harmless and might make you a very nice pet.  They feed on rodents and complete care sheets are available online as they are moderately popular in the reptile hobby.  I imagine he has "hissed" at you a few times, that is simply a defensive behavior meant to scare big predators off.  They usually are not aggressive biters and tame fairly easily.  Check your local laws to make sure they are legal to collect from the wild.  Or simply release it back where you found it.