Solo day hiked Tues 3/5/2024 – Even after a few days of rain, the Spitler Peak and PCT trails were relatively dry and in great shape up to Apache - a few blowdowns and rime ice piles but no real mud. But of course things changed quickly on PCT at mile 169.5, north east of Apache where the steeper slopes were iced over with the snowfall having sloughed across the trail before the freezing rain iced over all of it. Good day for auto crampons for the “crampon/crampoff” march out to South Peak. Same 45-55 degree ice slopes as those encountered last year, here, and at Baldy/Cucamonga where there’s a long runout and very little chance of self-arrest, even with the best axe and technique. There were 3 traverses like this to be carefully crossed 2X, slowing things down a bit. The rest of the way along PCT out to South Peak had so many blowdowns over 4.5 miles that I lost count after the first 20. Most were at the 3-1/2 foot high level with multiple branches where it’s just as hard to crawl under with a winter climb pack as it is to hop over. Some had to be widely bypassed upslope for extra fun, 2 were cleared for extra credit. After getting near mile 174, there was a 2-1/2 foot diameter tree perched above the trail so I directly ascended the east slope of South Peak from there, relaxing fun with little snow. Awesome views from South Peak of Garner Valley, Tahquitz, Red Tahquitz, Antsell Rock and the desert floor. Had some fun bouldering at the South Peak/Antsell Rock saddle on the way back before climbing the east gully route to Antsell Rock which was still frozen enough to front point all the way up to the rock base. That’s when I noticed how shiny the rocks were with a nice, clear, verglas layer of ice still being actively chilled with the wind picking up. Easy decision to bail and descend back to the PCT and back to Apache. Was glad to cross the ice fields before dark and then go up Apache Peak to see the Palm Springs light show and last of a beautiful sunset. I had read Jon King’s always meticulous San Jacinto Trail Report before the trek and knew about the ice but didn’t plan on all the blow downs. Incredibly long day with some brutal stretches but still a lot of fun. Highly recommend Jon King’s incredibly detailed daily reports, https://sanjacjon.com/, and YouTube channel before heading out in the SJ Wilderness. Logged 20.0 miles/4374 vertical ft with Gaia.
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Hiked Fri 07/07/2023 solo – Early start on a warm day with clear weather on the way up Tahquitz, Grey Tahquitz, Red Tahquitz and Sam Fink Peaks. Enjoyed the awesome panoramic views from each. Chose the harder but very fun scramble up the north side of Grey Tahquitz instead of the optional (and less stressful) use trail to Red Tahquitz which I used for the return to the PCT. Took the very scenic, fern lined Tahquitz Valley Trail to connect with the east bound Willow Creek and King Trails to get to Willow Creek proper. From Willow Creek out to Sam Fink Peak, I tried to use the Caramba Trail which is a total mess, having dense overgrown sections of White Thorn & Chinquapin, combined with several fallen trees hidden underneath. There are several cairns that lead part way though the overgrowth but the trail is non-existent in several sections. While it undoubtedly took more time, I found it easier to navigate a cross country route between Willow and Tahquitz Creeks on the way out to Sam Fink Peak than piece together some parts of Caramba. Lots of fun scrambling up the false summit on Sam Fink before the steeper scramble up the real summit. Filtered nice cold water from Tahquitz and Willow Creeks to make a long, warm day more pleasant. The bugs were out in force by mid-morning, ignoring my insect repellent but held back by a mosquito net. Sam Fink is on the eastern edge of the SJ Wilderness but a fun climb. You just have to carefully plan your route after Willow Creek. To get to Willow Creek (which is very scenic right now), I would recommend using the King Trail instead of continuing further down the Willow Creek Trail. The King Trail is a right turn from the eastbound Willow Creek trail, 1 mile from Saddle Junction. It is well maintained and meticulously marked by many cairns. Route for this hike = Devil’s Slide to PCT southbound to South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. South Ridge Trail (north) to PCT southbound, scramble p north face of Grey Tahquitz Peak. Animal use trails to Red Tahquitz, returning to PCT northbound via Red Tahquitz Use Trail. PCT to Little Tahquitz Valley Trail to Willow Creek Trail to King Trail to Caramba Trail + cross country to Sam Fink Peak. Return by same path to Saddle JCT, then Devil’s Slide. Logged 23.3 miles/5514 vertical ft. with Gaia
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Hiked Fri 07/07/2023 solo – Early start on a warm day with clear weather on the way up Tahquitz, Grey Tahquitz, Red Tahquitz and Sam Fink Peaks. Enjoyed the awesome panoramic views from each. Chose the harder but very fun scramble up the north side of Grey Tahquitz instead of the optional (and less stressful) use trail to Red Tahquitz which I used for the return to the PCT. Took the very scenic, fern lined Tahquitz Valley Trail to connect with the east bound Willow Creek and King Trails to get to Willow Creek proper. From Willow Creek out to Sam Fink Peak, I tried to use the Caramba Trail which is a total mess, having dense overgrown sections of White Thorn & Chinquapin, combined with several fallen trees hidden underneath. There are several cairns that lead part way though the overgrowth but the trail is non-existent in several sections. While it undoubtedly took more time, I found it easier to navigate a cross country route between Willow and Tahquitz Creeks on the way out to Sam Fink Peak than piece together some parts of Caramba. Lots of fun scrambling up the false summit on Sam Fink before the steeper scramble up the real summit. Filtered nice cold water from Tahquitz and Willow Creeks to make a long, warm day more pleasant. The bugs were out in force by mid-morning, ignoring my insect repellent but held back by a mosquito net. Sam Fink is on the eastern edge of the SJ Wilderness but a fun climb. You just have to carefully plan your route after Willow Creek. To get to Willow Creek (which is very scenic right now), I would recommend using the King Trail instead of continuing further down the Willow Creek Trail. The King Trail is a right turn from the eastbound Willow Creek trail, 1 mile from Saddle Junction. It is well maintained and meticulously marked by many cairns. Route for this hike = Devil’s Slide to PCT southbound to South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak. South Ridge Trail (north) to PCT southbound, scramble p north face of Grey Tahquitz Peak. Animal use trails to Red Tahquitz, returning to PCT northbound via Red Tahquitz Use Trail. PCT to Little Tahquitz Valley Trail to Willow Creek Trail to King Trail to Caramba Trail + cross country to Sam Fink Peak. Return by same path to Saddle JCT, then Devil’s Slide. Logged 23.3 miles/5514 vertical ft. with Gaia
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First time up to Idyllwild. Stopped by the ranger station right off of the main road and down the way from the trailhead. Picked up a hiking permit for the day. They have a kiosk outside that makes it easy to find and fill out the permit. Trailhead was easy to find. Plenty of parking on a Friday at 7am. The hike up to the junction was a nice and steady incline with some amazing views and a couple of small stream crossings. Once up to the junction it really opened up and the trails flattened out. Tried to go to Tahquitz Peak, still plenty of snow left on the trails as well as a number of downed trees. Turned around about a third mile from the peak, didn’t want to chance it even though I had micro spikes and poles with me. Decided to walk around the meadow, which needed up being really nice. Easy to find forks in the trails with each trail being labeled with signs. The meadow had a number of downed trees and really could use some maintenance but easily enough to be able to navigate over or around them. On the way back down to the parking lot, I was stopped by a ranger asking for permits. Super friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Definitely will do again once the snow melts and the peak is clear to get to
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Hike up to two peaks that are connected by the PCT. Great views on both sides but snow on the north face of the Desert Divide stopped further hiking
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