Jo Pond Saturday March 3

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Eight folks from the San Jacinto hiking club (Indie Jack, Kathryn, Hengst Joe, Doreen the Skyline Queen, Cindy, Ron, Muku and I) were dropped off by taxi at the Trading Post in Indian Canyon. The taxis were Jack's idea and eliminated the time constraint of getting back the Indian Canyons close at 5 PM. I haven't done this hike in two years and hoped there wouldn't be any route finding issues.

The West Fork trail is nicely graded and we made good time to the Jo Pond junction. We traversed along the side of the ridge and then started climbing in earnest up Garnett Ridge. This is where we encountered our first patches of snow. Stopped for a leisurely lunch by some rocks, then completed the climb to the top of the ridge. We had great views of the Salton Sea and surrounding areas.

Near Little Camp spring, I lost the trail in a patch of snow. I thought, oh no, not again. We looked around fruitlessly for quite a while and deliberated our options -- who would we eat first Ron Zamow got the award (and dinner) for finding the trail. In addition to the snow, several downed trees obscured the path. Back on track, we quickly reached Cedar Springs and encountered a group of really nice folks who were spending the night near the fire ring. Visited briefly before continuing on, as we were burning daylight and had wet feet (at certain spots, the snow was a foot deep).

Followed the group's tracks through the snow a mile up to the PCT junction at the saddle. Then, we headed down the nicely graded (and dry) Cedar Springs trail to the trailhead. I always get a kick out of the signs that say "now entering hazardous territory" and passing through the gates. Karin Myer was unable to come due to work but left us greetings in the form of little paper flamingos at the PCT sign and Kathryn's car. Survived the drive down 74 and opted to eat at Islands when we found the wait at Outback would be an hour.

Another great day out with friends. Thanks to Jack and Kathryn for setting up the car shuttle. After losing the trail for the second time in my four hikes on Jo Pond (though at a different place), I want to go back again this winter/spring and lock in the route. Any takers?

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Backwoods]

I camped in Ceder springs in Jan and wished I had more time to explore is the trail you came up at the lower end of the camp looking down? I'd like to go up that trail and camp in Ceder sp then on to Idyllwild some day.

[whitebark]

That hike from Jo Pond trailhead to the trading post is a fun one (I did it a few years ago in the reverse direction from your hike ). I recall that the trail became rather deteriorated beyond Cedar Springs. We spend a frusterating half hour just trying to find the continuation of the trail beyond the springs (hint: it is well uphill from the spring area). I think that some maintenance has been done since my visit.

It's sad to see once well-built trails fall apart due to lack of maintenance. Much of it is on indian land I think, which may be part of the problem. Which reminds me: the indians get pissed when they find out that someone has hiked down the trail into Palm Canyon without getting a permit...I know, my friend who picked me up at the trading post found out the hard way. Don't mention anything to the guard at the gate.

Has anyone clipped the brush on that long descent from Garnet Ridge?

[The Ghost]

Agree that it's sad to see the decline of great trails like Jo Pond.

We did it (downhill) in early Feb. and found it overgrown and hard to follow also. Would suspect within 5 years it will be complety overgrown and impossible to navigate in some places without maintainance. So the question is...

Who is responsible for that area?

Also can anyone elaborate on the history of the Jo Pond and what trails were there if any before it was built in the early 90's?

[bluerail]

I believe it was established/restablished by desert trail riders with funding by Bob and Jo Pond.

Most trails in the area I believe are based on or near very old Indian routes though.

[tfahland1]

i'd be willing to help for a brushing session.
it will take a good amount of work.

question: do you think the indian folks in charge would allow one to use an electric trimmer if we asked them? it would make it alot easier. we could tell them it really needs it.