Mountain Fire closures still in effect?

[SoCal Mike]

Hi, everyone. I’m trying to find out if there are still closures due to the Mountain Fire that would prohibit these various excursions:

(1) Fobes Trail to PCT and down Spitler Peak Trail;

(2) Spitler Peak Trail to PCT and exit South Ridge Trail; and

(3) Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail/Devils Slide to Saddle Junction to the PCT and exit South Ridge Trail.

This info re: the PCT says all of this is closed: http://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/ ... l-closure/

I’m not really getting anywhere trying to call the ranger stations.

I really appreciate any help with this.

Michael

[OldnSlow]

I have hiked the DS/Tahquitz/South Ridge route several times over the last couple of years. No closures there. Ernie Maxwell is also open.

[SoCal Mike]

Thanks!

I also found this, but it's old. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 822791.pdf

Exhibit A to that posting by the FS appears to show South Ridge is open, but the PCT from around Chinquapin Flat down to Fobes is off limits. So, only one of my routes is viable.

Thanks, again!

Michael

[SoCal Mike]

Quick additional question: Will I need any spikes (or crampons) for hiking Ernie Maxwell and/or Devil's Slide to South Ridge? I'm planning on going out there in a week or so.

This thread mentioned ice but that was a little while ago: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5457

Just looking for an update.

Michael

[Hikin_Jim]

I don't think you'll need them for Ernie Maxwell which is a fairly gentle trail as I recall. S. Ridge would not be fun to fall on. Where the trail passes on the N side of the look out often is icy -- if the sun hasn't melted everything clear. I don't have any current info though.

HJ

[bytebit]

Last Saturday, I did the Devil's Slide all the way near Tahquitz Lookout Tower. Could not get to the Tower as the snow levels was more than what I could handle (had on microspikes). The trail was not clear near the Tower as well. It may be awhile before that amount of snow melts. -- Happy hiking, David

[SoCal Mike]

Great info; thank you very much!

Michael

[Ulysses]

The other day I heard from a pretty reliable source that the Forest Service has crews working on the PCT between Cedar Springs trail and Tahquitz Valley with the goal of getting the section open by next spring.

[Ellen]

The other day I heard from a pretty reliable source that the Forest Service has crews working on the PCT between Cedar Springs trail and Tahquitz Valley with the goal of getting the section open by next spring.

WOO HOO!!!
Miles of smiles

Ellen

[Ulysses]

Don't celebrate yet. Today I ran into the Forest Service "Trail Manager" for the San Jacinto district. He confirmed that they are currently working on that section, but it doesn't sound like they'll have the whole section finished by next spring and thru-hiker season. Maybe a part of it.