Karin and I took the first tram up. I carried both crampons and snowshoes, not being sure of the trail conditions. We ran into Scott Scott and his friends in the boarding area. It was a balmy 45 degrees at 8:15 AM. From the ranger station to the Sid Davis drainage, the snow was very choppy and icy, which did not make for enjoyable or fast walking. We followed several other hikers up the Sid Davis trail. It was in better shape than the regular trail but we would occasionally hit ice or post hole.
Took a gel break in Tamarack valley and then followed footsteps (I believe they were from Patrick's group). We donned crampons about 15 minutes into the climb. The footsteps followed the old Tamarack pretty closely. Before too long, we were traversing up towards the Miller switchback on the main trail. After a bit, I'd had enough of climbing gradually and just wanted to go UP. We followed a path that appeared to be made by someone glissading on their butt down the slope.
The arduous climb up the slope in the sun made me wish for cooler weather or less clothing. We hit the ridge and then, viola!, saw the hut. One year ago I became very well acquainted with this refuge. There was no snow on the stones below the threshold and minimal snow on the floor inside. We entered and marveled at the improvement in accommodations, food, and emergency supplies in the San Jacinto bunk bed and breakfast. I offered a silent prayer of thanks and we headed up to the summit.
It was a spectacular day on the summit, if a bit warm for the last day in January. We had the peak to ourselves and were treated to fabulous views of the Salton Sea, San Gorgonio, Baldy, the Coachella valley, and Santa Rosas. I've always wanted to summit Jean Peak in the winter and this was going to be the day. After a few frustrating false summits, we reached Jean Peak, then descended to the saddle between Jean and San Jacinto and made our way back down.
The warmer weather was really softening the snow as we approached Tamarack valley. We took off the crampons, passed a group of camping Boy Scouts, and returned on the Sid Davis trail. Once we rejoined main trail, I felt like a pin ball bouncing around the snow and ice. It was a relief to reach the concrete. We celebrated the day with Sam Adams Winter Ale at the tram bar and fabulous food at the original Las Consuelas.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
PS Never did use the darn snowshoes.
