Mt San Jacinto - April 11th

[Newbie]

Hello All,

I am new to this board and relatively new to hiking/backpacking. My brother-in-law and I are thinking about taking a quick hike up to Mt SJ next month. We would take the tram up Friday afternoon, 4/10, camp in Round Valley then summit Saturday, 4/11.

Does anyone have any idea as to what the snow level might be like at that time? Will we need crampons, snow shoes, ice axe, etc?

Thanks!!

[KathyW]

There still should be some snow in April, but it's too early to know how much.

[halhiker]

Hello All,

I am new to this board and relatively new to hiking/backpacking. My brother-in-law and I are thinking about taking a quick hike up to Mt SJ next month. We would take the tram up Friday afternoon, 4/10, camp in Round Valley then summit Saturday, 4/11.

Does anyone have any idea as to what the snow level might be like at that time? Will we need crampons, snow shoes, ice axe, etc?

Thanks!!

Probably.  There is still quite a bit of snow and it is unlikely to melt by the time you go. If we get another storm in the next month (a distinct possibility) there will be more. I'm sure as your date gets closer you'll have a better idea.

[Newbie]

I was going to rent snow shoes. Do you think it would be a good idea to also rent crampons? What about an ice axe? Is that necessary?

[ajwoodzy]

I was going to rent snow shoes. Do you think it would be a good idea to also rent crampons? What about an ice axe? Is that necessary?

By the time its April, I doubt you will need snowshoes. I would just do crampons and an ice axe. You might even be able to pass without... Generaly, big storms with snowshoe amounts of snow don't happen late March or early April (in SoCal).

[Nick-SJM]

Don't just grab an ice ax and take off for the mountains without learning how to use it properly. You could find the pick in your belly.

[Newbie]

That's what I'm afraid of. I have no experience with an ice axe so I'd probably be better off without it. I'll probably just rent some crampons.

[Nick-SJM]

Waiting until you can get some training with an ice axe is a good idea. Talk to someone about the proper use of crampons also before heading out with some. These are great tools used properly and safely. There are a lot of people on this site that can give you good advice. Maybe you might be lucky enough to go out with one of them. You want hiking and climbing in the San Jacintos to be a good and safe experience. The advanced level of some of the people on this site, and the things they discuss and do, could fool some people new to hiking and climbing to get into trouble. Easy steps starting off is a wise decision. Don't be frightened of the mountains, but respect as well as love them.

[Trendsearcher]

In packed snow conditions with crampons you might be temped to cut that last long switch back near the peak and head straight up. I would strongly suggest you try and stay with the trail.

There are a lot of big boulders under that snow, and that area is really steep. If I was going at this time I’d take crampons for sure. And if the snow was too deep / not packed enough that I was post holing – I’d just call it a nice trip right there.

Walking that steep last mile in crampons is not too hard or dangerous. Walking it in snow shoes is a bit more difficult, plus shoes are more work and weight to pack in. A lot of places will not rent you crampons/shoes unless your boots are full shanked with toe & heal lugs. If the rental places turn you away Campmore has a selection of them. The cheap ones start at $90. They have clearance sales in the summer too.

I usually stash the packs off the trail someplace around Welmans divide, and then daypack it to the peak. The trail from Welmans is above the tree line and you see for miles. Good luck the weather looks bad this weekend.

You know just snow camping in Round Valley is fun too…

[Newbie]

Thanks Trendsearcher...the weather does look bad this Friday/Saturday. We are renting crampons from REI and I'm one to not take chances so if it's sketchy at the top then we'll be turning around. Thanks again.