New Year's Day on San J

[phydeux]

phydeux, thanks! What a coincidence - my daughter did Santiago Peak on New Year's Eve, said the views were great. Was it you that I discussed doing Eagle Crag (in the Agua Tibia Wilderness) with last year? This is the right time of year to do it!

Eagle Crag? Probably not me.

Winter holidays seem to be great days for the the Santa Ana Mtns - almost no people around. Compare that to the hoards filling the PS Tram in cattlecar fashion from 8AM onward. I did Sitton Peak last New Year's day and there were (at most) 6 people on the trail from the San Juan Loop/Ortega Oaks parking lot - its usually a zoo up there. Same situation this year from the Blue Jay parking area to Santiago Peak itself. And outstanding 360 degree views since its a ridgeline ride most of the way. Probably be up San Jacinto this weekend (weather permitting).

Cheers

[Sally]

Oops! Sorry Don and phydeux, I figured I got you two mixed up right as I was driving to work this AM. Phydeux, if you like the Santa Anas you'ld probably like the Agua Tibia Wilderness, which is in the range that Mt Palomar is on. The Dripping Springs Trail is a 3000 ft + climb and sometimes gets a dusting of snow. I hardly ever see anyone up there.

Don, I still wanna do Eagle Crag.

Wish I could go to Taco's class but I gotta work. Argh!

Hi Ellen, actually, I like picture #18, the profile shot of you standing next to the sign and looking south from the summit. It's one of my favorites.

[Lcpl Hughes]

Hey Sally..let me know when you wanna go, cause I have been meaning to get out there to check on my cache that is on Eagle Crag..I am available to go on the weekends..I wonder what conditions the road is in out to the Cutca trailhead?