Snow conditions on the south side of the mountain?

[nobodyhikesinla]

I'm doing San Jacinto from the south (Humber Park, Devil's Slide to PCT, etc) and was wondering if any readers have recently done this route and what the snow level is like. Thanks.

[hvydrt]

Expect consistent snow above 8,200' on north and east facing slopes. Here is a picture of the wilderness boundary sign on the Fuller Ridge trail from 5-30-10:

[Chew00]

Just did this exact route yesterday, got back this morning. We left Humber park about 9:30 in the morning, and made it to the peak by 4:00pm. After you hit 9000' the snow is pretty packed in and makes the going slow. The trail between wellmans divide and the PCT is the only portion that is relatively snow free, the rest you are fighting the snow most of the way. If you have crampons or anything to help you deal with the snow, bring it. We did it just with hiking boots and our bare hands, and I would prefer not to do that again if at all possible. There was a lot of slipping and sliding on the snow and in retrospect, probably not a good idea safety wise. Its a miracle that we didnt sprain a wrist or ankle. The one thing I think that saved us was we planned on overnighting, and had dropped all of our gear near the border of the state park/ national forest boundary in the north rim section, so we didnt have to make it back to humber park that day. Im having issues trying to upload a photo, but the one posted above pretty much sums it up. Good luck!

[Florian]

Here is a picture of the wilderness boundary sign on the Fuller Ridge trail from 5-30-10

Hah!! That's a great pic! I'll have to remember what this looks like when i'm up the trail this summer.

-Florian

[Florian]

hvydrt, is the road open to the trailhead? Did you notice if the Boulder Basin campground was open or not?

-Florian

[hvydrt]

Yes, road is open and clear of snow. Boulder Basin was open and full.

[Florian]

Yes, road is open and clear of snow. Boulder Basin was open and full.

Thanks for the info! Certainly not going up this holiday weekend but maybe during the week.

-Florian

[nobodyhikesinla]

Thanks for the info - I may put it off for a few weeks.

[harryquach]

Expect consistent snow above 8,200' on north and east facing slopes. Here is a picture of the wilderness boundary sign on the Fuller Ridge trail from 5-30-10:

Hey Mark were you up on San Jacinto yesterday (5/30)?

[hvydrt]

Nope, had to be home by 10:30. Went to Castle Rocks and Black Mountain.