I was unable to join the San Jacinto group today on this hike, so did it yesterday with Hengst Joe. We went up over Wellmans, down to Saddle Junction, on the PCT to the Tahquitz turn off. Wonderful views -- no wonder there's a fire lockout. Met Charlie and his son from this board volunteering at the lockout. There was a fire by the Santa Rosas, but it was well in hand when we left.
We traced our steps back to Saddle Junction, then hung a right turn and headed up the Willow Creek trail. When we reached the Tahquitz meadow junction sign, I realized we could have gone back that way -- something new for my next trip. Soaked our feet in Willow Creek, then headed up the long climb to Hidden Divide. At least the elevation gain is less than going back up Wellmans. We finally reached the Divide (whew -- don't remember that sucker being so long) and enjoyed the short trip from there back to the tram. Took us about 7.5 hours to do the loop.
Met Indie Jack and Lindy on the tram down and had dinner with Lindy at Las Casuelas before heading home. I look forward to doing this again in cooler weather and getting an earlier start on a weekend tram. It was beautiful and a great change of pace to be looking at the San Jacintos from Tahquitz.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
