San Bernardino Peak snow conditions

[FDR]

I apologize for posting a question about a hike not in the San Jacinto range, but there's so many hikers here I thought one of you could help me.

I'd like to hike San Bernardino Peak tomorrow (May 6). I don't have crampons or microspikes and almost certainly won't get close to the summit. But if I can hike for 2 hours going up w/p encountering snow I would be satisifed for this time of year.

Does anyone know anything? Thank you in advance.

[Ellen]

Howdy FDR

You should be able to gain ~ 2K and reach Manzanita Flats before encountering significant snow. Do not park at the trailhead due to vehicle break-ins and thefts. Park near the Oaks restaurant It's also a great place to eat afterwards.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[FDR]

Thank you, Ellen, I appreciate your prompt reply.

I have hiked SB Peak hundreds of times in the past 12 years and never have had a vehicle break-in or heard of any at the trailhead. Maybe from now on I should just park at the Fire Station .04 from the trailhead.

Thanks again.

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Headed up the San Bernardino peak trail today with Lance around 6 AM Wore a t-shirt the entire day. Knowing we would go cross country, I deferred to the brush and wore long pants. There was no significant snow on the trail up to the wooden bench. From there, we headed cross country up the left side of the ridge (the trail heads up the right side of the ridge). Due to the snow melt, we had bushwhack a bit.

Donned snowshoes at about 9 K. The snow was nice and firm all the way to San Bernardino peak. We summited a bit after 10 AM, ate lunch, and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Started down around 11 AM. The sun had softened up the snow just enough to gain good purchase, but not so much that we post-holed. Ran into other hikers and a pacific diamond back rattlesnake on the descent -- the snake left us alone and we did the same.

Got back to my car (parked near the Oaks restaurant) at 2 PM. After enjoying their great food and hospitality, we headed home.

This was the perfect weekend -- I got to spend time with two of my dear friends -- Lance and Karin

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

PS There were numerous cars at the trailhead at 2 PM. I also saw the suspicious vehicle (white Ford Explorer with tinted windows) that I parked next to when I was robbed.

[Florian]

This was the perfect weekend -- I got to spend time with two of my dear friends -- Lance and Karin

Three of your dear friends.

-Florian

[FDR]

Ellen, thanks so much for the update, I appreciate this so much. I will be going up to SB Peak next Sunday. Hopefully the snow will be melted off even further by then. It's amazing the snow is gone all the way to the bench this early in the season.

Last year there was snow at the bench in mid June!

Thanks again, Ellen.

[Ellen]

Howdy St. Florian

ARRGH -- I am a complete bonehead -- of course "three of my dear friends"

Will treat you to an apology beer

This was the perfect weekend -- I got to spend time with two of my dear friends -- Lance and Karin

Three of your dear friends.

-Florian

From the heart,
Ellen