San Jacinto Routes

[lesper4]

I am hiking C2C on the 27th and noticed on my map that is there two routes to the peak once you make it to Round Valley. I was owndering wha the differences are and if one might be better to take down, it looks as thought it might be steepe rbut is it shorter.

Thanks,

[Hikin_Jim]

Take a look at this map

"A" is the trail junction by the spigot in Round Valley.

By "two routes on the map," I think you mean that the first route would leave "A" and head toward Tamarack, following points "B" through "F" and that the second route would leave "A" and head toward Wellman Divide, following points "G" through "L" and meeting up with the first route at point "F", yes?

Both routes do exist, but the first route that heads toward Tamarack is long abandoned and is a bit of a trick to find.

The second route, the one that goes by way of Wellman Divide is the only route that can truly be called a trail anymore.

If you're good with route finding and cross country navigation, the route via Tamarack can be fun, but otherwise I'd just stick to the trail and head up to Wellman Divide.

HJ

[lesper4]

Yeah those are the two routes. No probelm I will stick to what I know. I have heard of routes that are more direct in the winter with snow shoes etc is their a trail for that?

[Hikin_Jim]

A trail? No, but you can often follow the footprints of others stomped into the snow when you're out snow shoeing. Just be careful -- they may not know where they're going or may not be headed to where you want to go.

There's only one real trail from the tram area up to the summit of SJ Peak, and that's the trail that goes by way of Wellman Divide. There are more direct routes, but they are just that, routes, and not trails. They require route finding and navigation skills. You know what a short cut is, don't you? The longest way between two points in the wilderness.

HJ

[lesper4]

OK thanks Jim, one of these days I will see you on the trail instead of the boards.

[zippetydude]

If you'd like to find the route in the snow up to the peak, just show up at the first tram (get there early) on a Saturday after a good snow storm and there will be several groups heading up to the summit. You can follow or join most of the rag-tag groups - everybody is friendly - and the winter route is absolutely beautiful. Hope to see you out there!

z

[Hikin_Jim]

OK thanks Jim, one of these days I will see you on the trail instead of the boards.

You should have been on Mt. Baldy last Saturday. I ran into seven people that I know through forums like this, only one of whom I had met in person previously.

HJ