First overnighter

[cjunker04]

Hi guys,

I stumbled upon this forum while doing some research on my group's upcoming trip. We've done some day hikes and local camping, but never on Mt San Jacinto and never overnight backpacking. We plan to go the first weekend in January, and the planned trip is to go up Deer Springs, camp at Little Round Valley, hit the peak in the morning and head to the tram (we have someone dropping us off and picking us up).

We are pretty geared up but not necessarily for snow/ice. If there is snow, it seems like that could be a pretty long trek on Day 1. At this point, should we assume that there will be several inches of snow in early January? I was thinking that as a backup plan we could do Humber Park to Round Valley (camp), skip the peak and go straight to the tram if there is too much snow.

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Florian]

Both trips sound overly ambitious for a first time backpacking trip. Snowshoes and/or crampons will probably be required plus cold weather overnight gear. Since you mentioned the tram how about going up the tram and hiking 2 miles to Round Valley? If conditions are good you can do the peak as a day hike.

-Florian

[cjunker04]

Thanks for the response. I think that will be the plan B if there is still snow on the ground... or is it pretty much guaranteed to have snow on the ground in January?

[Hikin_Jim]

I think it might be fairly unusual for their not to be snow on the ground. Are you prepared to camp directly on snow? It's no big deal if you know what you're doing and have the proper gear (double pads and winter weight sleeping bags come to mind). Doesn't sound like a typical first time backpacking trip to me.

Where are you guys based out of? You might try something lower elevation if you're wanting to do some backpacking this time of year -- at least for your first trip. The Pacific Crest Trail up Mission Creek comes to mind. Or perhaps the Gabrieleno Trail in Santa Anita Canyon over near Arcadia and Sierra Madre.

HJ

[greatshaitan]

Since you mentioned the tram how about going up the tram and hiking 2 miles to Round Valley? If conditions are good you can do the peak as a day hike.
-Florian

+1000 to this. I do this backpack ever winter and its great. We normally use a good 3 season tent and it does the job. As of right now, I would definitely expect snow. We have seen <1" to >3ft at Tamarack valley when camping up there. Just be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Do a lot of research before heading up to make sure you have the gear.

[zippetydude]

Thanks for the response. I think that will be the plan B if there is still snow on the ground... or is it pretty much guaranteed to have snow on the ground in January?

Generally late January and most of February are considered by the ski resorts to be prime season for snow. Since they make their living off of such things, I assume they're right. At least in the past few years there have been several feet of snow on the ground during those times. One drought year a few years ago there was next to nothing, but that was the exception. Like Jim said, though, if you'd like to camp on snow, you can certainly do it. I find I have more fun if I'm not freezing all the time, so I don't do it. Others love it. Good luck either way and hope you have a great experience.

z

[greatshaitan]

Some shots on what to expect.... well expect the unexpected, but this is from my camping trips for the last couple years.

Snow at Tamarack Valley Jan-2012
http://www.drunkreddragon.com/images/adventures/CornellPeakCamping2012/index.html

Snow at Round Valley-2011
http://www.drunkreddragon.com/images/adventures/CornellPeak/index.html

[KathyW]

Often it is very icy out there in the winter because we don't often get tons of snow in Southern California; so there is plenty of time for the snow that falls to go through the thaw and freeze cycles.

Some winters we get a good amount of snow and then you might be slogging through deep soft snow - slow going, but much safer than the icy stuff that is typical in So Cal.

If the snow is low enough don't expect to find the parking lot at Humber Park plowed. Even the trail between Humber Park and the junction can be really dangerous if icy.

Also please remember that conditions may change rapidly in the winter. That nice soft snow you were trudging through at noon might turn into an icy mess when the temperature drops.

If you want to try out winter hiking or backpacking for the first time - take the tram up as suggested. Also, have fun out there - it is often very beautiful in the winter.