Current Trail Conditions

[Adrian]

My girlfriend and I are interested in summiting the peak this sat but are unsure on the current trail conditions as far as snowpack.

Can any of you help me out? Will microspikes or crampons be needed? Would like to get away without if possible. We are experienced hikers and no when to turn back.

All info will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Adrian

[Ellen]

Howdy Adrian,

I was on the peak a week ago and used microspikes up to about 9.7 K, then snowshoes. However, a new system will be dumping snow and dropping the temperature:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... it=0&lg=en

There is a chance of snow on Saturday and the predicted high is 17 degrees.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Adrian]

OK, thats a bummer thank you for the info tho Ellen!

We are staying in Palm Springs that weekend, can you suggest any other hikes that might be out of the weather?

[Ellen]

Howdy Adrian

I started a new thread -- hopefully some locals will respond.

It might be fun to check out trails in the Indian Canyons.

Miles of miles,
Ellen

[Adrian]

Awesome, thanks so much!

[Kathryn61]

We went from the Tram station to the San J peak today and were treated to awesome conditions! There was at least a foot of dry, fluffy, new snow and up to 2 feet near and at the summit.

Here are some pics of today's conditions:

http://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Coachella- ... /13061312/

Kathryn

[Sally]

Thanks for posting those pics, Kathryn! I'm so envious. I hope it's just as nice on Wednesday when I can get out and play!

[HH8]

Here are some pics of today's conditions:

excellent

[fitness_57]

thanks for posting. hopefully it will stay cold enough thru the week so there is something left next weekend - I'm hoping to get up there Friday.

what route did the group take to get to the peak ?- did you go thru Round Valley or did the group take a more direct route thru Tamarack valley to get to the peak ?

[Kathryn61]

We took Sid Davis to Tamarack and then continued on to Ranger Overland to the boulder field at the base of Jean Peak and San J. From there we turned east and took the regular summer trail towards Miller. At the shoulder we went up the miller cutoff to the summit. There is also an alternative route cut in by three in our party that goes from the boulder field and ascends steeply to the Jean/SJ shoulder. Depending on wind, our tracks may still be there by next weekend.

The winter route to the Miller Saddle is still not doable due to exposed chinquapin and rock.

Kathryn