Debate Over Access to San Jacinto's North Face

[Cy Kaicener]

From the Desert Sun

http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/env ... /15990019/


Save on your water bill by switching to desert landscaping

http://www.desertsun.com/story/life/hom ... r/7357761/

[guest]

Thanks for the link Cy. Pretty good article, showing the different opinions I thought.
The reporter was wondering if many folks would wander up in this area, (at least to the base of the north face), and whether allowing access would be important. I don't really know, but if word got out on how beautiful it is, more than likely.
I can understand DWA's concerns over water quality.
I've spoke with a few folks who have climbed the NF, (aka Snow Creek), and they seemed resigned to taking the legal, much longer route on the approach.
They'll always be some renegades, and those who don't know about the private land, ( be fore-warned, there's plenty of surveillance if you get near their land).

Will be interesting to see how things go over the next year or so.

Happy Climbing,

[Cy Kaicener]

I have not heard about anyone going up there in a long time. Maybe its because I have not been able to do Skyline for five years and have not spoken to anyone up there. It seems that most people do not want to do the longer legitimate route or the adverse stories have put a damper on it.

The Coachella Valley meetup group is doing Cactus to Clouds in October
http://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Coachella- ... 201792522/

[cynthia23]

Thanks for posting this, Cy. I agree with you Guest that the DWA's concerns over water contamination are not wholly imaginary--just judging by the piles of human feces I sometimes see on Skyline. I also think that, just before the 'crackdown' a few years ago, there was starting to be a concerning amount of publicity about Snow Creek on the Internet, and what seemed the beginnings of a 'fad' for doing it. Given how dangerous the Snow Creek climb is, it may be a good thing--in the long run--that access is difficult and time-consuming. Just imagine how many people would be going out there every weekend and getting killed or rescued if you could drive right up to it--like Skyline. I know my point of view might not be popular but I"m just sayin'--it's not all 'jackbooted DWA thugs versus bright-eyed hopeful hikers." Consider the possibility that lives have been saved because of the DWA's annoying policy. The State Park hasn't said much but you have to think the rangers are glad that only serious, very fit people can actually get to the Snow Creek route now. The amateurs probably give up after the first couple of hours of uphill bushwhacking. And maybe, actually, that's for the best.

[bluerail]

ive done 38 trips up snowcreek since 09, 36 the legal way. there is nothing they can do if you stay off their property and they done dont pretend to be able to.

[cynthia23]

Exactly right. So serious and fit folks like Steve can still do it--although it's considerably harder. It's not exactly the ideal solution, but given the realities, it's hard to see anything better than a so-so solution. (Personally, were I Queen of the World, I would un-dam the creek. The oldtimers say you used to be able to fish off your porch in Snow Creek!)

[Cy Kaicener]

Thanks for the interesting comments. Mountainproject.com had this interesting article in 2011 with comments in 2013
http://www.mountainproject.com/v/snow-creek/107106623


Taco has been rock climbing near the upper tram station and has taken some cool pictures
http://sangabrielmnts.myfreeforum.org/E ... t6025.html