Tram to San Jacinto Peak this Saturday

[girljo]

We want to hike from the tram to San Jacinto Peak this Saturday, May 10, 2008. Can we summit without snowshoes or crampons? How far can we get without snow gear? Where are the usable water sources? What would be an approximate round trip time for moderate paced hikers? Any other tips appreciated. Thanks!

[guest]

Hi girljo,
You may need cramp-ons in areas of little sun, even though temps are staying above freezing at most elevations, haven't found any definitive posts here re. summit.
I've been up around 9k ft. several times w/in a week, w/ 30 % coverage of soft, wet & some 6-8" post-holing. (north sides have more of course).

I'd expect 50% coverage from 9-10k & probably 80-100% above that, possibly 2-3 ft. in some areas. Luckily, most of the trail, if it's even visable (it may not be, so expect to have to navigate), is south facing.

Temps should be great, 50-60's if no wind, (maybe 40's at summit).

Have fun,

ss

[Whitney Mike]

girljo - If you do go up to the summit this weekend, can you please post a snow report after you return. I will be taking a small group on the entire C2C hike on May 31st, and would appreciate any trail condition reports. Thank you and good luck. Whitney Mike

[girljo]

Looks like we're going to postpone it until June/July. Calls to the ranger station report you can't summit without snow gear. This email was from the P.S. Tram officials today:

Thank you for your email. There is no snow left in Long Valley. According to the latest Wilderness report the backcountry trails are 90% snow covered with a depth of up to 2’ and higher above 9100’. Snowshoes/crampons are strongly recommended. Water in the backcountry is limited.

[Rick M]

Here I am Fight On. Been out and about.

We talked to some PCT hikers on our search(s) at Fuller Ridge trail head yesterday who said there was patches you had to be careful on but the PCT was passible in the afternoon soft stuff. The only one that tried to go to the summit without crampons/ice axe turned around because he said the conditions were beyond what he felt comfortable doing with his ski poles.

Really a matter of experience but I would suggest that ice axe and crampons be taken (better be safe than sorry).

[girljo]

Three of my friends went up on Saturday, May 10. They did summit and made it back fine. Reported that there was lots of snow between Round Valley & Wellman. slick ice as well, and patchy snow above Wellman, but ice axes and crampons not needed. They said said their group and a couple others also lost the trail in snow several times.

[Whitney Mike]

girljo - Thank you for the trip report from your three friends this past Saturday on C2C. That is good news that they had a successful summit. It makes sense that the most snow would be between Round Valley and Wellman Divide, as that section is still sheltered by the trees. My trip will be on the 31st, so I am sure that we will have no problem in reaching the summit. Whitney Mike

[Whitney Mike]

girljo - Thank you for the trip report from your three friends this past Saturday on C2C. That is good news that they had a successful summit. It makes sense that the most snow would be between Round Valley and Wellman Divide, as that section is still sheltered by the trees. My trip will be on the 31st, so I am sure that we will have no problem in reaching the summit. Whitney Mike

[Whitney Mike]

girljo - Thank you for the trip report from your three friends this past Saturday on C2C. That is good news that they had a successful summit. It makes sense that the most snow would be between Round Valley and Wellman Divide, as that section is still sheltered by the trees. My trip will be on the 31st, so I am sure that we will have no problem in reaching the summit. Whitney Mike

[Whitney Mike]

girljo - Thank you for the trip report from your three friends this past Saturday on C2C. That is good news that they had a successful summit. It makes sense that the most snow would be between Round Valley and Wellman Divide, as that section is still sheltered by the trees. My trip will be on the 31st, so I am sure that we will have no problem in reaching the summit. Whitney Mike