Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

Decided to head up with the So Cal Hikers and Peakbaggers to Dry Lake this past Saturday.

S Fork Trailhead:

Chilly morning, snow everywhere.

But by Poopout Hill, not a soul had a jacket on.


San G was sure looking good.


The trail was well tracked up to S. Fork Meadows, but only lightly tracked to Dry Lake. We of course headed up the "winter route" (straight up the drainage) instead of risking the exposure that the actual trail entails.



Ever wonder about this rock? It kind of sits out there in the middle of everything all by it's lonesome. There aren't a lot of rocky walls for it to fallen from. I suspect it's a glacial erratic.


Almost there.


Dry Lake. Really beautiful day. Lake Peak is seen beyond the lake.


Looking SSE from the outlet of Dry Lake.


San G looms large above Dry Lake.



People unfamiliar with the mountains of Southern California are really missing out on some grand landscapes. San Gorgonio Mountain (left) and Jepson Peak (right). Big Draw lies between the two summits.



No lack of water...

...if you have the right tools.





Heating up.


About time for some lunch.


Regrettably, it's time to head for home.


On our return, we pass through South Fork Meadows

which is a most lovely spot.


By afternoon, the trail is really well packed.


Nearing the trailhead, we cross this avalanche zone.


The clearing of the avvy zone affords a nice view of the Sugarloaf.


Horse Meadows is looking good.



Nearing the end of my hike, I look back for one last fond look at the SGW. It's been a great day.


Thanks for coming along.

HJ

Wow, looked like an awesome day Jim. Thanks for the pics. I haven't spent much time on that mountain, especially in the winter. Looks like that's gonna have to change.

Nice pictures Jim.

Andy wrote:Wow, looked like an awesome day Jim. Thanks for the pics. I haven't spent much time on that mountain, especially in the winter. Looks like that's gonna have to change.

It's a super nice area -- probably my favorite for overnighters although how do you really try to decide between the SGW and the SJW? I mean they're both so nice.

The SGW just gives you a much larger area to play in. Think of it as the SJW's big brother.

HJ

skunkboy wrote:Nice pictures Jim.

Thanks. Whole lotta fun.

HJ

Great pictures! I need to do some snowshoeing over on that side of the freeway someday..

Beautiful Jim...that made me drool. Real soothing pics, laced with a bit of adrenaline.

Glad you enjoyed 'em, guys. It was a really nice day for it.

HJ

where are the cinnamon rolls jim? what kind of stove genius are you without the cinnamon rolls.

tinaballina wrote:where are the cinnamon rolls jim? what kind of stove genius are you without the cinnamon rolls.

Dang. Tough crowd around here. I thought I did good bringing enough cups and cocoa for eight snowshoers.

I'll have to meet this Phil guy -- everyone keeps talking about his danged cinnamon rolls. Sheesh, can't get no stinkin' respect around here, 'cause of you, Phil.

HJ