Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

by **Sally** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:15 pm

Since Ellen and I had spent the previous three Wednesdays climbing snow chutes on Gorgonio, we decided a nice hike on dirt was in order. I have done Baldy Bowl in snow twice but never done it by trail. So yesterday we left a car in Baldy Village and a car at Manker Flats, and headed for the Bear Canyon trail at about 5:30. This was a first for me and I was impressed by all the cabins holding tenaciously to the canyon walls along the way before we even got to the trailhead. Soon we were on the actual trail, and the tumbling creek and wildflowers were a sight to behold.

Then the trail became steeper and steeper. I asked Ellen if she was sure we weren't on Skyline. Have you all noticed that I always use the word "steep" in my TRs when I'm with Ellen? That is because the gal has a crazy obsession with going UP! The higher we went, the more I realized that this mountain is way different from San J and San G. What more can I say than it is beautiful in it's own way.

The weather was pleasant, clear above and clouds below us. However as we got nearer to the top a stiff wind picked up and we put on long sleeves. There were still some nice snow patches, and a few on the trail, but nothing to warrant microspikes.

When we got to the summit at 9:20 we hunkered down in one of the rock shelters and had brunch. Then we headed onward to the Devil's Backbone. Again I was stunned by Baldy's beauty.

Eventually we found ourselves at the Mt Baldy Ski Resort. A few different roads converged here and we weren't exactly sure where to go so we took a guess and headed down a road that became increasingly degraded. I could see a road above us that I noticed before we headed down the road we were on. "Um, Ellen, I think we should be up THERE." So instead of backtracking to get up there we clawed our way up this steep embankment. I'm sure if anyone were watching they would be dying laughing as we slid backwards with every step upwards. Fortunately our efforts were rewarded with the nice road that takes you back to Manker Flats.

After retrieving our cars we went into Rancho Cucamonga for burgers at In 'n Out, and then went to REI for retail therapy. Many $$$ later we emerged and went out for frozen yogurt.

What a great day! Thank you Ellen!

by **Sally** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 6:42 pm

OK here's the pics :arrow:

https://picasaweb.google.com/sallymorle ... directlink

by **Hikin_Jim** » Sat Jun 11, 2011 8:31 am

Now that is the DBB!

Hunh. That almost looks like Ellen. Oh, wait, there's no heavy brush, no deadly steepness, and there's no extreme suffering going on. Nah, can't be Ellen. Sorry, my mistake. :wink:

Nice hike, guys.

HJ

by **Ellen** » Sat Jun 11, 2011 12:29 pm

Howdy HJ

Hikin_Jim wrote:
Hunh. That almost looks like Ellen. Oh, wait, there's no heavy brush, no deadly steepness, and there's no extreme suffering going on. Nah, can't be Ellen. Sorry, my mistake.

HJ

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

by **Hikin_Jim** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 4:49 pm

I'm writing a field guide of how to recognize members of this forum in the wild.

The above photo is of a Hikerus extremus var. Ellenus, frequently sighted near dense, leg scratching brush. Prefers colder climates and steep terrain including sheer, icy couloirs. Incredible homing abilities with mountain huts in snowy conditions. You can often get a good look at this species at certain local, er, "watering holes" (the type that serve beer at altitudes above 8000'). :wink:

HJ