San G via South Fork trail 6/17

[Florian]

I had been planning to camp with a friend at Barton Flats this week and hike the South Fork trail to San Gorgonio on Tuesday. However my friend got overrun with family commitments so backed out. Also the weather forecast for today (Tuesday) was 40% for rain so i decided not to go either. (Looks like weather turned out to be just fine today.)

So... my wilderness permit is good for two days and i'm thinking to go up myself tomorrow (Wednesday) and do the hike alone. Would anyone like to join me? The permit is for 2 persons. I plan to leave Palm Springs about 6:30am and get to the South Fork trailhead by 8am Wednesday.

The hike is about a 23 mile round trip and frankly i may decide to not go all the way to the peak depending on weather and how i feel. I do the tram to San Jac round trip fairly often (altho not yet this year) but 23 miles is over twice that distance with higher elevations. Current forecast is for 20% chance of rain and mostly cloudy but the satellite images don't look threatening.

If anyone is interested let me know. If you're in the Palm Springs area i don't mind driving.

-Florian

[Florian]

I had a great hike up San G today. Even a bit of hail at the summit. Will post details and pics tomorrow.

-Florian

[Florian]

A few more details from my hike yesterday: I started at 8pm from the South Fork trailhead and went up via the Dollar Lake trail. Reached the summit just after noon taking 4 hours 15 minutes. My GPS said exactly 12 miles. The temp was 36° and 3/16" hail was starting to fall. I was dressed pretty lightly so didn't stay on the peak long. Went down via the east trail and Dry Lake. I always forget the remains of that C-47 are up there. Kind of a shock to come across. Had some light rain on my way down but not enough to soak me. Clouds moved in over the peak after i was down lower. GPS said 24 miles total back at the trailhead. The forest service mileage sheet shows the Dollar Lake route at 11.6 miles and the Dry Lake route at 13.1 but i got exactly 12 miles for both routes. Was a really great hike and only saw one other hiker on the trails all day.

Some photos here ... http://www.flickr.com/photos/fboyd/sets ... 98/detail/

Google Earth kml file here ... http://www.stargazing.com/blog/san_gorgonio_061709.kml

-Florian

[Hikin_Jim]

Reached the summit just after noon taking 4 hours 15 minutes. My GPS said exactly 12 miles.

That's roughly 3mph -- danged good for that kind of gain, terrain, and elevation. Good job!

[Ellen]

Howdy Florian

I second HJ -- great pace

I got caught in a thunder, lightening, and hail storm coming down from San G at Mineshaft saddle back in 2005. Loved the hail, although it hurt when it hit. However, I didn't particularly like the lightening The trail became a stream, so I had no difficulty finding my way down

Hope to meet you on a trail soon.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Blooty]

I did San G. via South Fork/Dollar Lake yesterday (Father's Day). Will post pix later. I thought about coming back via Dry Lake, but since I didn't leave the summit till 3:00, and since it was more mileage, I guess I wimped out. 23.2 miles. Left my car at 9:30 AM and got back at 6:30PM. Anyhow, after doing this yesterday I am more impressed with your hike!

By the way, there was no wind at the summit yesterday. It was amazing.

[Florian]

I did San G. via South Fork/Dollar Lake yesterday (Father's Day). Will post pix later.

Hi Blooty!

It's a really good hike. Just a steady climb all the way and really no switchbacks. How busy was the trail on Sunday? Looking forward to seeing your pics.

-Florian