Planning a visit from Minnesota

[curtainfalls]

Hello. My brother and I are visiting from Minnesota and would like to hike around Mt. San Jacinto. We're looking for an 8-12 mile hike and can come during January or February, even into early March. What recommendations do you have for lodging, gear, route, and best time to come? Thanks for any help you can provide.

[zippetydude]

I'm going to assume that you already have plenty of cold weather clothing...

For a single trip of that length, it would probably be fun just to go up to the peak. You may need snowshoes (depending on the amount of snow by then - you may not need them either) or crampons, but the route is not technical.

On the other hand, being from Minnesota, you may prefer to avoid snow altogether. There's a very nice section of the PCT that you can take out of Snow Creek that will have no snow and you could do 4-6 miles out and back.

Others will probably toss some other ideas out there for you. You really can't lose when you get out there in the wilderness. Hope you have a fun trip.

z

[halhiker]

February or March would be the best times to come. They are warmer than January and there are lots of hiking options.

The Indian Canyons are great for day hiking. Lots of interesting places to explore.

Joshua Tree National Park is an hour from PS and offers great hiking and rock climbing.

San Jacinto itself tends to be snow covered that time of year. You probably have that at home.

The Santa Rosa Mountains just south of San Jacinto offer many interesting hikes as well as does the Anza Borrego State Park south of here.

Lodging can be expensive that time of year. It's our high season. Your best bet is try some internet sites like Priceline or Expedia. You might get lucky if someone has low occupancy.

[zippetydude]

February or March would be the best times to come. They are warmer than January and there are lots of hiking options.

The Indian Canyons are great for day hiking. Lots of interesting places to explore.

Right on both counts. I would highly recommend the Indian Canyons. It's amazing to see a stream flowing through the middle of the desert, and it makes for a beautiful hike. Shorter than your 8-12, but squeeze it in anyway! I think this would be my first choice.

z

[halhiker]

February or March would be the best times to come. They are warmer than January and there are lots of hiking options.

The Indian Canyons are great for day hiking. Lots of interesting places to explore.

Right on both counts. I would highly recommend the Indian Canyons. It's amazing to see a stream flowing through the middle of the desert, and it makes for a beautiful hike. Shorter than your 8-12, but squeeze it in anyway! I think this would be my first choice.

z

There are a few longer hikes in the Indian Canyons. The West Fork Loop is about 10 miles. Maynard Mine Trail is about 8. The hike to Bullseye Rock is probably about 8 and there are some other nice longer hikes in the desert as well.

[curtainfalls]

Thanks to all of you for the quick responses and ideas. This is obviously a very active message board with enthusiastic members. I appreciate the help!