Tram to San Jac Peak - Snow?

[Topper]

Planning to take the first tram up on Thursday and hike to the peak. Any current updates on trail snow amounts would be much appreciated!

I don't own crampons, an ice axe, or even gaiters. Hopefully none are needed at this time.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback!

Topper

[hikerval]

I'm heading up Saturday as a recon trip for a Girl Scout backpack trip I'm leading over Memorial Day weekend. The best source I have for trail conditions is the Long Valley Ranger Station: 760-327-0222. The rangers have always been very helpful. I haven't called in about a week, but I'm hoping a lot of the snow has melted away since I last talked to the ranger.

Please post back after your hike; I'd love to know what you find.

[MWD]

I tried calling the Long Valley Ranger Station last weekend before my trip and couldnt understand 70% of the recorded message. Good luck trying to get an accurate report from that recorded message. The best thing to do is monitor this message board until the minute you hit the trailhead (if possible).

[Florian]

I hiked to Round Valley today (Thursday) from the tramway and back via the High trail. The trail is mostly snow covered in all shady areas. But it's hard snow so not too much post-holing. I'd estimate Round Valley meadow is about 60% snow covered with the rest very wet mushy bog. More snow than i like and my boots got soaked but nothing technical or difficult. I didn't go above RV.

-Florian

[Florian]

Topper, i just noticed you said you were going on Thursday. I somehow was thinking you were going on the weekend. Did i see you today? I talked with a nice couple in RV that had planned to do the peak but thought they just might do Welman's instead. Or maybe i saw you on the 10am tramcar? I was the guy with green boonie hat, orange daypack, hiking pole, and a ponytail.

-Florian

[hikerval]

Thanks for the report. Re: the Long Valley recorded message -- it's awful. You just have to keep calling back till you get the ranger, which does happen throughtout the day.

Still, there's nothing like a first-hand report for the best information. I'm still heading up tomorrow to the peak, regardless of whether or not I can take my scouts next weekend to camp. Can't wait to get out there again!

[sthewlis]

I mentioned the incomprehensible phone message to the ranger when I turned in my trail pass yesterday. She was "aware of the problem" Ah... drama amongst the volunteers, I suspect.

Had planned on going up to Round Valley but the ranger said the trail was pretty iced over. Went up the willow creek trail and the snow was manageable but deep enough in spots to help me decide to do a much shorter hike than planned I'm going to try again next week--things seem to be melting pretty fast

[Topper]

Florian,

My buddy and I were on the 10am tram. Had to have seen you. I had a grey "VP" cap on, green shorts, black nike shirt.

We had a difficult time locating the trail and worked hard to find willow. Then we got up a bit higher, but the postholing and trail searching was tricky, so we turned back.

Going back as soon as the snow melts with my son to finish the job.

I'll post before we go, would enjoy meeting some of the local San Jac hikers.

Topper

[nihkon]

I'm planning to do the same hike next week (upper tram to the Peak). How far do you think we'll make it before hitting snow?

[Topper]

nihkon:

Hard to say when and how much snow you'll encounter, my guess is that the melt is speeding up and you'll have a little easier time finding and staying on the trail than we did. A poster above indicated he summited yesterday, which is certainly encouraging. Just make sure your boots are waterproofed well.

I'll be back out there in late June to take another shot at the summit.

Please post a hike report after you finish..

Topper