3 night stay this weekend

[dennx]

Hi all

Thanks for the informative forum. A friend and I are planning a 3 night stay. This is our first time backpacking.

Our route is
(Day 1) Humber Park, Devils Slide, Round Valley (camp) or Tamarack Valley instead.
(Day 2) the Peak, Little Round Valley (camp).
(Day 3) Strawberry Junction (camp)
(Day 4) Humber Park

As you can see we plan on taking our time and getting use to the altitude before attempting the peak. We want time to enjoy it all and be able to explore a bit during our times at each camp. We've planned on bringing plenty of water, 100oz each and an extra water bottle and refill whenever we can along the trail. The weather will be anywhere from 70-90s highs on the route, but we will beat some of the heat during early morning starts. We've also planned for any rain this weekend.

Dennis

[Hikin_Jim]

(Day 1) Humber Park, Devils Slide, Round Valley (camp) or Tamarack Valley instead.

Unfortunately, when you get your permit, you have to specify the exact spot you will camp.

Also, remember that you have to get a State permit to camp at Round Valley, Tamarack, or Little Round Valley and a Federal permit for Strawberry Jct.

Strawberry Jct. is a dry camp, so pack in your water or you can visit Strawberry Cienega which is a bit of a walk. I think it's on the order of a mile each way to Strawberry Cienega which should be flowing right now.

Sounds like a great trip. Enjoy! (and post photos when you get back)

HJ

[dennx]

Hey Jim

Thanks for the advice. I assume I can get both permits at the Ranger station?

[Hikin_Jim]

Hey Jim

Thanks for the advice. I assume I can get both permits at the Ranger station?

Well, kind of. There are two ranger stations in Idyllwild, one for the USFS and another for SJ State Park. You will get the Strawberry Camp permit from the USFS and the Round Valley (or Tamarack) and Little RV from the State Park. You have to deal with the two separate agencies.

Personally, I like to reserve things in advance. Permits do run out. I would call ahead and see if the camps you want are available on the days you want. Typically, I get my permits a couple of months in advance.

HJ

[Nick-SJM]

Hikin_Jim - Strawberry Junction camp is also within the State Park. Otherwise, that is all good advice.

Nick

[Hikin_Jim]

Hikin_Jim - Strawberry Junction camp is also within the State Park. Otherwise, that is all good advice.

Nick

Oh, duh, guess I'd better check the lines on the map before I answer questions. Sorry about that. In fact, now looking at a map, I see that it is right near the State/Federal boundary but that it's on the State side of the line.

OK, dennx, you should then be able to go just to the State Park ranger station in Idyllwild to get your permits. The USFS will honor your State Park permit and allow you to go up the Devil's Slide Trail so that you can get to your various camp sites. You will not need a separate Federal permit.

HJ

[halhiker]

IMHO, Desert View 1 is the best campsite up there. It's between the confluence of Tahquitz and Willow Creeks. Most of the Desert View campsites are further south away from the water but this one is perfect. People also don't ask for it as much. I don't know about LRV since I've never camped there.

I'm hoping to get a day off away from kids and do that trip as a day hike only I'll cut across below Suicide Rock, follow the climber's trail and come back to Humber that way.

[Nick-SJM]

Halhiker- That is a great place to camp. There are many nice camping sites in that area. It is possible to get a "zone" permit from the Forest Service and legally stay in these.

Nick

[dennx]

I talked to Ross at the ranger station and fedexed a permit app to him. If everything goes well we should be set for the weekend. There is a chance we'll have to do the reverse loop starting via Strawberry Junction.

[dennx]

I talked to Ross at the ranger station and fedexed a permit app to him. If everything goes well we should be set for the weekend. There is a chance we'll have to do the reverse loop starting via Strawberry Junction.