Little Round Valley - Water?

[jbeck]

Hi all,

My wife and I are going to be backpacking in San Jacinto Mountains this weekend staying the night at Little Round Vally then going up to San Jacinto peak. Does anyone know if there is a water source at Little Round Vally. I called the ranger station and they said they do not know if there is water there or at Strawberry Junction. Thanks for the info.

- Joe

[Hikin_Jim]

Hi, Joe,

Take a look at this map. Do you see where I've placed point "A"? This the best water source I've found in the LRV area. Basically, the trail switchbacks up to LRV on the right (east) side of the drainage. Where the trail makes it's final switchback and crosses the drainage, there is a small pool just upstream from the trail. This is the best spot I've found to collect water. There should be water there now this year.

Point "B" marks the water source near Strawberry junction. There should also be water there now.

HJ

[hvydrt]

The stream was flowing real good 2 weeks ago. Like Jim said, go up stream a little ways. The closer to the source the better.

[Norris]

Worst case there is good water on the trail approaching LRV. Notice the blue line crossing the trail just before LRV? There is reliable water there, better than in the valley. This is less than 1/2 mile, so if you take along a lightweight water bag like one of these you can carry enough water the short distance to your camp. See http://www.rei.com/product/733948

[RichMcG]

In LRV, there is a small hill when the trail is near the stream a few hundred yards before you get to the outhouse (I think there is a sign to not wash your pots in the stream, turn around and you'll see a small trail heading up the hill to the west,northwest. Up on the hill is a great little campsite with lots of level spots and a killer sunset view! And close to the stream I might add!

[jbeck]

Awesome! Thanks everyone for your replies and the links to the maps. We look forward to this weekend and will be heading San Jaciinto in a couple hours to enjoy the day at the trail head before leaving tomorrow morning.

Thanks again.

- Joe

[frenchvalley_rider]

Hi Jbeck,

We will be backpacking the same trail this Saturday (overnight 8/7) to Strawberry Junction. I hope your trip went well this weekend. Can you provide an update on the water supply up there?

Thanks.
FVR

[jbeck]

Yes plenty of water past Strawberry Junction none before or that I could find at. You start crossing some small springs about 1/2 - 1/4 mile after strawberry junction that you can easy pump water from. There was even more water as we got closer to Little Round Valley, within a mile and also a good source of water at Little Round Valley camp where we stayed.

We had a great trip, loved being up at the peak. Enjoy!!

[frenchvalley_rider]

jbeck thanks for the info!!! Good to know we will pack less water as previously planned. Awesome job to the top. Cheers to future peaks.

FVR