Snow Creek Canyon to San Jacinto in two weekends

[Reego]

Is Snow Canyon up to San Jacinto possible during this time of year for strong hikers? Would there be any water? My buddy and I are strong hikers looking for a major challenge. He has done all the major 100 mile ultras in the country, including the Hardrock 100. I've done some great day hikes including the Rim to Rim to Rim and the Zion Traverse. Let me know what you think.

[Perry]

Hey Reego, it's never a hike, always a climb. When there's no snow I've heard there's another waterfall that requires a 4th or 5th class climb to get around. I've only done it when there's snow. Bluerail and Fern know more about doing summer and fall climbs up Snow Creek.

[lilbitmo]

Is Snow Canyon up to San Jacinto possible during this time of year for strong hikers? Would there be any water? My buddy and I are strong hikers looking for a major challenge. He has done all the major 100 mile ultras in the country, including the Hardrock 100. I've done some great day hikes including the Rim to Rim to Rim and the Zion Traverse. Let me know what you think.

And please stay away from the DWA property as they are reading these forums and if they know you are coming they may have you arrested for trespassing, just a word to the wise. If you are not sure what is their land it's the one square mile section at the mouth of the canyon otherwise known as section #33. Check your map for details and be safe if you go it's a very long difficult climbed in either dry or snow conditions. Good luck have fun and post a TR please.

[bluerail]

:0) leave no car and dont step on their property and everything is fine...

[lesper4]

Reego, on a side bar topic how was the Zion Traverse. My backpacking group is planning on doing that in 2013 (2012 is Evolution Valley). Can you give me some of the basics: time of year you did it, total milage, start and finish points, general conditions, etc? Thanks.

[momphrare]

Reego, on a side bar topic how was the Zion Traverse. My backpacking group is planning on doing that in 2013 (2012 is Evolution Valley). Can you give me some of the basics: time of year you did it, total milage, start and finish points, general conditions, etc? Thanks.

I'm also intersted in knowing about Zion. :)

[bluerail]

people that are inspired to do this trip and bail when they're still in the approach, really should put up some sort of a comment on their thread afterwards to at least give others their take on what the trip requires-why they bailed etc...just so others that might be interested have an idea what they're getting into

[Reego]

We ended up bailing on the hike about 4 miles into it. My hiking buddy Dave got a real bad case of leg cramps. We tried getting all kinds of salty foods in him, but nothing worked. He finally made the executive decision that it would be best if we turned around. This was a really tough decision for Dave, and I highly respect him for being confident enough to admit that it just wasn't his day, even though he said he felt highly embarrassed for bailing. Overall we had a great time and it was a good probing expedition, even though we didn't make it into Snow Creek Canyon.

Once you reach the palm oasis this hike is very steep uphill, you will be on your toes non-stop for miles before getting a break from the uphill. Yes, it is that steep that you will be on your toes that long. It is also so steep that you will use your hands in many areas to aid yourself up the hill.

This hike definitely takes a high level of athletic and endurance ability. It is definitely not to be taken lightly in terms of difficulty. For me I loved it, and it is exactly what I crave out of a hike: intense steepness, and off trail navigation.

I'm not trying to boast, but want to rather give insight to what type of shape I am in for those considering this hike. I am a person who runs a lot, sometimes over 120 miles a week. My philosophy with running is to "run the un-run-able", meaning I try to run the steepest, meanest terrain I can find, which is typically not on a maintained trail. I also ran collegiate cross country and have been doing endurance competitions my whole life. On top of my daily running routine I also work for the CCC and am on my feet hiking around all day and then I come home I go running.

That being said, I completely loved the nature of the hike and I can't wait to get out there and give it another go, which unfortunately probably won't be till next fall. If you think you have the athletic/endurance ability to do this hike it is a must do. It is amazing that we are so lucky here in Southern California to have such crazy terrain to hike up, thanks to the San Andreas Fault.

For those of you interested in doing this hike, make sure you train for it and significantly test yourself before heading out and giving it a go.

[bluerail]

I do it regularly, that being said, I almost died in there at 9800' yesterday. It's so much more than a hike. Be insanely cautious
if you go. Anytime you go.

Good tr Brian...

[Hikin_Jim]

I almost died in there at 9800' yesterday...

What happened? Rockfall?

HJ