Saddle Junction to Wellman's Divide Conditions

[OsideMatt]

Any one been up the "other" long way in the past week or so? I'm not as hip on the scenery from Deer Springs/Marion Mtn. so I'm either going to approach up Devil's Slide or S Ridge Tr. I'm hoping for some snow depth info as when it's too deep I lose all will in the drainage just S of Wellman's Cienega. If I can get through there I get re-energized when I see other people but from the PCT turn off to Wellman's Divide is a lonely stretch.

Join if you like. Pre-dawn SAT or SUN still TBD. No snowshoes for me just microspikes, gaiters, lots of cold weather gear. BTW - anyone know if the gate to S Ridge is still open?

[SoCalJim]

It's been a week and a half, but I went that way Saturday, 11/5, the day after the unexpectedly generous snowfall, as far as Wellman Cienaga. Trail was broken by a group of hikers who went ahead of me as far as Strawberry Junction and a couple of guys who came out of Round Valley (who were backpacking in the storm on Friday afternoon and called it a "blizzard" and a "catastrophe", only half-joking). At the time, I'd say average snow depth was approximately 6", drifted to over a foot in places. I didn't really miss not having snowshoes, but there were a few times when I thought they would've been nice. I know there's been a little more snow since, but the trail shouldn't be hard to follow. From what I read in another thread, you might want snowshoes when you're getting up towards 10K. Might want Microspikes, too, in areas subject to melt/freeze cycles. BTW, Wellman Cienaga flowing nicely; I filled a liter bottle in about 15 seconds at trailside there.

[OsideMatt]

Excellent info. Thank you! I'm always wrong about the snowshoes so for once I'll take it from someone else. At least they're light.

[hazman]

Just went up the South Ridge today from the gate (which is open) to the lookout. Only saw 2 others guys (from Chicago) on the trail. Some snow and ice from around 7000' on up. It wasn't bad, only around 6 in. and hardened. The last .25 mile of the trail to the lookout had 1 - 1.5' of snow. Good times!