Saturday Sept 1

[halhiker]

I'd love an adventure but I'm running (very slowly) in the Disneyland half marathon this weekend.

May I suggest one of my favorite hikes at the Tram doing the peaks over ten thousand feet (Marion, Jean, Drury, Folly, MSJ and Miller). The off trail hiking is not that tough and it's the one way to get away from the weekend crowds.

[CO Hiker]

Greetings all. I've been reading some posts and you all seem pretty knowledgeable about this peak. I am in Colorado but coming to Palm Springs for 2 days for a conference Sept 14-16. Never been before and noticed on google earth that there is a large peak next door. I'm a pretty avid hiker/trail runner of 14ers here in CO and would like suggestions on a quick ascent of SJ (if that's the appropriate abbreviation) for Sat morning Sept 15. I figure it's going to be a bit warmer than I am used to so will need extra water. I've just completed the Pikes marathon so I am up for 10-15 miles if that's necessary. I think I am going to have about an 8ish hour window?

So... what routes should I consider? What time can/should I start? Is the trail/grade able to be jogged in sections? For anyone that's been in CO or even up Pikes how would this compare in difficulty/steepness? Thanks for any help.

John

[Perry]

....noticed on google earth that there is a large peak next door....

I had to smile at that because some people from other areas have the impression that Palm Springs is just palm trees and swimming pools. In fact, the mountain rises 10,000 feet above it's base. The tram will be temporarily shut down for maintenance when you are here, so you could do the entire climb from ~500 feet elevation to 10,834 feet. Or if that's a bit more than you want, you can start on the Idyllwild side from various spots at ~6,000 feet and another at about 7,500. The problem with starting in Palm Springs during tram shutdown is that when you go back down (descending 10,000 feet from the peak or 8,000 feet from the tram) it will be very hot, so you would need to have about 2 gallons when you leave Long Valley at 8,400 feet to go back down, plus salt and carbos. Not impossible, but very unpopular.

[glamisking]

....noticed on google earth that there is a large peak next door....

I had to smile at that because some people from other areas have the impression that Palm Springs is just palm trees and swimming pools. In fact, the mountain rises 10,000 feet above it's base. The tram will be temporarily shut down for maintenance when you are here, so you could do the entire climb from ~500 feet elevation to 10,834 feet. Or if that's a bit more than you want, you can start on the Idyllwild side from various spots at ~6,000 feet and another at about 7,500. The problem with starting in Palm Springs during tram shutdown is that when you go back down (descending 10,000 feet from the peak or 8,000 feet from the tram) it will be very hot, so you would need to have about 2 gallons when you leave Long Valley at 8,400 feet to go back down, plus salt and carbos. Not impossible, but very unpopular.

But pretty insane for a first C2Cer none the less! I would recommend Idyllwild.

[halhiker]

CO hiker:
Where are you staying in PS?

I would suggest one of the hikes leaving Idyllwild to the top of Mount San Jacinto. There are several options ranging in mileage from about 12 to over 20. It will be warm but not hot because all trailheads start at higher elevations (although you will have to carry all your water. The wilderness is very dry this year). Personally, I like the Marion Mountain Trail. It's short, kinda steep and offers great views. The view from the top of San Jacinto is fantastic and on a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Permits and maps are available in Idyllwild at the Ranger Station in town.

[Hikin_Jim]

Hal:

Does he need both a State and Federal permit? Doesn't the Marion Mountain trail (as do most of the trails) cross both State and Federal lands? Or is it only the State that requires day hike permits?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't there two ranger stations in Idyllwild (one State, one Federal). Either way, it's important to know which permit to get.

--HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

I won't be in the SJ Wilderness area this Saturday. They still had tickets for the 1812 Overture and Fireworks at the Bowl, so that's where I'll be headed. It'll be fun, but I'll miss SJ.

You guys enjoy; I'll probably take the Sister Elsie trail near my place just to stay in "shape." (round is a shape)

[halhiker]

One only needs a permit from the trailhead of entry. No multiple permits necessary.

Hal

[guest]

CO Hiker,
Even though you unintentionally "hijacked" this thread, don't worry, I'm just learning about this etiquette too, the next door peak you asked about is San Gorgonio, 11,499 ft.

With only an 8 hr window, you won't be able to drive to the trail, which is the Vivian Creek trailhead in a village called Forest Falls above the town of Yucaipa, and return in that time.
It's about 7-8 miles each way, starts at 6,500.

There's a few locals doing it that day, Sept 15, so if your able to do Pikes marathon, I'll consider having you join us, but you'll need to whole day.

ss

[Hikin_Jim]

...I am in Colorado but coming to Palm Springs for 2 days for a conference Sept 14-16. Never been before and noticed on google earth that there is a large peak next door...

From the way it's worded, I think "CO Hiker" is referring to Mt SJ, but "guest" is right that Mt San Gorgonio is fairly close as well.

For SJ, since the tram will be closed on the weekend that you are here, there are multiple trails you can take from the West side to get to the peak:
Fuller Ridge/Pacific Crest Trail
Marion Mountain Trail
Deer Springs Trail
Seven Pines Trail
Devil's Slide Trail

This map http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/636/files/MtSanJacintoSPmap.pdf sShows all the relevant trails with their respective mileages. Many people prefer the Marion Mountain Trail, which, although steep, is the shortest non-tram route to the peak. If you're used to the Rockies this should be no big deal for you.

The Fuller Ridge trail will probably give you a lot of solitude, but it has the reputation that the builder was paid by the mile. Many people get very frustrated by this trail because it meanders all over heck and back en route.

If you're in good shape and want a long tour, you could head up the Devil's Slide Trail (DST). This is probably one of the most popular trails, although not too many will take it all the way to the peak. Using the DST, you can access the East side of SJ, maybe even making a side trip to Round Valley which has a nice meadow -- an area that will have very few people in it due to the tram closure. There is water available at Round Valley, probably the only water on the mountain on a route to SJ during this drought we're having.

Anyway, there you have it, a few factoids.