On Saturday, I headed up on the first tram with the San Jacinto hiking club and other friends to play in the new powder. After securing a permit, we promptly put on snowshoes and followed Jordan's tracks towards the Round Valley/Sid Davis junction. Indio/Engine Joe, Jordan and I took turns breaking trail up the Sid Davis drainage to Tamarack valley. From Tamarack, we attempted to head up the Ranger Overland route -- I took us a bit too far to the right, so there was a small section of shrub-shoeing before getting into the little forest where the summer trail takes a bend at about 10 K.
I wanted to go up the gully next to Jean, other folks wanted to break in the summer trail to Miller Saddle. Joe and Marilyn kindly joined me. We switchbacked in the soft powder up to the ridge. I've gone up San Jacinto via this enchanted route many times, but it was the first time for Marilyn and Joe. We traversed along the north side of the ridge through sublime wind-sculpted snow and trees flocked with snow and rhime ice.
We passed the little plateau where the Deer Springs trail intersects the Wellman's divide trail and made our way up to the summit. I never tire of seeing the summit sign and rock -- we were the first to summit in the new snow. Went north past the sign on the snow-covered ridge. This is only the second time I've been able to do this since the winter of 2011. Reveled in the views of San Gorgonio, Santa Rosas, Coachella valley and the ice- and snow-flocked trees south of the summit.
We took the requisite summit photos before heading to the hut for lunch. As usual, it was warmer outside than in
After refueling and celebrating a lovely day, we followed our friends' tracks down to Miller Saddle, then took the trail down to our ascent track. Thanks to our friends' tracks, we were able to avoid the brushy section on our return to Tamarck. My bad ankle let me know we didn't need snowshoes on Sid Davis and we booted it back to the tram.
A stellar day -- thanks to San Jacinto and my friends
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
