Desert View water

[RichMcG]

Was looking at the option of camping at Desert view in a few weeks. Is there water in Hidden Lake, or is there a small stream to filter there? I know it is very dry on the mountain this year. Is Desert View a decent camp site, looks fairly flat? Also, what's the water situation at Laws camp?

[cynthia23]

Wasn't any water at all in Hidden Lake last time I was there and that was three months ago. Also, even if there were water in there, you're not supposed to walk on the meadow because it kills the rare plant that grows there. I don't think that's a good campsite area IMO since it's basically a closed area and you're not supposed to even go in there. (although obviously I did, but I wouldn't try camping there ... )

[RichMcG]

Wanted to avoid having 2 permits camping one night in Round Valley and another in Laws camp or Caramba. Not a big deal though. Waiting to hear on another thread the water situation in Caramba.

[Florian]

Wanted to avoid having 2 permits camping one night in Round Valley and another in Laws camp or Caramba.

If you're concerned about permits (implying you are a law abiding sort of person) why would you consider camping in a closed and unapproved camping area? I don't mean this critically just wondering about your logic.

-Florian

[RichMcG]

Didn't know it was a closed area, we usually come in from the Idyllwild side and use Wellman's to get up to Round Valley. The symbol on my topo for Desert View was the same for all the other camp sites. Probably the reason I've never heard of Desert View camp! We were planning on Laws, but that area was further in, but not as far as Round valley.

[Florian]

Thanks Rich. Understood.

-Florian

[Hikin_Jim]

There's some confusion too about the Desert View Zone which is one of the authorized camping areas in the Forest Service portion of the San Jacintos vs. the point marked as "Desert View" on the maps.

The point known as Desert View is near Hidden Mud Flat and is just that, a view of the desert. It's a nice view, but they don't want anyone near the Mud Flat anymore. Some say that Hidden Mud Flat is a lake. They obviously haven't been by lately.



HJ

[Ulysses]

LOL

[cynthia23]

Very amusing HJ BTW as I'm sure many here already know--the Park is building a wooden walkway which will float over the meadow, pass the lake and out to Desert View. When it's done they will, obviously, open the area. I've heard it will be completed by the fall but who knows. It's mostly built though. I'm looking forward to it because then I won't have to sneak out there anymore .

[Hikin_Jim]

Well, I hope it helps. I do like the view from Desert View.

HJ