A good walk on DS, Tahquitz and South Ridge

[OldnSlow]

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Idyllwild when three of us arrived to hike DS to Tahquitz. This was the first time for the three of us to be on those trails since they opened.

We stepped off at 7:30, planning to beat the heat. Only two others on the trail. No real signs of damage on DS, except for what appeared to be two burned bushes, perhaps from embers?

Very disconcerting to see so much caution tape at Saddle Junction. Only the PCT to Tahquitz trail was open.

Along the way you can really get some views of the fire's path out east of the trail. The trail itself is fine.

The fire tower itself was closed for painting and restoration. The volunteer we encountered was really nice, and you still had amazing views southward to really see the fire's path. She also said there were rangers out checking on Tahquitz Valley to determine if that trail could be opened back up.

Since we were being picked up and had cell signal to alert the driver, we decided to head down South Ridge and make a semi-loop of our hike.

The weather was bright and really warming up on our way down, I felt bad for the couple just heading up.

The final incline down to the road is a killer, but at least this time I was going down at the end, and not up.

We were picked up near the Ernie Maxwell trail head and headed off to the Lumber Mill for lunch.

Another great day of hiking in the San Jacintos!

[Hikin_Jim]

Glad to hear there's not too much sign of the fire -- although you guys didn't get to go very far east. It'll be interesting as things unfold.

HJ

[OldnSlow]

Out east and south you could really see signs of fire, but I'm not too familiar with many of those trails. Tahquitz valley seems to have been spared though. And south, you could really see the destruction along the Desert Divide heading north east.

[Hikin_Jim]

I did a really nice four day trip up the Desert Divide this past Memorial Day. I don't want to think about what it looks like now. It will revive. Eventually.

HJ