Current Conditions on Desert Divide Trails

[Art]

Does anyone know the status of the northbound PCT starting at Highway 74? I talked to the Idyllwild ranger in late-September and he told me that a portion of the trail would be opening "very soon", in a matter of weeks. With the govt closure, I can't reach anyone at the ranger station. Does anyone know if it the trail is open and, if so, for what distance?

[Hikin_Jim]

I'm pretty sure it's closed. If it were about to open, that opening is on hold now due to the shut down. I haven't heard of any imminent opening.

If it's any consolation, here's a trip report with a lot of nice photos...
The Desert Divide Dozen, Peak Bagging on the PCT

HJ

[halhiker]

Jim is probably right. I'd imagine it's closed.

Is anyone enforcing that closure? Now that's another story.

[Hikin_Jim]

The Mountain Fire burned as far south as the Palm View Peak area but not as far as Pyramid Peak. I would assume that the PCT is closed from at least the Cedar Spring trail junction north.

Trail sign at Cedar Spring trail junction.


The PCT Assoc. web site says that everything north of Hwy 74 is closed although I don't see any reason why the area from Pyramid Peak south to Hwy 74 would be closed.

PCT closed on Mt. San Jacinto
Sections: Section B / Southern California
Tags: Trail Closure
July 16th, 2013
The Mountain Fire started at 1:43 PM on July 15, 2013 near the junction of Highway 243 and Highway 74. The fire is out and parts of the Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from Highway 74 (mile 152) north to Strawberry Junction (mile 183) near the San Jacinto State Park boundary. Through hikers will need to detour the fire area using either Marion Mountain or Deer Springs trail, to State Highway 243 and State Highway 74. View the closure order and a map of the closure. If you have questions, you can call the San Jacinto Ranger Station at 909-382-2921.

HJ

[bluerail]

Snowy today

[Ulysses]

Stopped by the trailhead on Hwy 74 this morning and the parking lot was closed off with barricades and tape.

[Hikin_Jim]

Did it say that it was a fire closure or was it closed due to the government shutdown. Presumably it is a fire closure.

HJ

[Ulysses]

Fire closure. All the same postings I've seen at the other closed areas.