Mid week

[Jman]

I'm looking to head up San Jacinto for my first real backpacking trip in 10 years. I'm wondering if it is difficult to get permits for an overnighter in the middle of the week? I would like a moderate level trail maybe 6 miles long or so and was thinking of Fuller Ridge. I know I'm running out of good weather so I want to get up there. Thanks in advance for any info you might be able to provide.

[mtbphoto]

I was up there a few weeks ago in the middle of the week, we saw no one the 1st day, and only about 3 or 4 the 2nd day. We did the Marion Mountain trail, steep and short. Great Backpack.

[Jman]

That sounds promising. Thanks

[halhiker]

My favorite campsite up there is Desert View 1 up the Devil's Slide Trail. It's shorter than your desired six miles but you could set up camp and go day hiking. I like this campsite because it's right near the convergence of Willow and Tahquitz Creeks, near Laws Camp. (At least I think it's DV 1. It might be a different number--check with the Ranger).

I think if you head up Fuller Ridge you have to go all the way to Little Round Valley to camp. Judging from what the desert temps. were today, I'd expect temps in the 30's or 40's at night. Invigorating!

Hal

[Hikin_Jim]

I don't think you'll have much trouble getting a mid week permit this time of year, paticularly if you're on the Fuller Ridge side of things which is far less used. Fall is a great time for hiking. The touron type hikers aren't out there in droves like they are in the Summer.

[Jman]

I got the last of my new gear yesterday and I'm pretty psyched to be getting trully outdoors again and not just in the fields behind my house. (Where I ride 90% of the time) It's probably been a couple of years since the last time I've been in forest or at any elevation worth talking about.

[Hikin_Jim]

It really is a great feeling to be out again after some time away. And there's nothing quite like overnighting in the wild.

Let us know how it goes.

[Jman]

Well I did it, I hiked up Deer Springs Trail to Little Round Valley. It was a fun hike up with the exception of the last mile and half or so. Whew the combination of thin air and me hiking to hard and fast at the beginning really kick my behind. BUT I made it in about 5 hours to little round valley. All of my new gear worked great and the site I had was a great one....although I have to admit that I'm not sure it was an 'official' site. I was pretty tired and really wanted to just stop for the day but i did look for the site markers and couldn't find any. I went past the trail junction and hunted around the seasonal ranger station. Did I miss them? Are they there? Anyways, I ended up camping up amongst some boulders with a great view of the sunset.

Coming down was a blast and i did it in about 2 + hours. With the steepeness it was more of jog/walk than a hike even with 30 pounds on my back.

Thanks for your responses. After this trip I have a few ideas on other places to visit and camp.

[Hikin_Jim]

Last time I overnighted in LRV, I had a hard time figuring out exactly where the official sites were too, although I arrived fairly late in the day. I followed one of the official site trails and camped amongst some boulders with a great view to the West.

My impression of LRV is that it's a little out of the way and maybe doesn't get a lot of attention from the rangers. The outhouse is just about a safety hazard due to deterioration of the structure.

[Jman]

Glad to hear that I wasn't the only one to not find the posts. Sounds like we may have camped in the same spot. That outhouse was in extreme need of repair but I never needed it so I was happy.

What's the more used campground? I thought LRV was the main camp site during the summer months? I think I'll try riding the tram up next time (haven't done that in a few years) and hike to campground and then summit from there, I think I'll need to carry only slightly more water to do that and still have the time to summit.