PCT - Possible Bypass Routes for the Mountain Fire Closure

[Hikin_Jim]

Yep Jim I just went to the SJ ranger station and talked to the person from the back office about it. When I asked why the closer signs were taken down he said signs go up and signs come down who takes them down is the question. Since there are no signs I could get away with walking through there but that won't work for planing a detoure for hundreds of PCT hikers. He said they are working on something along the lines of your blue line on the topo. So I did a little leg work here in Idyllwild and what I came away with is the blue is a step in the right direction. [emphasis added]

Cool. Halfmile is supposed to be up there some time soon. Hopefully we can scout it out and determine if it's really suitable. I notice part of it goes through/near what is marked as a quarry (on Chalk Hill). Not sure if that will be a problem or not. There's a limit to what I can do with topo maps and satellite photos.

HJ

[Backwoods]

Jim. I have hiked up from the Coldwater trailhead to the Taquitz fire lookout it's the trailhead to do lower - mid and upper Southridge trail from the bottom at the 243 at Keenwild. I passed a trail sign that said Chalk hill. The hill was between me and the 243 at that point. I never went up it but there's a clear trail with a old wooden Chalk hill trail sign going to were you are asking about so I would think hiking's OK?? I don't rember seeing anything like a quary from down maby 0.3 of a mile from the white chalky cliff that's called Chalk hill. I have only noticed it from the side away from Hwy 243.

[Hikin_Jim]

Here's the spot I'm talking about:


It's some kind of work area or something. There's a quarry symbol there on the map, but it really doesn't look like a quarry. The "blue route" goes right smack dab through the middle of it.

HJ

[Backwoods]

I think it's the County grinding station? On your topo it look's to be at 5000' and the curve in the 243 look's right. I don't think it's good news but it look's easy enough to get around. My freand works at the transfer station it's the same company I'll ask him about it if you think thats it? I copy'd and pasted this. From south: Idyllwild Grinding Facility Proceed on Hwy 243 north toward Idyllwild. Turn Right at
the 5,000 foot marker on the highway. Riverside County Waste Management Department
Ph 951-486-3200

[Hikin_Jim]

I think it's the County grinding station?

Yep, that's it. What the heck is a grinding station? For Christmas trees?

Ideally, the whole route should be walked, checking for practicality, followability, etc., and a GPS track created.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

I've seen a copy of some correspondence with a ranger regarding the PCT bypass for the Mountain Fire closure. In it, the ranger discusses using the Spitler Peak Trail as part of a bypass.

I've mapped out how that might work *IF* they also open up Bonita Vista Road and May Valley Road: http://caltopo.com/map?id=115N

If they don't open up Bonita Vista Road and May Valley Road, then frankly it might be better to just use routes along Hwy 74: http://caltopo.com/map?id=7S5F

HJ

[Backwoods]

Spitler is how you get down the mountain useing Halfmiles snow detoure. Spitler's toast from what I could see from up by the Zen center the week after the fire. If they pick Spitler then maby the FS are thinking more along the lines of safety than enviromental reasons? If that's the case then I'd put $$ on it being HM's detoure since everything below there is pretty safe down in Garner and May valley. I did take a quick look at both end's of the Blue trail you had in mind on the way out of town last week. From the road It just looks like a bummer. I know these mountains and Valleys but I'm not much of a map guy I don't use one anymore in the SJ's so I'll leave all map making and computer stuff to you smart guy's. Thank's Jim the trail need's people like you!!

[Backwoods]

I'm pretty sure the upper part of Bonita Vista road is private property.

[Hikin_Jim]

I'm pretty sure the upper part of Bonita Vista road is private property.

Sometimes the FS can work out an accommodation with the land owners. I'm not saying that's going to happen, but sometimes the FS does work something out.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

Spitler's toast from what I could see from up by the Zen center the week after the fire.

Yeah, I'm pretty surprised to hear that comment from the FS since Spitler is well into the closure area. Keep in mind that this is all very preliminary at this point. We really have to wait and see.

I did take a quick look at both end's of the Blue trail you had in mind on the way out of town last week. From the road It just looks like a bummer.

Bummer in what way? Too steep? Too brushy? Too hard to find?

It definitely would be nicer if they would just open up May Valley Road...

I know these mountains and Valleys but I'm not much of a map guy I don't use one anymore in the SJ's so I'll leave all map making and computer stuff to you smart guy's. Thank's Jim the trail need's people like you!!

lol. I'm not so smart. I'm just a map geek. I know I'm not going to be able to do a through hike, so I contribute in my own small way.

HJ