Questions re: 2 Nights Camping in Tamarack Valley in Mid-Apr

[cpadow]

I'm planning a very mellow backpacking trip with my girlfriend in mid-April (4/18-4/20) and wanted to get some input from people who have been up here before.

I've done several multi-day late summer trips in the Sierras, but my girlfriend hasn't done any backpacking since she was a teenager so I thought we would something mellow to start us off. We're both in our mid-30s and relatively healthy.

We are planning to take the Tram up on a Friday mid-day, set up camp at Tamarack, do a day hike to San Jacinto Peak on Saturday and take the Tram back on Sunday morning.

My questions/concerns are:

1. How likely is ice/snow at Tamarack Valley or the hike to San Jacinto Peak? Obviously it will depend on weather as the date gets closer, but I'm just wondering whether we'll be okay with hiking shoes or if we'll need crampons to make it to the top. Where could I find up-to-date weather information on Tamarack Valley?

2. What's the water situation at Tamarack? I'm used to summer camping where there's plenty of lakes that I can get clean water through use of charcoal filter. Are there creeks and run-off spots aplenty up there, or will I need to go back to Round Valley for water refills?

3. What's recommended for food storage? I didn't see anything in my wilderness permit about needing a bear container, which is what I've always used. It's heavy so if I can go without it, that's great. I'm wondering what other methods are used up there to keep food stored properly and free from wilderness critter interference.

4. What kind of supplies or food options are available at the station near the top of the Tram? We're planning to bring dehydrated food, portable stove, etc, but I'm curious what else is up there in case of emergency.

Advance apologies if any of these questions seems silly or dumb. I'm never been up there before and I just want to make sure I'm properly prepared.

Thanks,

Charlie

[guest]

Hi Charlie,
This should be a fun trip for the 2 of you.
Chances of snow are slim, (it has snowed in those mtns. in April, but rare).
Temps should be very nice, 40-50's at night, 60-70's during the day.

It's been a rather dry year as you know, so you may need to use the spicket at the Round Valley jct, (where the trail from tram meet trail to Wellman's Divide.

Food st tram is mostly typical touristy, but they do have some packaged salads, (I think some fruit), and drinks to go, so you could augment what you bring.

One of my fav campsights is Diorite, or a few surrounding spots, there's also some nice spots west of there a little higher, (don't know the names).

No bears in the San Jacinto's (occasionally one comes over from San G, but doesn't stay), but I do see folks hang food from trees to avoid the squirrels & other small rodents.

Have a great time!

ss

[cpadow]

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!

[HH8]

my girlfriend hasn't done any backpacking since she was a teenager so I thought we would something mellow to start us off.

She may be new to altitude above 8K. Keep her snacking and hydrated, and have Ibuprofen on hand. Do not expect her to want a protein-heavy meal the first night.

Most of all, notice the positives out loud, and enjoy each other.

[cpadow]

Thanks for the info. My girlfriend and I had a wonderful trip this weekend. We got a little bit of sleet/hail on the trek up to Tamarack Valley on Friday, but we stayed dry by the time we found the campsite. We had great weather for our day hike to the peak on Saturday and for our return hike on Sunday. We had a great time and definitely plan to return in the future.