Looking for a partner to hike San Jacinto Peak..

[tbg10000]

Any interest?

Hi, my name is Tanya, and I actually tried hiking this last Saturday 12/13 by myself with no luck. I followed marion trail for a while but then lost my way. I had a compass and knew I was generally going in the right direction but I didn't want to risk it. I lost 2 hrs tying to get back on track but I knew there was no way I'd summit and make it back before dark. After more consideration I think it would be a better to take the tram and hike from there?

I really really want to make it backup there and actually summit, but I'd feel more comfortable with a partner. I have good hiking boots, warm clothes, micro spikes, and could rent snowshoes if necessary.

Thanks!

[guest]

Hi Tanya,
Glad you turned yourself back & avoid a tough situation.
As you probably know, the tram & above got more snow Wed, so getting to the peak will be more challenging.
Can you give an idea of your general fitness, (maybe some hikes you've done).
This can help link you up with others.
I may be heading up from the tram this weekend, (depending on work).

ss

[tbg10000]

Hey, thank you for your reply, you are the first one! so thank you!

Well.. as for my physical fitness, I'm no ti-athlete. I am 29 yrs. old, I weigh 130 and stand tall at 5'7. I've been a swimmer since high school (I only swim for cardio at the gym now), weight lifting has been a passion along with slightly dipping my toes in crossfit. Hiking I've always done, except that in the past 4 months I've progressed into longer hikes ranging between 10-15 miles. RELIGIOUSLY. and this is because I am training to hike Mt. Whitney (in late spring 2015). Elevation does not bother me, I feel that I am well conditioned enough. I've hiked mt baldy 3 times. and will continue to do so because it is the highest mt around me and it keeps me from having to go too far. I can only hike on the weekends, so Mt San Jacinto is a treat and something I make great efforts for and take as an "out of the ordinary" kind of training. Besides, I just want to experience it. I am sure I am physically fit for climbing the mountain. I just need the reassurance of someones company in case something goes wrong. Specially in the conditions. As for gear, I feel like I have enough, if not I can get it. Like an Ice axe, I dont have one but I can get one. I have never been trained on how to use one, but i am not a numb skull and could figure it out, plus have watched videos on how to perform self arrest.

hope this helps let you know where im at...
thanks again for your response

[zippetydude]

If you've done Baldy a few times, you can certainly do San Jacinto from the tram. Since you're going on the weekend, you'll be up there with a ton of people. This can be helpful, as you can follow tracks (the winter trail is different from the normal trail) but can also be confusing because there can be more than one set of tracks. A couple years ago I just took off on a beaten path, not really paying attention to where it was leading, and found myself on Jean Peak. As I recall, I'm not the only one who has done this (Hi Ellen!). So going with someone is a good idea. I'll probably be over on San G instead of San J but good luck and have fun when you go!

BTW, you mentioned Whitney in late spring. That's a snow ascent, which I imagine you already know. I usually go the first weekend in September, and the trail is clear and the weather is ideal. If your spring attempt somehow gets delayed, you'll have lots of good options later anyway. See you out there on the trail.

z

[guest]

Hi Tanya,
I sent you a pm, to make it easier, so check you In box, if you haven't already gone up the mt.

[barrelroll]

I'd be up for a hike sometime.

I usually hike alone, mostly just for convenience, but I would be happy to have someone else to hike with.

I took the Devil's Slide route up Jacinto a few times this past summer and I would like to give the mountain a shot this winter as well.

I do smallish training hikes a few times a week. I'm not training for anything in particular, but I am training hard for it. Considering the JMT next summer.

[BD the sailor]

Hi Tanya, I'm up for it. I plan to do a good bit of winter hiking this season. I've been wanting to do the Mountaineer's Route on Whitney so heading up above 9K on a regular basis is necessary. BTW, late spring may or may not be a snow climb on Whitney. It all depends on the snow pack. We've had some good snow but even now the levels are not that low on Whitney. Anyway learning to use an ice ax as well as crampons is a good skill to have. I have extra sets of both BTW. Snow shoes are nice but usually not that crucial for San Jac. I've climbed it a number of times in the winter without them. You just have to be OK with the occasional hip plant in the snow. When are you thinking of making a run up?