4 Days Peakbagging on Mt. San Jacinto

[Eric1904]

Looking forward the first week in February coming down from Seattle with 3.5 days to play in your mountains. I will be dropped off at the Tram Lift, and picked up at Santa Rosa Summit on Hwy 74. Planning on snowshoeing the crest above the PCT. Peaks along the way include Mt. San Jacinto, Jean Peak, Marion Mountain, Tahquitz Peak, Red Tahquitz, South Peak, Antsell Rock, Apache Peak, Spitler Peak, Palm View Peak, Little Desert, Pyramid Peak, Pine Mountain, and Lion Peak.

I have a few questions.

1)When am I likely to drop out of heavy snow and be able start walking the tread of the Pacific Crest Trail?

2)Where is the best place in Palm Springs to purchase MSR IsoPro fuel canisters? (I'm heading directly from Airport to the Tram with stop for the fuel and food.)

3)What radio station will be playing the Super Bowl?

Thanks!
Eric

[some guy]

Unfortunately your planned route isn't possible with the current fire closure, so you won't be able to access the peaks between Tahquitz and LIttle Desert.

[Ulysses]

Snow level is between 8-9K depending upon the slope direction. There is a Big 5 at 2465 East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. I'd call first about the fuel. I don't know of any mountain shops in PS. There is a also a Sports Authority in PD.

As the previous post said the PCT is officially closed south of Little Tahquitz Valley to about Cedar Springs trail. I say go for it anyway if you feel adequately prepared. They say the trail was obliterated in places along the divide, but others are doing it. I doubt you'd run into any authorities. Just be sure to post a thorough trip report.

[some guy]

The possibility of snow and ice on some of those north-facing chutes would make me a bit more cautious than to say "just go for it". Especially with many of these spots having lost any sort of trail contour. Downed trees, trail washouts, vegetation overgrowth (with poodle-dog bush), are some other dis-incentives that could make for a less than pleasant hike.

[Eric1904]

"Ulysses", thanks for the information. "SomeGuy".....don't worry about me, I'm not your average hiker visiting the area. With over 1,000 summits in the West, I've seen just about everything nature can throw at me. Looking forward to visiting a new mountain range. I'll post on this forum when I return with how the trip goes. Looks like a Walmart just south of the airport will even have my fuel, they have Primus butane canisters

[cynthia23]

Hm.

I'm in Some Guy's camp on this one.

[Eric1904]

Cynthia...I'll have all my mountaineering gear (ice axe, crampons, etc.) so there is no problems with terrain. My questions were not about the difficulty of the area, I have no concerns with that one, just needed to know how long I will be on snowshoes for time management purposes.

[Eric1904]

Spent Sunday night in shelter at the summit of San Jacinto, hiked PCT south.

[Ulysses]

Hey Eric how about a trip report?

[Hikin_Jim]

Looks like a Walmart just south of the airport... they have Primus butane canisters

Primus will work, mostly. It's not the best for cold weather. MSR, Jetboil, and Snow Peak are all better for cold weather because of their fuel composition. For those with inquiring minds: What's the Best Brand of Gas for Cold Weather?

And, yes, Eric, a trip report and photos for those of us sitting at desks and such.

HJ