"Cienega Ridge" - Camping?

[Hikin_Jim]

Is there decent camping on "Cienega Ridge?" By "Cienega Ridge", I mean the ridge between Strawberry Cienega and Wellman Cienega, the area highlighted in green on this map link. It looks good on paper, but I'm wondering if there's actually decent camping there. I've been through there several times, but I seem to remember trees and rocks. I'm not sure if there are decent tent sites. Just looking for camping alternatives since most of the Tahquitz Creek drainage is under fire closure.

Any info appreciated.

HJ

[jfr]

I took this back in August 2011. That's the PCT as it goes over the ridge.

Looks like plenty of room for a small-footprint camper like yourself, Jim. Lots of nice spots. And, if I remember correctly, there was at least one other nice spot along that ridge as you head south on the PCT toward Saddle Junction. So have no fear, you'll be following the LNT guidelines in that someone will have camped there before you.

I also notice that this spot is conveniently on the NFS side of the State Park Boundary, while still being within easy walking distance of fresh water at Wellmans Cienega. Good plan. I always thought that this spot would be a nice place to camp, with fine views all around. As long as it isn't too breezy, as saddles are notorious for Venturi-effect winds.

[Ulysses]

Lot's of nice places to camp in that area. Just no water. There's a possibility you could get your permit checked by Wilderness Patrol, but low probability. I believe the Forest Service refers to that area as "North Rim Zone" for their permitting process. Enjoy.

[Hikin_Jim]

OK, cool. Thanks gentlemen. If the road to the Fuller Ridge trailhead (my first choice) is too rough, then my "Plan B" is to come in from the Deer Springs trailhead and camp on Cienega Ridge and use Wellmans Cienega as our water source. I think it's on the order of a mile each way to Wellmans Cienega, but we can drop our gear on Cienega Ridge and just carry bladders to Wellmans. I plan on getting a permit. I think it'll be interesting although I'd rather do Fuller Ridge.

I could also do LRV from the Deer Springs trailhead, but I've been there at least 4 times in the last couple of years whereas I haven't done the Strawberry Junction to Cienega Ridge section of the PCT for many years (2006).

Cienega Ridge also has the advantage of not having defined campsites. Not that I'm complaining about LRV, but I prefer to choose my own campsite. It just feels more "wildernessy."

HJ

[OldnSlow]

We were just up there last weekend and ran into a dad and two sons who camped up there and one couple that was heading up there to camp Saturday evening. Looked like several good spots to make a small camp. Water was a mere trickle though, so be patient as you fill up.

[Hikin_Jim]

Which water source are you referring to? Strawberry Cienega? Or Wellmans Cienega?

HJ

[OldnSlow]

Wellman's. Sorry, should have been more clear.

[Hikin_Jim]

I figured, but I thought I'd check. I plan to come in from the Deer Springs Trailhead. If there is water at Strawberry Cienega, I'll grab some there, but I'd rather not carry too much because the last pull up to Cienega Ridge on the PCT is fairly steep.

I expect to set up camp atop Cienega Ridge, leave all my heavy gear there, and just take a bladder and my Steri Pen to Wellmans Cienega. I'll probably also bring a Sierra Cup to scoop with since the water will just be little trickles.