San Jacinto backpacking this weekend - your feedback needed

[Jacek]

I have been to San Jacinto Mountains a few times in the past and always have gone the same route - Idyllwild/Devils Slide/Saddle Jct/Caramba for an overnight trip.
This time when I called the ranger station, I was told that there is still snow/ice at Saddle Jct and since some of us do not have snow shoes/crampons, we won't be able to hit that route.
I don't want to cancel our trip (friends have made made arrangements with their wifes, work etc.) and looking for overnight hiking/camping ideas in the area that's below the snow (under 7,400 ft?).

We are heading out tomorrow (4/12).


Thank you in advance -

Jacek

p.s. 1st post!

[guest]

Hi Jacek,
I'm not real familiar with that side of the mt. but, you might want to try Southridge trail, I believe it begins over close to the Ernie Maxwell tr, off Sanderson Meadow road, on the south side of the town of Idyllwild. This way you can stay on a south facing slopes, head up into the mountain for maybe Skung Cabbage or Laws campground.

I've been in Long Valley (8,400 ft just below tram) 4 times this week, and there's only 20% coverage left, melting fairly fast.

So the Laws area, at approx. 8k should be good.

Getting there I would have to think should be ok too.

ss

[Jacek]

Thank you for your response!

[halhiker]

I would be surprised if you couldn't make it through the Saddle Junction area without crampons or snowshoes. If the snow level is similar to Long Valley it should be a breeze. The weather is expected to be quite warm in the desert (100 degrees) and so the snow should be quite soft.

That said, I'm sure Tahquitz Creek down by Caramba will be raging!

[Jacek]

Last forum check, before we take off (from San Diego). I appreciate the feedback. Thanks again.
We will try to get as far as we can, safety first. See you on the trail.

Jacek

p.s. I will post our story on Sunday.

[johnnyb]

You've already left, but you'll have plenty of places to go without crampons. It has warmed up alot the last 3 days. The wind last night/today was really really strong though, and caused us to change some of our plans.

Looking forward to the trip report.