Wellmans Cienaga Trail

[woodowl]

Last year while hiking the PCT I took the Wellmans Cienaga Trail up to the peak, and then went down Fuller Ridge to the PCT. My wife is hiking with me this year , and I would like to take her up there. We should be there around May 1st.
Would anyone like to give us an educated guess on what the snow situation might be like up there at that time?
Also is there anyone on the list we could contact from Idyllwild, where we will be re-supplying before going up, so that we could get a more up to date idea of how much snow might be on the trails.

[phydeux]

Barriing a full-on winter storm hitting Southern California in late April, the trail from Idyllwild to Wellmans Divide and up to the peak should be clear of snow by May 1. Some patches may remain up high (such as between Wellmans Divide and the summit), but it should be only a minimal inconvienience. IF any icy stuff remains, it'll be on the forested western side of the peak, but it should be minimal, too, and melted into soft stuff by mid-day. I'll be up in that area around May 2-4 (weekend backpack), and I'm not expecting any hard snow or icy conditions.

Best place to check for latest conditions when you get to Idyllwild is at the ranger station. Also ask anyone you see coming down toward the Idyllwild/Humbar park area as you're going up the trail towards the intersection of the trail that runs from Wellmans Cienega to Strawberry Junction.

[robpollard]

Phyduex - I like your optimism, so I sent off for permits for the 23rd and 24th of May in Round Valley, hoping to find at least a bit of snow (but not too much). I'm guessing this year we'll be early enough not to have to worry about water at the spigot.