Devils Slide Trail > Saddle Junction > ?

[Popper98]

I will be taking my 11 year old son on an overnight trip this Sunday. We will be heading up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction from Humber Park. Then from Saddle Junction to where? This is my question: Where to from Saddle Junction? I would like to tackle San Jacinto Peak along with setting up camp along the way.

He is in very good shape, swims two hours a day (on a swim team) five days a week, runs at least a mile or more a day in school, plays tennis ... etc. I'll tire out before he does most likely.

If San Jacinto Peak is doable, which campsite along the way would be recommended? I'll check in at the ranger station on availability, but I'm guessing there won't be to many overnighters on Sunday.

On the other hand, if San Jacinto Peak is too agressive a goal, are there other locations (peaks or scenic vista's) that can be reached which might be easier?

Your feedback, advice, and opinions are very much appreciated.

Mike

[Hikin_Jim]

I'm not an expert on 11 year olds, but it sounds like he would do fine.

Couple of ideas: If you want to do San Jacinto from Saddle Junction, you might consider staying in Round Valley. Round Valley is the closest trail camp to the peak on the east side. RV is in the state controlled area, so you need to get a permit from the CA State Park Service rangers (not the USFS).

Another option if you didn't feel like doing the peak this time would be to go to Laws Camp which is a far easier hike. Using Laws Camp, you can go down to Caramba Camp (not as nice to stay at but secluded). Downstream from Caramba is a waterfall that can be bypassed by going high around to the left (north). There is a nice swimming hole at the base of the falls. In hot weather, this is a nice option. You can get some desert views by climbing on some of the crags east of Caramba. However, nothing beats the view from the top of San Jacinto.

[Popper98]

Jim,

Thank you for the quick reply.

San Jacinto via Round Valley it is.

I'll post a report and some pictures when we get back.

Mike

[Perry]

Devil's Slide and Round Valley will still have some small crowds even though it's fall, and Round Valley is a 600-foot descent from Wellman's Divide, meaning extra climbing in your trip to the summit. If you like more solitude, then any of the other trailheads off Hwy 243 and an overnight stay at Little Round Valley (9,700') would be more pleasant. If you take the Deer Springs Trail, then Strawberry Junction (8,000') is a lower campground option.

[ajwoodzy]

I will be taking my 11 year old son on an overnight trip this Sunday. We will be heading up Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction from Humber Park. Then from Saddle Junction to where? This is my question: Where to from Saddle Junction? I would like to tackle San Jacinto Peak along with setting up camp along the way.

He is in very good shape, swims two hours a day (on a swim team) five days a week, runs at least a mile or more a day in school, plays tennis ... etc. I'll tire out before he does most likely.

If San Jacinto Peak is doable, which campsite along the way would be recommended? I'll check in at the ranger station on availability, but I'm guessing there won't be to many overnighters on Sunday.

On the other hand, if San Jacinto Peak is too agressive a goal, are there other locations (peaks or scenic vista's) that can be reached which might be easier?

Your feedback, advice, and opinions are very much appreciated.

Mike

A really good trail to SJ that people forget about is the Deer Springs Trail. Its underused (still in great condition though) and I think it is one of the better SJ trails. Here is the link to the page I made for it on summitpost http://www.summitpost.org/route/429995/Deer-Springs-Trail.html

[Blooty]

Beware the poison oak! It is very ripe at the moment. I think any of your trail options are fine. Some sections, however, may be a good idea for him to have long sleeves on, the brush is a bit thick.

I may do the peak via Humber park this Sunday. Trying to decide where to go...

[asabat]

I'm guessing your son should do fine. San Jacinto was my second backpack trip just after I joined Scouts at his age. We went up Devils Slide and over Hidden Divide to Round Valley, then to the peak and down direct to Saddle Junction the next day.

Unfortunately, too many kids today would rather play Nintendo than hike.

When you get a permit it needs to be for a specific campground in the state park, or a specific camping zone in the USFS wilderness. Therefore, you have to plan ahead just a little and can't (normally) just figure it out as you go. Something about wilderness is too dangerous to allow that.

[Popper98]

The Deer Springs Trail sounds interesting. I took a look on the Mt. San Jacinto State Park map and notice the Deer Springs Trail Head seems to start close to Idyllwild County Park. Is this a viable starting point? A place I can park and leave my vehicle overnight? Can I assume that I can get all the necessary passes and permits at the park or a nearby ranger station?

Sorry for all the questions, I am not familiar with the process.

Thanks again in advance,

Mike

[john m]

I've hiked San Jacinto from the Idyllwild side over 30 times in the last 5 years or so and all but one of these ascents has been on the Devils Slide trail. The Deer Springs trail is another option but for a first timer with an 11 year old, without a doubt stay on the Devils Slide trail. It is more heavily traveled if you had a problem, has expansive views throughout (Deer Springs is mostly in the trees), and easy to follow and overall less rigorous. Personally, I did the Deer Springs trail once and did not like the lack of views and sandy stretches (as opposed to hiking on rock) and have not hiked it again. Again, just a personal opinion. My strong recollection was that the Devils Slide trail is easier than the Deer Springs.

Have fun.

[Popper98]

John - Thanks for the information. Having not hiked the Deer Springs trail before and listening to your recollection, I will stick with the Devils Slide trail. Which I have hiked once before, through Saddle Junction into Tahquitz Valley. I can tackle Deer Springs trail some other time.

Not being familiar with the trails in San Jacinto, other than the ones mentioned above, I'm trying to give my son something to remember. Something we can continue to do as he gets older; and something he wants to continue to do. Spending the time together is part of it, but also allowing him to experience the beauty of the park and exerting some effort to complete the hike. That makes it memorable and satisfying and hopefully he gets the 'backpacking' bug.

So it seems we will attempt Devils Slide > Saddle Junction > Little RV (Camp) > SJ Peak, then returning to Humber Park via the same route.

I am fortunate this is such an active forum - the information is great!

Thank you,

Mike