Backpacking Mt. San Jacinto (Intermediate/Advanced)
Details
San Jacinto Peak provides one of the most spectacular views in Southern California. Don’t take my word. Naturalist John Muir called the view “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth.”
We will be doing an overnight backpack through this wonderful old-growth pine forest, starting Saturday morning and returning Sunday afternoon. Be aware this is a physically challenging backpack. In total, we were hike 22 miles and do 5,400 feet of elevation gain to a top elevation of 10,800 feet. This is not meant for a beginner or novice backpacker.
We have room for 12 people. Everyone will go onto the wait list. You’ll be asked to tell me recent hikes or backpacks you have done just to assure you are up to the challenge.
DETAILS:
We will take Joe Mullich's route (a loop) from last year as follows:
SATURDAY:
We'll meet at the Deer Springs Trailhead just before Idyllwild off the 242 highway at 9 am. We will leave by 9:15, so plan to arrive earlier to get setup. It should be about 2-2.5 hours or so drive from LA depending on where you live. There is limited parking at the trailhead so it is best to carpool as much as possible. We will set this up soon.
The hiking distance to Round Valley Campground is estimated to about 8.5 miles with about 4,100 ft. elevation gain. We will be following the Deer Springs trail to Strawberry Junction, then the PCT and the Wellman's Cienaga trails to Wellman's Divide, and from there into camp.
SUNDAY:
We'll pack up camp and continue up to Mt. San Jacinto Peak following the Peak Trail. Distance to the peak should be about 4 miles with about 1,750 ft. of elevation gain. After enjoying the view from the top for a while we'll follow the Deer Springs Trail back making it a loop. Distance back from the peak should be about 9.5 miles. So the total hiking distance should be about 22 miles over 2 days.
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-ae2a2db-4?u=i&sh=rzdnhz
After the hike we may grab something to eat in Idyllwild before heading home.
COST:
There will be a $10 fee per person for permits, payable to me by venmo or paypal to secure your place. I will message you with details or you can DM me for more info.
EQUIPMENT:
Everyone is responsible for bringing their own gear and food. Note: this is a 9-10 mile uphill hike, please try to keep your pack weight down (I know you know this :) ).
Here is a checklist of items:
- A backpack to carry your equipment
- A sleeping bag and pad
- A tent
- A headlamp or flashlight
- Food
- Water bottle or water reservoir
- Hand sanitizer
- Jacket, hat, etc.
- Trekking poles (recommended, and helpful for river crossings)
- Bowl/mug/eating utensil
- Sanitation trowel (to dig hole if you need to poop)
Here you will find a checklist from REI which is helpful:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
DISCLAIMER:
As an organizer I assume absolutely no responsibility for you, your safety, or your belongings. I am simply a "backpacking-companion", nothing more. If you choose to participate you assume all responsibility for yourself and agree not to hold me or the meetup group liable in any way. Make sure you do not participate on a hike do not feel capable of doing without putting yourself or your health at risk. If in any doubt, please research the event further and/or contact the organizer.