Start point
Power lines intersection at Hwy 74, mile 151.8
End point
Mile 165, in a meadow
Miles hiked
13.2
Wilderness area
San Bernardino National Forest
The day on trail
Today started off in the cabin with my soon-to-be prior crew: Graeme, Cally, Anina, Snickers, and Firestarter. Graeme fixed breakfast of brioche French toast with stewed peaches and strawberries on top. It’s nice to hang with a chef!
I had to leave pretty quickly. Trail angel Bill was picking up Bottlecap, Pat, Big Tuna, Shark, Half Pint, and me to get us back to trail so we can start the San Jacinto attempt.
They’re going to go all the way though to I-10. I’m going to get off on a side trail to Idyllwild, after the technical parts of the trail, to get my shipped gear then get back on trail.
The views were amazing San Jacinto started to look small again, as mountains do when you start to get into their foothills.
And it started to disappear behind hills and small mountains as we get closer and closer. It’s one of those situations where, since I haven’t hiked these trails before, I don’t know if I’m going to see it before I’m on it.
There were also a lot of beautiful rock features that look super fun to climb, though some are too crumbly to actually do so when you get closer.
The trail started off easy, then went into a climb of a few thousand feet over a few miles. It was a slog but I got a good rhythm going. That rhythm was knocked out when we hit snow. Lots of it.
Shark and Half Pint stayed a few miles back from where Pat, Bottlecap, Big Tuna, and I ended up. They tend to get up early and start hiking so that works out nicely.
Pat and Tuna hoofed it farther to make sure we had a site. There were a few other groups out there today and tent spots are reportedly sparse.
The views as Bottlecap and I continued were stunning.
I love this one. You can see the Salton Sea!
Ice crystals formed on top of the snow and others formed on a tree and fell down.
I love the textures of the manzanita.
This lone lodgepole pine.
Bottlecap and I had a fun playful hike in the snow.
It’s really nice to bond with a new friend. Especially a guy friend; I have too few guy friends.
We got to camp, a really cool spot Pat and Big Tuna found, overlooking both the East and West. Mountains and valleys to the West, Palm Springs to the East! It’s wild being so close to Palm Springs and being able to see it, since I used to live there for a spell with my ex. It’s such a unique city.
But sunset…sunset at this site was spectacular. Spectacular.
We made a good team as the sun went down. I have the biggest cook pot, so I melted snow to filter. They supplied me with extra fuel and, since my pot was occupied, they gave me a dehydrated meal and boiled water. I’m feeling really cohesive with this bunch. I think we’re gonna do something great.
1-There’s another epic photo where you positioned yourself just so!
2-Love the view of San Jacinto that includes the hikers at the bottom (scale is important).
3-My coworker will love the photo that shows the Salton Sea in the distance. For some reason, she really wants to go there.
4-Wondering about the fuel you bring with you. How long will a canister last? And how much does it weigh (in your backpack)?
5-I laughed when I realized Bottlecap wrote his name in the snow with arrows.
The views! Omg. Those sunset colors are fire. But seeing the sea over the mountains… the mountains themselves dipping in and out of sight… that’s incredible. I’ve also never heard of the Salton Sea! I’m glad y’all attempted this part of the trail together. You really DO seem like a cohesive crew and I can tell you’re in your element. It’s lovely to see. 😘
Which coworker is this?? I love all the questions you’re asking… it means I don’t have to!! (Lol. Eddie knows how many questions I normally ask.)
Sue!!! She loves ghost towns too.