UPDATE Friday 21st March 2025: We surveyed PCT Mile 169.5, the challenging north-east side of Apache Peak, this morning, where I recorded a short video report (linked here). Melting has been fast but sheltered north and east facing slopes between Miles 167 (Spitler Peak) and 176 (Red Tahquitz) remain snow-bound and require the necessary equipment and experience for such conditions.
I have heavily revised this report since it was first issued on 15th March, having now re-surveyed all of the high country and much of the PCT. A dedicated PCT section is below (between Weather and Trail Conditions below).
The San Jacinto mountains were impacted by back-to-back storms last week, a moderate snow storm all day on Thursday 13th March, immediately followed by a second minor system on Friday 14th. These represented the eleventh and twelfth storm systems of this winter (for comparison, the previous two winters had 26 and 28 storm systems, respectively). Further minor precipitation on 17th produced 0.17 inch of rain in Idyllwild but no new snow in the high country.
Although of shorter duration, the system on 13th March was broadly similar to that on 5th-7th March, a cold atmospheric river with snow dusting as low as 3500 ft, and with significant depth of snow everywhere above about 4500 ft elevation. This had an immediate major impact on all trails in the San Jacinto mountains, including the entire PCT section from Miles 151 (Highway 74 crossing) to 197 (above Snow Creek village).
Although significant snow conditions will persist in the high country into April, thru hikers in particular should note that melting is expected to be rapid. Temperatures generally well above seasonal are now forecast for much of the remainder of March at both mid and upper elevations. Based on my detailed observations in the past decade, it is normal for the high country to lose 12 inches of snow per week in March-April, assuming average sun exposure and temperatures.
Details of snow depths measured at a few sample locations on the trail system are given below. Note however that snow depth itself is very rarely indicative of the difficulty (or ease) of hiking a particular track or trail. For example a firm, well-compacted track across deep snow is often much easier hiking than a less well-traveled track across just a few inches depth of angled icy snow.
The final combined new snow total form this latest storm sequence at San Jacinto Peak was 17 inches, for a current total depth of 40 inches, while snow accumulation in Idyllwild (at 5550 ft) was an impressive 11 inches (nine on 13th, followed by two inches on 14th). Ultimately, both storms on 13th and 14th produced somewhat less snow than forecast, especially at higher elevations.
I recorded a short video at San Jacinto Peak late morning on Saturday 15th discussing general conditions at that time (linked here).
Conditions are currently suitable for snowshoes everywhere above about 8000 ft. This elevation will continue to rise steadily this month. With rapid melting, conditions for snowshoes will deteriorate quickly below about 8000 ft, despite the snow depths. Nevertheless snowshoes will remain the best option even in the soft, wet, melting snow.
Carrying spikes is recommended everywhere above about 7000 ft for the foreseeable future. Crampons are required on the north side of Tahquitz Peak (details below). At this time the snow is generally too soft to require crampons elsewhere in the high country, but that may well change with freeze-thaw cycles and compaction over the coming days.
I broke trail on 15th March from Humber Park to San Jacinto Peak, accurately following the route via Devil’s Slide Trail, a short section of the PCT, and the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. Andrew “Bones” Simpson joined me for the final mile above 10,100 ft. These tracks will hold up well given a relatively mild, sunny forecast, although melting and ice falling from trees will deteriorate them.
On my descent late morning on Saturday 15th, I have never seen the snow conditions deteriorate so quickly (having surveyed >200 storms in the past decade). Within hours, lovely firm, fresh, powder had softened to wet, heavy, deteriorating snow, even above 10,000 ft. By early afternoon, sections of lower Devil’s Slide Trail were linear patches of slush, where six hours earlier it had be unblemished powder.
On Tuesday 18th I ascended San Jacinto Peak via the east side (Devil’s Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail, carrying spikes and snowshoes. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183) plus several side trails. I was able to ascend barebooting on my well-traveled snowshoe track to 10,300 ft on the Peak Trail before needing spikes to continue. I then wore spikes all the way down Deer Springs Trail to about 7500 ft.
The USFS gate at Humber Park reopened on 21st March, having been closed since 5th March. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces immediately below the gate. South Ridge Road has been closed since 10th March due to seasonal conditions. Black Mountain Road is also closed (to vehicle traffic only) at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243 due to winter conditions. Dark Canyon Road (4S02), the access road to the Seven Pines trailhead, is closed long-term for staffing/funding reasons.
Survey hikes by the Trail Report every single day throughout the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically 2-3 times per week (more frequently during storms), Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.
WEATHER
Seasonally warm days prior to the arrival of these latest storms stimulated significant melting, with, for example, most areas of Fern Valley and Idyllwild below 6500 ft almost completely clear of snow.
A minor storm on Tuesday 11th, starting pre-dawn and lasting for most of the day, produced mainly light rain at mid elevations (0.3 inch in Idyllwild), and a dusting of 1-2 inches of snow in the high country. That brief minor storm ran almost seamlessly into a cold atmospheric river on 13th March, similar to the storm of 5th-7th March, producing 9-15 inches of snow everywhere above about 5000 ft, and dusting as low as 3500 ft. Finally, a minor atmospheric river immediately followed that on 14th, producing less snow than forecast (only two inches throughout the mid and higher elevations), with a little light drizzle also below 7000 ft.
The overall pattern for the remainder of March is for warmer than seasonal temperatures, getting progressively warmer as the month continues. In addition, most days will be cloudless and sunny, further accelerating snow melt, especially on sun-exposed slopes. Temperatures will be hot (for March) on 23rd-27th.
An atmospheric river system passed largely to our north on the evening of Monday 17th March, producing no more that limited light rain at mid elevations (017 inch in Idyllwild) and evidence of drizzle to 9500 ft, but no new snowfall at higher elevations.
At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Tuesday 18th March 2025 at 0925 the air temperature was 19.1°F (-7°C), with a windchill temperature of -3.1°F (-20°C), 33% relative humidity, and a chilly NNW wind sustained at 15 mph gusting to 27.6 mph.
At the Peak on Saturday 15th March 2025 at 1010 the air temperature was 27.4°F (-3°C), with a windchill temperature of 9.3°F (-13°C), 55% relative humidity, and a frigid NNW wind sustained at 14 mph gusting to 27.9 mph.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
All of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains is readily passable with, crucially, suitable skills and equipment, patience, and a thorough knowledge of all the possible alternates if needed. Snowmelt is expected to be rapid for the remainder of March. I cannot overemphasize the importance of having both appropriate equipment and the right skill set for the terrain. The latter includes interpreting the snow/ice conditions, understanding your physical and mental abilities, and conservative decision making. Some of these challenges may actually increase briefly over the next week or so with temperatures fluctuating either side of freezing at the highest elevations and highly variable snowmelt.
There is now a continuous boot track on the PCT through the entire San Jacinto mountains. However, that does not mean the trail is easy to follow, laborious postholing is required in many areas, and some sections – notably Miles 169-176 and Miles 185.5-191 – have consequential terrain that will not be suitable for many hikers depending on their equipment and experience traversing icy snow slopes.
The trail was largely covered in thin snow from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about Mile 167 as of 15th March. However this has already melted rapidly. Some thin patchy icy snow remains on north-facing and sheltered slopes. There are alternates at Fobes Saddle (Mile 166) and Spitler Peak Trail (Mile 168.5) that would be good options for hikers not comfortable on the icy snow slopes ahead.
We surveyed PCT Mile 168.5-170, including the challenging north-east side of Apache Peak, on Friday 21st March, recording a short video report (linked here). Melting has been fast but sheltered north and east facing slopes between Miles 167 (Spitler Peak) and 176 (Red Tahquitz) remain significantly snow-covered and require the necessary equipment and experience for such conditions.
Snow cover is continuous from Miles 175 (Red Tahquitz) to 177.7 (Chinquapin Flat), although the terrain is generally benign. Many hikers will find spikes useful on this section.
PCT hikers should not attempt to use South Ridge Trail from the PCT at Chinquapin Flat (roughly Mile 177.7) to Idyllwild via Tahquitz Peak, even though this looks temptingly simple on apps and maps. This section of steeply angled (and notoriously treacherous) ice slopes remains challenging weeks after surrounding trails have melted, and currently requires crampons, ice axe, and the expertise to use that equipment.
Snow cover is thinning and will soon become patchy between Miles 177.7 to Saddle Junction (about Mile 179). The south-facing slope of Miles 179-180 is already starting to clear, but from Mile 180 (elevation 8900 ft) to about Mile 181 just past Annie’s Junction snow cover is continuous. Miles 181-183 are sun-exposed and will clear of snow in the next week. Snow cover is continuous from Mile 183.5 through to about Mile 195. Spikes are useful throughout this section.
There is currently only a single postholing boot track through moderate snow cover on the PCT along Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191). This track does not accurately follow the trail in places. At this time continuing north on Fuller Ridge requires the skills and comfort level to hike on angled terrain with some moderate exposure, and spikes are required. Taking the Black Mountain Road alternate is recommended for the majority of hikers for the next week or two.
In recent years a myth has periodically circulated on PCT social media that going up and over San Jacinto Peak somehow avoids Fuller Ridge. This is erroneous and potentially dangerous. Whether you remain on the PCT northbound (going around at lower elevation via Strawberry Junction, Mile 183) or leave the PCT at Annie’s Junction (Mile 180.8) to go up to San Jacinto Peak and then down the west side to reconnect to the PCT at about Mile 185.5, you still have to hike Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-190.5). It is possible to do the former route more safely by leaving the PCT at Strawberry Junction and descending Deer Springs Trail, which is largely clear of snow below Strawberry Junction, back into Idyllwild.
A well established alternate from Idyllwild – avoiding Fuller Ridge – is to connect back to the PCT at about Mile 191 using Black Mountain Road. Black Mountain Road is rapidly clearing of snow for the lower five miles, and then has continuous snow cover for the upper three miles to the PCT but following the road through the snow patches is obvious. Mile 195 northward to Interstate 10 is functionally clear of snow, and Miles 191-195 will clear in the next week or so.
Although the situation improved somewhat in 2024, treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed February 2025).
PCT hikers are asked to respect that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter, to minimize impacts to a sensitive subalpine environment. Officially Mt. San Jacinto State Park permits overnight stays only in established campgrounds (Little Round Valley and Strawberry Junction are good options for thru-hikers).
PCT hikers, please support the Trail Report! While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small donations to help cover operating costs. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Thank you very much for your support.
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Tracks are now in place for most major trails, although they may require significant postholing through softening, melting snow, especially for the next 1-2 weeks.
Snow depths and conditions are suitable for snowshoeing everywhere in the high country. Melting is already well underway and it has been noticeable on sun-exposed slopes that snow is softening and becoming “weighty” by mid morning (if not sooner) making for slower and less enjoyable snowshoeing. The same is true for postholing.
Everywhere above about 7000 ft carrying spikes is recommended as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and as they undergo freeze-thaw cycles. As always, spikes tend to be especially useful for descending, even when they are not necessarily required for ascending.
For details of specifics of downed trees, prior to the latest snow storms, see an earlier Report (linked here).
Devil’s Slide Trail has a very well defined track to Saddle Junction. Snow is rapidly clearing below 7000 ft.
The Ernie Maxwell Trail is largely clear of snow, and has a very well-defined track through the remaining patches of shallow icy snow. Snow patches are distributed throughout the length of the trail, but become longer and more frequent on the upper trail (closer to Humber Park). Some hikers may find spikes are useful, especially for the upper trail.
From Saddle Junction northbound a well-defined snowshoe track continues to San Jacinto Peak via Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8) and Wellman Divide, via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. Due to spindrift, the tracks can be periodically obscure on some exposed slopes closest to the Peak.
The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 and Tahquitz Peak, that has attracted much media attention recently, has no track to follow through the steeply angled snow, with substantial underlying ice. These slopes comprise some of the most consequential terrain in winter in these mountains, and this route is not recommended for most hikers at this time. Crampons are required, always accompanied by an ice axe, and, critically, adequate knowledge of how to use this equipment. Snowshoes are not recommended due to the underlying angled ice.
Spitler Peak Trail [updated 23rd March] is clear of snow. Unfortunately storms in February-March brought down another 34 trees across this trail. All of the small-to-medium-sized obstacles were removed on 21st and 23rd March (bringing to 162 the total number of trees removed by the Trail Report from this route in the past six years). One very large burned cedar remains, right by the first crossing of Spitler Creek (3.2 miles up from the trailhead).
Round Valley Trail has a well-traveled track on continuous moderate icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide.
South Ridge Trail from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak has a moderately-traveled track to follow through moderate icy snow for about one mile. There is then a lightly-traveled posthole track on to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). There is currently no track to follow from there to Tahquitz Peak (as of 17th March). Spikes are not required for ascending, but some hikers will find them useful for descending.
Marion Mountain Trail has a well-defined snowshoe and posthole track throughout, but the track does not always accurately follow the actual trail route. Spikes are recommended, at least for descending.
Deer Springs Trail is rapidly clearing from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft. From there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft) snow cover averages 90% with snow patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. Spikes were not required even for descending by the afternoon of 18th. Snow cover is continuous from Strawberry Junction to San Jacinto Peak, although a few small patches are starting to appear below 8500 ft (south of the top of the Marion Mountain Trail). The track from Strawberry Junction to the junction with Marion Mountain Trail is a laborious posthole track. An adequate snowshoe track is then generally easy to follow to Little Round Valley, although it does not follow the trail route in many places. Above Little Round Valley there is only a single. very circuitous, snowshoe track (which does not remotely follow the established trail route). However the compaction of the track is useful for negotiating the unconsolidated snow, and it does ultimately end up at San Jacinto Peak. Spikes are recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail, but snowshoes are preferable on warm days (i.e. daily now until the end of March).
SNOW DEPTHS
Measured on 15th March 2025. The first number gives total average depth. Due to strong winds accompanying recent storms there has been extensive drifting. The number in parentheses indicates the new snowfall in the storms on 13th-14th March. Altitudes and PCT Miles are approximate.
San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 40 inches (17 inches new snow), drifted to 4-5 feet deep in places
Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 20 inches (14 inches new snow), heavily melted from 8th-12th March
Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 180.8 (9020 ft): 38 inches (12 inches new snow)
Saddle Junction/approx. PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 21 inches (13 inches new snow)
Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 12 inches (12 inches new snow, already rapidly melting by late morning on 15th)
Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 11 inches (11 inches new snow, already largely melted on 15th)
While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small donations to help cover operating costs. Your contribution keeps the Report available to all, free from advertising or paywalls, and independent from agencies. If you have found this Report useful, please consider using this link to the Donate page. Thank you very much for your support.
San Jacinto Trail Report 