Despite the snowfall from storms between mid February and mid March, if the San Jacinto high country receives no more snowfall this winter then 2024/25 will be the second driest winter on record for the upper elevations of these mountains (using the metric of total snowfall at San Jacinto Peak). It would be unprecedented not to get at least a few more inches of snow between now and 1st June, although remarkably we still need 40+ inches to avoid this being one of the three driest high country winters on record.
Of course, none of this will be much solace to PCT hikers postholing through melting, soft, slushy snow, or taking alternates, or both. With temperatures currently well above seasonal at all elevations until 26th March, melting will continue steadily. At mid elevations temperatures drop to around seasonal for the last four days of March into the first week of April, but temperatures remain largely above seasonal in the high country (with the exception of 28th-30th March, and 4th April). Relatively cloudy skies will be a feature of the next 7-10 days, slowing snow melt somewhat.
It was striking on Monday 24th that the PCT immediately north of Saddle Junction, a section that had an average depth of two feet of snow just nine days ago, is already rapidly clearing, with extensive bare patches in and near the trail. San Jacinto Peak has already lost more than 12 inches of snow in the same time period.
This update includes a detailed PCT-specific section (between Weather and Trail Conditions), although much of the remainder of the Report includes material relevant to thru hikers also.
We surveyed PCT Mile 169.5, the challenging north-east side of Apache Peak, on 21st March, 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. Since recording that video, Spitler Peak Trail has been cleared of all but one of 34 trees that came down in recent storms, so that is now a relatively hassle-free alternate.
Carrying spikes is recommended everywhere above about 7500 ft for the foreseeable future. They remain invaluable for significant sections of the PCT, although they are not strictly required. On Monday 24th and Saturday 29th I was able to hike to San Jacinto Peak via Devil’s Slide and Marion Mountains trails, respectively, without using spikes either up or down, specifically with an Alpine start on relatively firm morning snow (note that I carried spikes just in case).
Crampons are required on the north side of Tahquitz Peak (details below). Crampons are also a reasonable option elsewhere on the high country trails, generally above 9000 ft, but they are not required, and will become much less suitable as snow-free patches appear in the second week of April.
Conditions are currently reasonable for snowshoes everywhere above about 9000 ft, only on warmer days from late morning onwards as snow softens dramatically, especially on sun-exposed slopes.
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 USFS gate at Humber Park reopened on 21st March, having closed on 5th March. South Ridge Road reopened on 25th March, having been closed since 10th. Black Mountain Road remains 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 1-3 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
The complex sequence of minor and moderate storms that impacted the region in the first half of March is described in a previous report (linked here).
The overall pattern for the remainder of March into the first week of April is for warmer than seasonal temperatures at higher elevations, but cooling to near seasonal, with significant cloudiness, at mid elevations. Temperatures will be hot (for March) until Thursday 27th. Thereafter, 7-10 days of cooler, seasonally average temperatures are forecast for mid elevations, but temperatures will generally remain above average (and, crucially, near or above freezing) in the high country, other than brief but notable cooling on 2nd-4th April.
The last few days of March and the first week of April are expected to be partly or mostly cloudy, in contrast to recent clear, sunny days. There are possibilities for very light rain at mid elevations on the western slope (e.g., Idyllwild and the PCT) from 28th March to 4th April as a dense layer of moist marine cloud rises to at least 7000 ft elevation.
Idyllwild is currently at about 85% of seasonal snowfall for the water year, but only 45% of average rainfall. We will once again be dependent on an increasingly unreliable monsoon season to approach an average water year. The latest video report from National Weather Service San Diego suggests generally warmer and drier than average conditions may now persist for months (video linked here).
At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 24th March 2025 at 0835 the air temperature was 38.1°F (3°C), with a windchill temperature of 27.0°F (-3°C), 45% relative humidity, and a remarkably steady ESE wind sustained at 13 mph gusting to 15.0 mph.
At the Peak 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.
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 possible alternates if needed. Snowmelt has been very rapid since the last storm in mid March, and is expected to continue to be fast into early April (at least). Nevertheless, 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.
There is now a continuous boot track on the PCT through the entire San Jacinto mountains. However, that does not mean the hike is easy, as laborious postholing is required in many areas, and some sections – notably Miles 169-176 and Miles 185.5-191 – have consequential terrain in places that will not be suitable for some hikers depending on their equipment and experience traversing icy snow slopes.
The trail is largely clear of snow from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about Mile 167. Some thin patchy icy snow remains on north-facing and sheltered slopes, such as the descent to Fobes Saddle, and on the east side of Spitler Peak. 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 Miles 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 short and 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 just starting to 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 are clearing of snow very quickly. Snow cover is largely continuous from Mile 183.5 through to about Mile 192. Most hikers will find spikes are very useful throughout this section.
There is currently only a lightly traveled 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. Snow-free patches are now developing on Miles 186-186.5 and 187.5-188.3. 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 recommended (although not strictly essential for the experienced). Taking the Black Mountain Road alternate is an excellent option for hikers uncomfortable with the Fuller Ridge section 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 clear of snow for the lower five miles, and then has patchy snow cover for the upper three miles to the PCT but with an obvious track following the road through the snow patches. Mile 192 northward to Interstate 10 is functionally clear of snow, and patchy snow on Miles 191-192 will clear in the next week.
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).
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Tracks are now in place for most major trails, although above 7500 ft they generally require significant postholing through softening, melting snow, especially for the next 1-2 weeks.
Everywhere above about 7000 ft carrying spikes is recommended as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and as they undergo freeze-thaw cycles (more thaw than freeze recently). As always, spikes tend to be especially useful for descending, even when they are not necessarily required for ascending.
Snow depths and conditions are suitable for snowshoeing everywhere in the high country above 9000 ft, best above 9500 ft. 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 however is true for postholing.
For details of specifics of downed trees, prior to the latest snow storms, see an earlier Report (linked here).
Devil’s Slide Trail is functionally clear of snow below 7400 ft, with just a few minor patches remaining. Above that elevation, snow cover averages about 60%. Icy snow patches are lengthy around the upper switchbacks (switchbacks 6-8 for those very familiar with the trail) and close to Saddle Junction. Most hikers will find spikes can be useful, especially for descending.
The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow [updated 27th March].
From Saddle Junction northbound a well-defined posthole 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.
The PCT heading north from Saddle Junction (a.k.a. “Angel’s Glide”) is clearing rapidly of snow on its sun-exposed sections, especially the lower half below 8500 ft. Snow cover is >95% and the track is a fairly laborious posthole mess from 9000 ft through Annie’s Junction and onward on the Wellman Trail to Wellman Divide.
The Peak Trail route is very well-defined, and due to volume of traffic, averages less uneven than the Wellman Trail. At 10,400 ft near Miller Peak, the track climbs up the East Ridge Trail route, as is traditional in winter (the uppermost Peak Trail still has no tracks to follow).
The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 and Tahquitz Peak [updated 26th March] 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.
South Ridge Trail [updated 26th March] from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak is clear of snow to Old Lookout Flat (7600 ft). Snow cover averages only 10% from there to Tahquitz Peak, with patches increasing in frequency and length close to the peak. Most hikers will not require spikes, but they can be useful for descending the uppermost switchbacks. South Ridge Road is clear of snow.
Spitler Peak Trail is clear of snow. Storms in February-March brought down another 34 trees across this trail, but all of the small-to-medium-sized hazards 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). Just one very large burned cedar remains which can be a little tricky to pass, next to the first crossing of Spitler Creek (3.2 miles up from the trailhead, 1.6 miles down from the PCT).
Round Valley Trail has a well-traveled track on largely continuous but thin icy snow from Long Valley/Tram to Wellman Divide.
Marion Mountain Trail is largely clear of snow below 7500 ft, averaging about 10% snow cover. From that elevation to the junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT, snow cover average 50%. There is a well-worn track throughout all snow patches. Some hikers will find spikes are useful, at least for descending, but steps are so well-defined through the snow that spikes are certainly no longer essential.
Deer Springs Trail is functionally clear of snow from the Highway 243 trailhead to the Suicide Rock trail junction at 7000 ft. From there to Strawberry Junction (8100 ft) snow cover averages just 20% with snow patches increasing in length and frequency as you ascend. Spikes are not required as far as Strawberry Junction, even for descending. Snow cover is largely continuous from Strawberry Junction to San Jacinto Peak, although clear sections 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 generally a laborious posthole track. A well-traveled track is then generally easy to follow to Little Round Valley, although it does not accurately follow the trail route in places. Above Little Round Valley there are multiple posthole/snowshoe tracks, all generally much more direct than the actual trail and not remotely following the established trail route (as is traditional in adequate snow conditions). There is one well-traveled track well north of the trail, and another well to the south, plus my very direct single posthole track straight to the Peak. Despite their challenges, all these routes do ultimately end up at San Jacinto Peak. Spikes are generally recommended at least for descending upper Deer Springs Trail, but on mornings when the icy snow is crisp and dry, they are not required.
SNOW DEPTHS
Measured on 24th March 2025. The first number gives current average depth. Due to strong winds accompanying recent storms there has been extensive drifting. The number in parentheses indicates the greatest depth for that location recorded this winter, generally on 15th March after the last significant storm. Altitudes and PCT Miles are approximate.
San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 25 inches (was 40 inches on 15th March) drifted to 3-4 feet in places
Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 7 inches (was 20 inches on 15th March)
Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 180.8 (9020 ft): 27 inches (was 38 inches on 15th March)
Saddle Junction/approx. PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 4 inches (was 21 inches on 15th March)
Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inches (was 15 inches on 7th March and 12 inches on 15th March)
Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inches (was 14 inches on 7th March and 11 inches on 15th March)
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