UPDATE Friday 4th April 2025: the minor storm system on 2nd produced only very light snow, with 0.5 inch in Idyllwild and locations up to 7000 ft (already largely melted), 0.75 inch at Saddle Junction (PCT Mile 179), and two inches everywhere from 9000 ft up to San Jacinto Peak. Snow was so shallow that pre-existing tracks could be followed relatively easily, and I recorded a short video report as I descended the East Ridge Trail of San Jacinto Peak on 3rd (linked here). I resurveyed throughout the high country on 4th. The Pacific Crest Trail has well-traveled tracks throughout the fresh snow along its entire length in the San Jacinto mountains. Spikes are sufficient traction everywhere on the PCT and also on the main trails to the high peaks. Melting has already been remarkably rapid and will accelerate this weekend, and trail conditions are already starting to resemble those described below.
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As described in the introduction to the previous report (linked here) we are on track for one of the driest winters in recorded history for the San Jacinto high country. That said, this week is pleasantly cool and cloudy – perhaps the last vestige of winter 2024/25 – resulting in relatively firm and reliable snow conditions, ideal for brisk, efficient hiking. Largely gone is the soft, slushy postholing of last week, at least until temperatures warm again next weekend (from about 5th April onwards).
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.
Carrying spikes remains recommended everywhere above about 7500 ft, although with reliably grippy footwear, hikers with extensive experience on icy snow will find they are not required for travel on or adjacent to established tracks. Spikes remain very valuable for significant sections of the PCT, as described below. To give a sense of track conditions, although I have carried them as a precaution, I have not used spikes for my last three ascents (via various routes) of San Jacinto Peak in recent days.
Crampons are preferable 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 throughout the high country in the second week of April.
Conditions are currently unsuitable for snowshoes on established tracks due to the firmness of icy snow almost everywhere. Snowshoes may again become an option above about 9000 ft after about Monday 7th April on warm days from late morning onwards as snow softens dramatically (but by then consistent snow depths may well be too shallow in all but very sheltered areas).
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 – as discussed above – 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 stormy weather), Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.
WEATHER
A cooler, unsettled week between Saturday 29th March and Friday 4th April will include temperatures at or even below seasonal at all elevations, largely cloudy days, strong winds in the high country, and modest chances for some light precipitation.
Very light rain is possible any day in this cooler period, but is currently most likely on the afternoon and evening of Tuesday 1st and again on the afternoon of Thursday 3rd April. Total rainfall at mid elevations across the 4-5 day period is expected to be less than 0.5 inch. Dustings of 0.5-1.0 inch of snow are currently forecast as possible at higher elevations on the afternoons of 1st and 3rd April.
Temperatures start to rise steadily on Saturday 5th into the second week of April. Remaining snow will melt rapidly, and softer snow conditions will mean a return to the postholing of last week.
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 Sunday 30th March 2025 at 0845 the air temperature was 28.8°F (-2°C), with a windchill temperature of 10.8°F (-12°C), 93% relative humidity, and a fresh WNW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 31.0 mph.
At the Peak on Tuesday 18th March 2025 at 0925 the air temperature was 23.3°F (-5°C), with a windchill temperature of 2.6°F (-16°C), 21% relative humidity, and a potent WNW wind sustained at 25 mph gusting to 33.7 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. Limited patchy 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 partly snow-covered and require the necessary equipment and experience for such conditions.
Snow cover is largely 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 becoming patchy between Miles 177.7 to Saddle Junction (about Mile 179). The south-facing slope of Miles 179-180 is largely clear, but from Mile 180 (elevation 8900 ft) to about Mile 181 just past Annie’s Junction snow cover is almost continuous. Miles 181-183 are sun-exposed and are largely clear. Snow cover is largely continuous from Mile 184 through to about Mile 192. Most hikers will find spikes are very useful throughout this section.
There is currently only a moderately traveled postholing boot track through variable snow cover on the PCT along Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191). This track does not accurately follow the trail in places. Extensive snow-free sections 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 remains an excellent option for hikers less comfortable with the Fuller Ridge section for the next week or so.
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 only 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 clear of snow.
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).
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TRAIL CONDITIONS
Where snow remains, tracks are in place for almost all trails. Melting has been fast since the last storm on 15th March, but will be minimal this week in cooler, cloudier weather. Conditions this week will be excellent for snow hiking, with relatively firm, reliable footings in the compacted icy snow.
Everywhere above about 7500 ft carrying spikes is recommended as established trails are now consolidated by hiker traffic and as they continue to undergo freeze-thaw cycles. As always, spikes tend to be especially useful for descending, even when they are not necessarily required for ascending. Hikers with considerable experience on snow and ice will find that spikes are generally not required on the tracks of the established trail system.
For details of specifics of downed trees, prior to the latest snow storms, see an earlier Report (linked here).
Devil’s Slide Trail [surveyed 30th March] is almost clear of snow, with just a few limited, dirty patches remaining, largely concentrated close to Saddle Junction. Most hikers will find spikes are no longer required.
The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow [surveyed 27th March].
From Saddle Junction northbound a well-defined posthole track – in areas that still have snow -continues to San Jacinto Peak through Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8) and Wellman Divide, via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails [all surveyed 30th March].
The PCT heading north from Saddle Junction (a.k.a. “Angel’s Glide”) is largely clear of snow to 9000 ft. Snow cover remains about 90% from 9000 ft through Annie’s Junction and onward to near Wellman’s Cienega. Snow cover on the Wellman Trail averages only 50% [all surveyed 30th March].
The Peak Trail route [surveyed 30th March] is very well-defined, and a few small snow-free patches are starting to appear. There is now a lightly-traveled posthole track on the uppermost part of the Peak Trail, but at 10,400 ft near Miller Peak, the heavily-traveled track climbs up the East Ridge Trail route, as is traditional in winter.
The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 and Tahquitz Peak [surveyed 1st April] has a single boot track to follow through the steeply angled snow, which in its steepest section does not accurately follow the trail route and has considerable underlying ice (photo above). 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. Spikes at a minimum are strongly recommended (crampons are preferable), should be accompanied by an ice axe, and, critically, adequate experience and knowledge of how to use this equipment in such terrain.
South Ridge Trail [surveyed 1st April] from the top of South Ridge Road is functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak, with just a handful of tiny patches close to the peak. Spikes are no longer required. South Ridge Road is clear of snow.
Spitler Peak Trail [surveyed 27th March] 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 is rapidly clearing of snow from Long Valley to Round Valley. There is a well-traveled track on largely continuous but thin icy snow from there to Wellman Divide.
Marion Mountain Trail [surveyed 29th March] 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 averages 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 [surveyed 29th March] is 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 10% 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 29th March (west slope locations) and 30th March 2025 (east side). The first number gives current average depth. Strong winds accompanying storms led to extensive drifting, and there has been highly variable melting in the past week or so. 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): 16 inches drifted to 2-3 feet in places (was 40 inches on 15th March)
Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 11 inches ranging from 0-24 inches (was 35 inches on 15th March)
Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 3 inches, ranging from 0-10 inches (was 20 inches on 15th March)
Annie’s Junction/PCT Mile 180.8 (9020 ft): 16 inches (was 38 inches on 15th March)
Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 1 inch, ranging from 0-5 inches (was 21 inches on 15th March)
Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8050 ft): 0 inches (was 20 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)
San Jacinto Trail Report 