Recent events included a highly localized monsoonal thunderstorm on Saturday 31st August. Idyllwild received no more than a few large rain drops that afternoon, and rain gauges at Saddle Junction (dry) and San Jacinto Peak (0.08 inch) barely hinted at the passage of a storm cell. However an impressive 0.70 inch of rain fell at Wellman’s Cienega (9300 ft) and some trails above 9000 ft on the east side of the high country remained damp days later.

On Sunday 1st September, the Record Fire burned just over 500 acres on the extreme westernmost fringe of the San Jacinto mountains, in the foothills just west of Dellamont. Before dawn the following morning a dusting of ash on my truck in Idyllwild was a reminder that distances are small in our mountains, as the ash flies. Two hours after sunrise I was able to see from San Jacinto Peak that the eastward progress of the fire had been halted.

After some distinctly autumnal days in late August – including a sub-freezing windchill recorded at San Jacinto Peak on Sunday 25th – temperatures are forecast to be well above seasonal until 10th September. Thankfully temperatures in the high country have largely stabilized around seasonal averages since mid August, with air temperatures typically 50-55°F (10-13°C). Such temperatures feel pleasantly cool in contrast to the heat lower down the mountain, but will actually be well above seasonal for the highest elevations in the first half of September.

Hikers should continue to be prepared for hot weather on the trail system into the second week of September. Please give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice (considering sun exposure, forest cover, and water availability), appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements.

Monsoon conditions are typical in late summer/early autumn, currently forecast as most likely on 7th-8th September, so hikers should always be prepared for the possibility of rapidly changing weather conditions in the high country. Thunderstorms with lightning, intense precipitation, and rapid temperature drops can occur, usually in the afternoon, even when such storms may not be forecast for lower elevations.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (58 ascents since 1st July 2024), plus many other trails on intervening days.

With a largely failed monsoon season and generally hot conditions for the past 2-3 months, fire risk is severe everywhere. A comprehensive fire ban is in place on Forest Service lands throughout the San Jacinto Ranger District (link to USFS order here) and in all Idyllwild campgrounds. Campfires are of course always prohibited throughout both the State Park and National Forest wilderness areas.

Major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow adequately at this time (example photos below). However flow rates are dropping steadily at all elevations and ephemeral water sources are now dry. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 4th September. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the minor creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to flow, but the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is now dry. Tahquitz Creek is flowing steadily at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177. The creek at Strawberry Cienega is now functionally dry. Hidden Lake remained c.50% full at the end of August (by surface area, not volume).

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway closes on Monday 9th September 2024 for annual maintenance, with a tentative reopening date of Monday 7th October.

Be rattlesnake aware. Above about 5000 ft elevation, the venom of Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus [oreganus] helleri) in the San Jacinto mountains is predominantly neurotoxic, almost always fatal for dogs and sometimes for humans (see my detailed 2020 article linked here for further information). Devil’s Slide Trail, lower Deer Springs and lower Marion Mountain trails, Suicide Rock, near Strawberry Cienega, and trails around Tahquitz Peak are frequent locations for sightings, but rattlesnakes have been recorded everywhere to 9350 ft.

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported in recent years, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017. I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I also found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

WEATHER

Details of the many local records broken in an exceptionally warm July are given in a prior Report (linked here). So far this season there has been little monsoon rainfall, with precipitation in Idyllwild currently only 10% of average for the summer months.

A strong cold front brought early autumnal temperatures to the mountains on 23rd-26th August (the southern fringe of the same system that dusted extremely early snow on parts of the Sierra Nevada this past weekend). While August has averaged cooler than July, and despite a few pleasantly cool days recently, almost the entire month of August has had temperatures at or above seasonal. As is increasingly the case with a steadily heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular were well above seasonal throughout July and almost all of August.

Temperatures rose steadily at the end of August to above seasonal yet again, and are forecast to be well above seasonal for the first ten days of September at all elevations (although this will be most striking at mid elevations, e.g., Idyllwild area). An especially hot (but brief) heatwave is forecast for 4th-7th September, with temperatures above even midsummer averages. Monsoonal afternoon thunderstorms are currently most likely on 7th-8th September.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 4th September 2024 at 0805 the air temperature was 58.1°F (14°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 55.2°F (13°C), 35% relative humidity, and a light ENE wind sustained at 4 mph gusting to 6.9 mph.

At the Peak on Wednesday 4th September 2024 at 0755 the air temperature was 57.9°F (14°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 48.3°F (9°C), 52% relative humidity, and a steady ESE wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 12.7 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my recent 2024 surveys between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the past five years is simply unconscionable. Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz). A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

The State Park announced closure of the uppermost section of Skyline Trail – which forms the lower part of the C2C (Cactus-to-clouds route) – in their jurisdiction, i.e. above about 5600 ft, on 12th July due to “dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region”. The trail “will continue to be closed until further notice”.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos in an earlier Report linked here).

On Willow Creek Trail notable treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were finally cut by 13th August. Several trees remain uncut to fully restore the trail route to its 2020 condition, but it seems unlikely that they will ever be cut. Whitethorn along the trail is starting to grow back rapidly, and is becoming a problem on both the Forest Service and State Park sections (photo in previous Report linked here). Forest Service made progress on trail trimming on 26th-27th August. Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose major problems for hikers, and there is optimism that some may be removed later in September.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Note that currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

The Trail Report “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade, and both State Park and Forest Service have shown no interest in maintaining the route for years. Since 2020 we have removed 75 downed trees and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of July 2024 the trail is largely clear of treefall hazards, with three down across the trail in its upper section, all easily passable for hikers. A further half-a-dozen downed trees close to the PCT junction would need to be removed to fully restore the original route of the trail. Although the condition of the trail is hugely improved, Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the wider, bare, obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail. Be aware in particular that Seven Pines Trail becomes most obscure in the mile closest to its junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT.

The Zen Center Trail continues its deterioration that started following the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the former route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers, scrambling gloves, and an enjoyment of bush-whacking are all strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

After delightful and distinctly autumnal cooling for a few days in late August – including a sub-freezing windchill recorded at San Jacinto Peak on Sunday 25th – temperatures are now forecast to rise and be well above seasonal in the first week of September (i.e. including the holiday weekend).

Thankfully temperatures in the high country have largely stabilized around seasonal averages since mid August, with air temperatures typically 50-55°F (10-13°C). Such temperatures feel pleasantly cool in contrast to the heat lower down the mountain, but they will actually be well above seasonal for the high elevations in the first week of September.

Hikers should continue to be prepared for hot weather on the trail system into the first week of September. Please give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice (considering sun exposure, forest cover, and water availability), appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements.

Monsoon conditions can occur in late summer/early autumn, currently forecast as most likely on 7th-8th September, and hikers should always be prepared for the possibility of rapidly changing weather conditions in the high country. Thunderstorms with lightning, intense precipitation, and rapid temperature drops can occur, usually in the afternoon, even when such storms may not be forecast for lower elevations.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (55 days since 1st July), plus other trails on intervening days.

With a failed monsoon season (so far) and largely hot conditions for the past two months, fire risk is severe everywhere. A comprehensive fire ban is in place on Forest Service lands throughout the San Jacinto Ranger District (link to USFS order here) and in all Idyllwild campgrounds. Campfires are of course always prohibited throughout both the State Park and National Forest wilderness areas.

Fires are not a problem solely confined to our area of course. An article (linked here) published last weekend highlights the challenges faced by PCT hikers by the sheer number of fire closures along the entire trail route. Sadly it is debatable whether any PCT hiker has been truly able to complete the entire trail along its originally intended route in the past 10-15 years due to fire closures.

Major springs, creeks, and pipes continue to flow adequately at this time (example photos below). However flow rates are dropping steadily at all elevations and ephemeral water sources are now dry. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 30th August. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the minor creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to flow, but the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is now dry. Tahquitz Creek is flowing steadily at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177. The creek at Strawberry Cienega is now functionally dry. Hidden Lake remained c.50% full in late August (by surface area, not volume).

Be rattlesnake aware. Above about 5000 ft elevation, the venom of Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus [oreganus] helleri) in the San Jacinto mountains is predominantly neurotoxic, almost always fatal for dogs and sometimes for humans (see my detailed 2020 article linked here for further information). Devil’s Slide Trail, lower Deer Springs and lower Marion Mountain trails, Suicide Rock, near Strawberry Cienega, and trails around Tahquitz Peak are frequent locations for sightings, but rattlesnakes have been recorded everywhere to 9350 ft.

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported in recent years, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017. I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I also found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway closes on Monday 9th September 2024 for annual maintenance, with a tentative reopening date of Monday 7th October.

WEATHER

Details of the many local records broken in an exceptionally warm July are given in a prior Report (linked here). So far this season there has been no significant monsoon rainfall, with precipitation in Idyllwild currently only 10% of average for the summer months.

A strong cold front brought early autumnal temperatures to the mountains on 23rd-26th August (the southern fringe of the same system that dusted extremely early snow on parts of the Sierra Nevada this past weekend). While August has averaged cooler than July, and despite a few pleasantly cool days recently, almost the entire month of August has had temperatures at or above seasonal. As is increasingly the case with a steadily heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular were well above seasonal throughout July and almost all of August.

Temperatures rose steadily on 26th-30th August to above seasonal yet again, and are now forecast to be far above seasonal for the first week of September at all elevations (although this will be most striking at mid elevations, e.g., Idyllwild area).

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 30th August 2024 at 0805 the air temperature was 54.3°F (12°C), with a windchill temperature of 47.1°F (8°C), 39% relative humidity, and a warm ESE wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 14.4 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 29th August 2024 at 0815 the air temperature was 50.8°F (10°C), with a windchill temperature of 41.5°F (5°C), 56% relative humidity, and a brisk SSE wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 20.5 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 25th August 2024 at 0740 the air temperature was 40.8°F (5°C), with a windchill temperature of 30.0°F (-1°C), 75% relative humidity, and a moderate WSW wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 14.9 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow was completely gone from the high country trails by mid June.

The State Park announced closure of the uppermost section of Skyline Trail – which forms the lower part of the C2C (Cactus-to-clouds route) – in their jurisdiction, i.e. above about 5600 ft, on 12th July due to “dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region”. The trail “will continue to be closed until further notice”.

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my recent 2024 surveys between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the past five years is unconscionable and embarrassing. Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz). A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos in an earlier Report linked here).

On Willow Creek Trail all treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were finally cut by 13th August. Whitethorn along the trail is starting to grow back rapidly, and is becoming a problem on both the Forest Service and State Park sections (photo in previous Report linked here). Forest Service made some progress on trail trimming on 26th-27th August. Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose major problems for hikers, and some may be removed in September.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Note that currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

The Trail Report “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade, and both State Park and Forest Service have shown no interest in maintaining the route for years. Since 2020 we have removed 75 downed trees and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of July 2024 the trail is largely clear of treefall hazards, with three down across the trail in its upper section, all easily passable for hikers. A further half-a-dozen downed trees close to the PCT junction would need to be removed to fully restore the original route of the trail. Although the condition of the trail is hugely improved, Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the wider, bare, obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail. Be aware in particular that Seven Pines Trail becomes most obscure in the mile closest to its junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT.

The Zen Center Trail continues its deterioration that started following the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the former route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers, scrambling gloves, and an enjoyment of bush-whacking are all strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

Following two months of temperatures above seasonal – and record-breaking heat for much of July – temperatures are now forecast to be around seasonal for the remainder of August. At mid elevations it was again hot on 19th-21st, dropping below seasonal on 23rd-25th, before rising to near or slightly above seasonal on 27th-31st.

Thankfully temperatures in the high country have stabilized around seasonal averages since mid August, generally around 50-55°F (10-13°C). It now feels borderline autumnal above about 9000 ft compared to lower down the mountain, with a pleasantly cool windchill at the Peak of 36°F (2°C) on Friday 23rd August. Stronger winds this weekend will produce similarly cool windchill temperatures around the high peaks on 24th-26th August.

Despite temperatures averaging cooler compared to July, hikers should nevertheless be prepared for hot weather on the trail system on most days into early September. Please give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice (considering sun exposure, forest cover, and water availability), appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements. There was one heat-related hiker fatality plus multiple cases of heat exhaustion in the San Jacinto high country in July.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (almost daily since 1st July), plus other trails on intervening days.

With a failed monsoon season and hot and dry conditions for the past two months, fire risk is severe everywhere. A comprehensive fire ban is in place on Forest Service lands throughout the San Jacinto Ranger District (link to USFS order here) and in all Idyllwild campgrounds. Campfires are of course always prohibited throughout both the State Park and National Forest wilderness areas.

All major springs, creeks, and pipes continue to flow adequately at this time (example photos below). However flow rates are dropping steadily at all elevations and ephemeral water sources are now dry. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow very well as of 22nd August. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the minor creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to flow well, but the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is now functionally dry. Tahquitz Creek is flowing steadily at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus [oreganus] helleri) have been widespread on the trail system this summer. Above about 5000 ft, the venom of this rattlesnake species in these mountains is predominantly neurotoxic, almost always fatal for dogs and sometimes for humans (see my detailed 2020 article linked here for further information). Devil’s Slide Trail, lower Deer Springs and lower Marion Mountain trails, Suicide Rock, near Strawberry Cienega, and trails around Tahquitz Peak are frequent locations for sightings, but rattlesnakes have been recorded everywhere to 9350 ft. (See photo of another individual at foot of this posting.)

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported in recent years, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017. I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I also found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway closes on Monday 9th September 2024 for annual maintenance, with a tentative reopening date of Monday 7th October.

WEATHER

Details of the many local records broken in a record-hot July are given in a prior Report (linked here). So far this season there has been no significant monsoon rainfall, with precipitation in Idyllwild currently under 20% of average for the summer months.

While August has averaged cooler than July, and as described above temperatures will be variable for the remaining ten days, almost the entire month of August is forecast to have temperatures at or above seasonal. As is increasingly the case with a steadily heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular were well above seasonal throughout July and this will continue throughout August (with the exception of 23rd-26th).

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 23rd August 2024 at 0820 the air temperature was 46.9°F (8°C), with a windchill temperature of 36.1°F (2°C), 22% relative humidity, and an erratic SW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 22.0 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 22nd August 2024 at 0815 the air temperature was 52.6°F (11°C), with a windchill temperature of 43.9°F (7°C), 8% relative humidity, and a moderate SW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 19.2 mph.

At the Peak on Wednesday 21st August 2024 at 0750 the air temperature was 53.7°F (12°C), with a windchill temperature of 47.1°F (8°C), 42% relative humidity, and a steady SW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 18.0 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow was completely gone from the high country trails by mid June.

The State Park announced closure of the uppermost section of Skyline Trail – which forms the lower part of the C2C (Cactus-to-clouds route) – in their jurisdiction, i.e. above about 5600 ft, on 12th July due to “dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region”. The trail “will continue to be closed until further notice”.

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my recent 2024 surveys between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the past five years is unconscionable and embarrassing. Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz). A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos in an earlier Report linked here).

On Willow Creek Trail all treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were finally cut by 13th August. Whitethorn along the trail is starting to grow back rapidly, and is becoming a problem on both the Forest Service and State Park sections (photo in previous Report linked here). Forest Service volunteers plan to start work on whitethorn trimming on 26th-27th August. Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose major problems for hikers, and some (or all) may be removed in September.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Note that currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

The Trail Report “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade, and both State Park and Forest Service have shown no interest in maintaining the route for years. Since 2020 we have removed 75 downed trees and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of July 2024 the trail is largely clear of treefall hazards, with three down across the trail in its upper section, all easily passable for hikers. A further half-a-dozen downed trees close to the PCT junction would need to be removed to fully restore the original route of the trail. Although the condition of the trail is hugely improved, Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the wider, bare, obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail. Be aware in particular that Seven Pines Trail becomes most obscure in the mile closest to its junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT.

The Zen Center Trail continues its deterioration that started following the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the former route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers, scrambling gloves, and an enjoyment of bush-whacking are all strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

After a record hot July, then some cooler days in the first half of August, temperatures at mid elevations are now forecast to be largely above seasonal for the next week. Temperatures above 10,000 ft elevation have now stabilized around seasonal averages and can feel pleasantly autumnal compared to lower down the mountain. Unusually humid and calm conditions in the high country on Wednesday 7th resulted in a new all-time record high temperature for the month of August at San Jacinto Peak of 64.6°F (18°C). Conversely the windchill at the Peak on Wednesday 14th August was a delightfully cool 38.8°F (4°C).

Despite temperatures averaging slightly cooler compared to July, hikers should still be prepared for hot weather on high country trails. Please give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice (considering sun exposure, forest cover, and water availability), appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements. There was one heat-related hiker fatality plus multiple cases of heat exhaustion in the San Jacinto high country in July.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (almost daily since 1st July), plus other trails on intervening days.

With generally hot and dry conditions, and a failed monsoon season so far this summer, fire risk is severe everywhere. A comprehensive fire ban is in place on Forest Service lands throughout the San Jacinto Ranger District (link to USFS order here) and in all Idyllwild campgrounds. Campfires are of course always prohibited throughout both the State Park and National Forest wilderness areas.

All major springs, creeks, and pipes continue to flow adequately at this time (example photos below). However flow rates are dropping steadily at upper elevations and ephemeral water sources are now dry. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow very well as of 13th August. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the minor creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to flow well, but the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is now functionally dry. Tahquitz Creek is flowing steadily at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT near Mile 177.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus [oreganus] helleri) have been widespread on the trail system this summer. Above about 5000 ft, the venom of this rattlesnake species in these mountains is predominantly neurotoxic, almost always fatal for dogs and sometimes for humans (see my detailed 2020 article linked here for further information). Devil’s Slide Trail, lower Deer Springs and lower Marion Mountain trails, Suicide Rock, near Strawberry Cienega, and trails around Tahquitz Peak are frequent locations for sightings, but rattlesnakes have been recorded everywhere to 9350 ft. (See photo of another individual at foot of this posting.)

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported in recent years, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017. I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I also found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway closes on Monday 9th September 2024 for annual maintenance, with a tentative reopening date of Monday 7th October.

WEATHER

After a lengthy and record-breaking heatwave in the first half of July temperatures dropped somewhat between 14th-17th, before a second heat dome rose temperatures again to well above seasonal for another ten days. Details of the many local records broken in a record-hot July are given in the previous Report (linked here).

Some pleasant cooling arrived for 27th July-3rd August, although temperatures nevertheless largely remained at or slightly above seasonal. Both 1st and 2nd August were pleasantly cloudy and cool, albeit humid, days, with just a hint of drizzle on 1st and our first proper (albeit brief) monsoonal rainstorm on Friday 2nd. San Jacinto Peak recorded 0.02 inch of rain on 1st August and 0.31 inch on 2nd. Rainfall was heaviest on both sides of the mountain at 9000-10,000 ft on 2nd, with 0.51 inch in Little Round Valley (9750 ft) and 0.62 inch at Wellman’s Cienega (9300 ft), with less lower down including 0.30 inch at Saddle Junction (8100 ft) and 0.34 inch near the top of Marion Mountain Trail (8650 ft). Further down the mountain Idyllwild at 5550 ft recorded 0.11 inch.

While August has averaged cooler than July, almost the entire month of August is forecast to have temperatures near or above seasonal. As is increasingly the case with a steadily heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular were well above seasonal throughout July and this will continue throughout August.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Saturday 17th August 2024 at 0755 the air temperature was 50.8°F (10°C), with a windchill temperature of 43.2°F (7°C), 72% relative humidity, and a steady SSW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 16.4 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 16th August 2024 at 0800 the air temperature was 51.7°F (11°C), with a windchill temperature of 43.9°F (7°C), 48% relative humidity, and a fresh SSW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 22.2 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 15th August 2024 at 0845 the air temperature was 57.8°F (15°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 53.2°F (12°C), 8% relative humidity, and a warming SW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 14.1 mph.

At the Peak on Wednesday 14th August 2024 at 0740 the air temperature was 47.7°F (9°C), with a windchill temperature of 38.8°F (4°C), 30% relative humidity, and a very refreshing WSW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 19.3 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow was completely gone from the high country trails by mid June.

The State Park announced closure of the uppermost section of Skyline Trail – which forms the lower part of the C2C (Cactus-to-clouds route) – in their jurisdiction, i.e. above about 5600 ft, on 12th July due to “dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region”. The trail “will continue to be closed until further notice”.

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my recent 2024 surveys between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the past five years is unconscionable. Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz). A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos in an earlier Report linked here).

On Willow Creek Trail all treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were finally cut by 13th August. Whitethorn along the trail is starting to grow back rapidly, and is becoming a problem on both the Forest Service and State Park sections (photo in previous Report linked here). Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose major problems for hikers, and some (or all) may be removed in September.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Note that currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

The Trail Report “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade, and both State Park and Forest Service have shown no interest in maintaining the route for years. Since 2020 we have removed 75 downed trees and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of July 2024 the trail is largely clear of treefall hazards, with three down across the trail in its upper section, all easily passable for hikers. A further half-a-dozen downed trees close to the PCT junction would need to be removed to fully restore the original route of the trail. Although the condition of the trail is hugely improved, Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the wider, bare, obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail. Be aware in particular that Seven Pines Trail becomes most obscure in the mile closest to its junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT.

The Zen Center Trail continues its deterioration that started following the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the former route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers, scrambling gloves, and an enjoyment of bush-whacking are all strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

Thankfully a record hot July finished with a few cooler days, although further hot temperatures well above seasonal averages returned on 3rd August and are forecast to continue until about 13th.

Both 1st and 2nd August were pleasantly cloudy and cool, albeit humid, days, with just a hint of drizzle on 1st (photo below) and our first proper (if brief) monsoonal rainstorm on Friday 2nd. San Jacinto Peak recorded 0.02 inch of rain on 1st August and 0.31 inch on 2nd. Rainfall was heaviest on both sides of the mountain at 9000-10,000 ft on 2nd, with 0.51 inch in Little Round Valley (9750 ft) and 0.62 inch at Wellman’s Cienega (9300 ft), with less lower down including 0.30 inch at Saddle Junction (8100 ft) and 0.34 inch near the top of Marion Mountain Trail (8650 ft). Further down the mountain Idyllwild at 5550 ft recorded 0.11 inch.

Provisional data suggest that July 2024 was the hottest month in recorded Idyllwild history, with all 31 days exceeding the monthly average for overnight low temperatures. The average daytime high temperature of 91.1°F for the entire month greatly exceeds the July average of 85.3°F, but even more striking was the average low of 64.7°F, which remarkably surpassed the July historical average of 55.2°F by nearly ten degrees. Both those high and low averages for July 2024 are likely to be all-time records.

In addition to a plethora of new daily and monthly heat records, Idyllwild surpassed 90°F (32°C) for a record twelve consecutive days from 2nd-13th July. The high country fared no better, as San Jacinto Peak shattered its record for consecutive days of at least 60°F (16°C) with all ten days from 3rd-12th July surpassing that temperature (the prior record was just four days). The 68.7°F (20°C) I measured at San Jacinto Peak on the morning of Monday 22nd July was a new all-time record high temperature there, breaking a record set only two weeks earlier (which itself broke a record from July 2021).

Hikers must be prepared for unseasonably hot weather in the high country on most days from 3rd-13th August, with temperatures above seasonal at all times of day (especially overnight) and at all mountain elevations. Please give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice (considering sun exposure, forest cover, and water availability), appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements, or indeed whether it is wise to be hiking at all in such conditions. There was one heat-related hiker fatality plus multiple cases of heat exhaustion in the San Jacinto high country in July 2024.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (almost daily since 1st July), plus other trails on intervening days.

Monsoon conditions are forecast as possible for the remainder of the first half of August, currently most likely on 9th-11th. Hikers should be prepared for the possibility of rapidly changing weather conditions in the high country. Thunderstorms with lightning, intense precipitation, and rapid temperature drops can occur, usually in the afternoon, even when such storms may not be forecast for lower elevations.

With such hot and dry conditions, fire risk is severe everywhere. A comprehensive fire ban is in place on Forest Service lands throughout the San Jacinto Ranger District (link to USFS order here) and in all Idyllwild campgrounds. Campfires are of course always prohibited throughout both the State Park and National Forest wilderness areas. The Nixon Fire – held at about 5200 acres – was clearly visible due south of San Jacinto Peak on Tuesday 30th July, with a solid line of smoke blowing eastward over the Santa Rosa mountains and down into the Coachella Valley, but looked far more benign on subsequent days.

All major springs, creeks, and pipes continue to flow adequately at this time (example photos below). However flow rates are dropping steadily at upper elevations and almost all ephemeral water sources are now dry. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow very well as of 5th August.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus [oreganus] helleri) have been abundant on the trail system this summer. Above about 5000 ft, the venom of this rattlesnake species in these mountains is predominantly neurotoxic, almost always fatal for dogs and sometimes for humans (see my detailed 2020 article linked here for further information). Devil’s Slide Trail, lower Deer Springs and lower Marion Mountain trails, Suicide Rock, near Strawberry Cienega, and trails around Tahquitz Peak are all common locations for sightings, but rattlesnakes have been recorded everywhere to 9350 ft. (See additional photos of another individual at foot of this posting.)

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported in recent years, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017. I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I also found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will be closed starting Monday 9th September 2024 for annual maintenance, with a tentative reopening date of Monday 7th October.

WEATHER

After a lengthy and record-breaking heatwave in the first half of July temperatures dropped somewhat between 14th-17th, before a second heat dome rose temperatures again to well above seasonal for another ten days. Some pleasant cooling arrived for 27th July-2nd August (although temperatures nevertheless largely remained at or slightly above seasonal!).

A third heat dome of the summer moved over the desert south-west around 3rd August, and temperatures will be well above average for 3rd-13th August at least (i.e. generally near or above 90°F in Idyllwild and close to 60°F at San Jacinto Peak). As is increasingly the case with a steadily heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular were well above seasonal throughout July and this will continue throughout the first half of August.

There is currently no significant precipitation in the forecasts, but monsoonal thunderstorms are always a possibility in late summer, generally in afternoons, and currently most likely on August 9th-11th.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Tuesday 6th August 2024 at 0710 the air temperature was 56.7°F (14°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 54.7°F (13°C), 45% relative humidity, and a gentle WNW wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 5.5 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 5th August 2024 at 0805 the air temperature was 59.0°F (15°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 54.5°F (12.5°C), 57% relative humidity, and a variable WSW wind sustained at 4 mph gusting to 10.4 mph.

At the Peak on Saturday 3rd August 2024 at 0735 the air temperature was 53.5°F (12°C), with a windchill temperature of 48.3°F (9°C), 52% relative humidity, and a fresh SSE wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 11.4 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow was completely gone from the high country trails by mid June.

The State Park announced closure of the uppermost section of Skyline Trail – which forms the lower part of the C2C (Cactus-to-clouds route) – in their jurisdiction, i.e. above about 5600 ft, on 12th July due to “dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region”. The trail “will continue to be closed until further notice”.

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my recent 2024 surveys between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the past five years is unconscionable. Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz). A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos in an earlier Report linked here).

On Willow Creek Trail the smaller treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut in June. One of the two huge hazards remaining on the Forest Service side was removed in early July, but the larger, more difficult obstruction, remains. An additional four need to be cut to restore the original trail route. Whitethorn along the trail is starting to grow back rapidly, and is becoming a problem on both the Forest Service and State Park sections (photo in previous Report linked here). Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose major problems for hikers.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Note that currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

The Trail Report “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade, and both State Park and Forest Service have shown no interest in maintaining the route for years. Since 2020 we have removed 75 downed trees and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of July 2024 the trail is largely clear of treefall hazards, with three down across the trail in its upper section, all easily passable for hikers. A further half-a-dozen downed trees close to the PCT junction would need to be removed to fully restore the original route of the trail. Although the condition of the trail is hugely improved, Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the wider, bare, obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail. Be aware in particular that Seven Pines Trail becomes most obscure in the mile closest to its junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT.

The Zen Center Trail continues its deterioration that started following the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the former route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers, scrambling gloves, and an enjoyment of bush-whacking are all strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

July 2024 started with a record-breaking heatwave, with Idyllwild setting an all-time record by surpassing 90°F (32°C) for 12 consecutive days from 2nd-13th July. Remarkably most of those days peaked in the mid to high 90s. Although temperatures have averaged slightly cooler since, July 2024 is already virtually certain to be the hottest month in recorded Idyllwild history, with all 31 days exceeding the monthly average for overnight low temperatures, and almost all exceeding the average daytime highs also.

Despite some slight cooling on 14th-17th July, temperatures rose further starting Thursday 18th July and will remain well above average until Saturday 27th, with a second consecutive “heat dome” over the region. Overnight low temperatures in particular have been 5-15°F above average for the entire month and are forecast to remain elevated until the last few days of July. Some pleasant cooling is expected for 27th-29th (although temperatures will probably remain at or slightly above seasonal!).

The temperature I measured at San Jacinto Peak on the morning of Monday 22nd July (68.7°F [20°C]) set a new all-time record high for that location, just breaking a record set only two weeks earlier. More significantly San Jacinto Peak shattered its record for consecutive days of at least 60°F (16°C) with all ten days from 3rd-12th July surpassing that temperature (the prior record was just four days, observed three times since 2018).

Hikers must be prepared for unseasonably hot weather in the high country, with temperatures above seasonal at all times of day and at all mountain elevations. Please give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice (factors such as sun exposure, forest cover, water availability), appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements, or indeed whether it is wise to be hiking at all in such conditions.

Onset of heat-related health problems can be very rapid but they are almost always entirely avoidable with planning. Earlier this month a 61-year-old PCT section hiker from Chula Vista day hiking on Saturday 6th July in the area of Miles 188-196 (immediately south and north of Fuller Ridge Campground) was found dead on 10th July near Mile 195. While cause of death has not been confirmed, Saturday 6th was the hottest day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains, and that section of trail is extremely sun-exposed chaparral with no shade.

Monsoon conditions are forecast as possible in early August. Consequently hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the high country. Thunderstorms with lightning, intense precipitation, and rapid temperature drops can occur in the high country, usually in the afternoons, even when such storms are not forecast for lower elevations.

The State Park announced closure of the uppermost section of Skyline Trail – which forms the lower part of the C2C (Cactus-to-clouds route) – in their jurisdiction, i.e. above about 5600 ft, on 12th July due to “dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region”. The trail “will continue to be closed until further notice”.

A comprehensive fire ban is in place on Forest Service lands throughout the San Jacinto Ranger District (link to USFS order here). Fires are completely prohibited in all camping areas, including those provided with fire rings. Fires are of course always prohibited throughout both the State Park and National Forest wilderness areas. Fires are now also prohibited in the Idyllwild campgrounds.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently daily on 21st-26th July), plus a wide range of other trails on intervening days.

All major springs, creeks, and pipes are flowing adequately at this time (some example photos below). However flow rates are dropping rapidly at upper elevations and almost all ephemeral water sources are now dry. The Round Valley faucet continues to flow well as of 26th July.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus [oreganus] helleri) have been abundant on the trail system this season. Above about 5000 ft, the venom of this rattlesnake species in these mountains is predominantly neurotoxic, almost always fatal for dogs and sometimes for humans (see my detailed 2020 article linked here for further information). Devil’s Slide Trail, lower Deer Springs and lower Marion Mountains trails, Suicide Rock, near Strawberry Cienega, and trails around Tahquitz Peak are common locations for sightings, but rattlesnakes have been recorded everywhere to 9350 ft. (See additional photos of another individual at foot of this posting.)

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported in recent years, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017. I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I also found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

WEATHER

Remarkably temperatures have been above seasonal almost continuously since 21st June and forecasts suggest that this trend will continue into August. After the lengthy heatwave described above, temperatures dropped somewhat starting Sunday 14th July, although remaining at or above seasonal. From Friday 19th onwards, temperatures rose again (i.e. to 90°F or above in Idyllwild and around 60°F at San Jacinto Peak) and are forecast to generally remain at or above seasonal until the end of July. As is increasingly the case with a steadily heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular will continue to be well above seasonal throughout July.

Temperatures will remain well above seasonal averages until Friday 26th, with a notable (albeit brief) cooling on 27th-30th July. Temperatures may even drop just below average on 27th-29th. Thereafter temperatures are forecast to rise rapidly again to well above average into the first week of August.

There is little relief in the high country, with a record duration of unusually warm temperatures, combined at times with record high temperatures, even above 10,000 ft elevation. There is no significant precipitation in the forecasts, but monsoonal thunderstorms are possible in late summer afternoons, currently forecast as most likely in the first week of August. There is a chance for residual tropical storm rainfall around 5th-7th August, but that is speculative at this time.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Thursday 25th July 2024 at 0720 the air temperature was 55.3°F (13°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 51.3°F (11°C), 61% relative humidity, and a steady WSW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 10.4 mph.

At the Peak on Wednesday 24th July 2024 at 0755 the air temperature was 60.8°F (16°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 57.2°F (14°C), 48% relative humidity, and a very light SSE breeze sustained at 2 mph gusting to 4.7 mph.

At the Peak on Tuesday 23rd July 2024 at 0725 the air temperature was 57.6°F (14°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 53.6°F (12°C), 69% relative humidity, and a light SSE wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.4 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 22nd July 2024 at 0730 the air temperature was 68.7°F (20°C), with no meaningful windchill, 47% relative humidity, and almost calm conditions with an occasional SE breeze gusting to 2.5 mph. As described above, this is an all-time record high temperature for San Jacinto Peak, surpassing the 68.2°F I had recorded exactly two weeks earlier, which itself broke the prior record of 67.6°F I observed during a prior heat dome event on 12th July 2021.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow was gone from the high country trails by mid June.

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my recent 2024 surveys between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the past five years is unconscionable. Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz). A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos in prior Report linked here).

On Willow Creek Trail the smaller treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut in June. One of the two huge hazards remaining on the Forest Service side was removed in early July, but the larger, more difficult obstruction, remains. An additional four need to be cut to restore the original trail route. Whitethorn along the trail is starting to grow back rapidly, and is becoming a problem on both the Forest Service and State Park sections (photo below). Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose major problems for hikers.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Note that currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

The Trail Report “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade, and both State Park and Forest Service have shown no interest in maintaining the route for years. Since 2020 we have removed 75 downed trees and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of July 2024 the trail is largely clear of treefall hazards, with three down across the trail in its upper section, all easily passable for hikers. A further half-a-dozen downed trees close to the PCT junction would need to be removed to fully restore the original route of the trail. Although the condition of the trail is hugely improved, Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the wider, bare, obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail. Be aware in particular that Seven Pines Trail becomes most obscure in the mile closest to its junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT.

The Zen Center Trail continues its deterioration that started following the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the former route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers, scrambling gloves, and an enjoyment of bush-whacking are all strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

The San Jacinto mountains have been experiencing a record-breaking heatwave this month. Very hot temperatures well above seasonal even for July are forecast to continue until Saturday 13th. Daytime highs will cool slightly to near or just above seasonal in the third week of July, but overnight low temperatures are expected to remain 5-15°F above average for the remainder of the month. Temperatures are expected to rise again starting Friday 19th July.

Idyllwild has set an all-time record with ten consecutive days with the temperature at or above 90°F (32°C) as of 11th July 2024, with at least one more day of such temperatures expected (the prior record of eight days was set in late June 2017). Worse still, most days have peaked in the mid to high 90s, not merely just above 90°F.

The temperature I measured at San Jacinto Peak – 68.2°F (20°C) – on the morning of Monday 8th July set a new all-time record high for that location. More significantly San Jacinto Peak has shattered its record for consecutive days of at least 60°F (16°C) – previously the record was four days, once each in 2018, 2020, and 2021 – with all ten days since 3rd July 2024 surpassing that temperature. While 60 degrees may sound quite pleasant during the current heatwave, it is worth recalling that the Peak is at 10,810 ft (3295 m) elevation, and although such temperatures are now sadly annual, they were almost completely unrecorded there as recently as ten years ago.

Hikers must be prepared for unseasonably hot weather in the high country, with temperatures well above seasonal at all times of day and at all mountain elevations. Please give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice (issues such as sun exposure, forest cover, water availability), appropriate clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements, or indeed whether it is wise to be hiking at all in such conditions.

Onset of heat-related health problems can be very rapid but they are almost always entirely avoidable with appropriate planning. Sadly this week a 61-year-old PCT section hiker from Chula Vista who was day hiking on Saturday 6th July in the area of Miles 188-196 (immediately south and north of Fuller Ridge Campground) was found dead on 10th July near Mile 195. While cause of death has not been confirmed at this time, Saturday 6th was the hottest day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains.

The State Park closed the uppermost section of Skyline Trail – which forms the lower part of the C2C (Cactus-to-clouds route) – in their jurisdiction, i.e. above about 5600 ft, starting 12th July due to “dangerously high temperatures impacting the Palm Springs region”. The trail “will continue to be closed until further notice”.

A comprehensive fire ban is now in place on Forest Service lands throughout the San Jacinto Ranger District (link to USFS order here). Fires are completely prohibited in all camping areas, including those provided with fire rings. Fires are of course always prohibited throughout both the State Park and National Forest wilderness areas. Fires are now also prohibited in the Idyllwild campgrounds.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th and 12th July), plus many other trails on intervening days.

All major springs, creeks, and pipes are flowing adequately at this time (some example photos below). However flow rates are dropping steadily at upper elevations and almost all ephemeral water sources are now dry.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri) have been seen on the trail system up to at least 8800 ft elevation, and may be seen as high as 9300 ft. The volume of early season sightings suggested abundant snake populations this year in the San Jacinto mountains.

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017, where I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

WEATHER

Above seasonal temperatures started on 21st June and this trend will continue well into late July. The first eleven days of July have seen temperatures far above seasonal, and hot weather will continue for the next two weeks (at least). Although temperatures should drop somewhat starting Saturday 13th (i.e. to just below 90°F in Idyllwild and <60°F at San Jacinto Peak), they are forecast to generally remain a few degrees above seasonal throughout the third week of July, before rising again around 19th-20th.

There is no relief in the high country, with record high temperatures combined with record duration of warm temperatures even above 10,000 ft elevation. As is increasingly the case with a steadily heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular will continue to be well above seasonal deep into the second half of July. There is currently no significant precipitation in the forecasts, but a slim chance of light monsoonal rain on 13th-15th, and possibly again after 19th, in both cases most likely around the high peaks.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Thursday 11th July 2024 at 0750 the air temperature was 67.1°F (20°C), with no meaningful windchill temperature, 21% relative humidity, and a mild ESE breeze sustained at 2 mph gusting to 4.6 mph.

At the Peak on Tuesday 9th July 2024 at 0745 the air temperature was 61.8°F (16°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 59.5°F (15°C), 17% relative humidity, and a steady SW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 11.6 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 8th July 2024 at 0755 the air temperature was 68.2°F (20°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 66.9°F (19°C), 17% relative humidity, and a warm ESE breeze sustained at 4 mph gusting to 7.6 mph. As described above, this is an all-time record high temperature for San Jacinto Peak, surpassing the 67.6°F I recorded in the 2021 “heat dome” event that reached its zenith on 12th July that year.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow was gone from the high country trails by mid June.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos in prior Report linked here).

On Willow Creek Trail the smaller treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut in June. One of the two huge hazards remaining on the Forest Service side was removed in early July, but the larger, more difficult obstruction, remains. An additional four need to be cut to restore the original trail route. Whitethorn along the trail is starting to grow back rapidly, and is becoming a problem on both the Forest Service and State Park sections. Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose major problems for hikers.

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my June 2024 survey between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the past five years is frankly inexcusable. A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz).

The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in the first half of this year.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

The Trail Report “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade, and both State Park and Forest Service have shown no interest in maintaining the route for years. Since 2020 we have removed 75 downed trees and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of July 2024 the trail is largely clear of treefall hazards, with three down across the trail in its upper section, all easily passable for hikers. A further half-a-dozen downed trees close to the PCT junction would need to be removed to fully restore the original route of the trail. Although the condition of the trail is hugely improved, Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the wider, bare, obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail. Be aware in particular that Seven Pines Trail becomes most obscure in the mile closest to its junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT.

The Zen Center Trail continues its deterioration that started following the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the former route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers, scrambling gloves, and an enjoyment of bush-whacking are all strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

Very hot temperatures far above seasonal even for July – close to 100°F (38°C) as high as 6000 ft – are forecast for 3rd-13th, with the hottest days expected to dangerously coincide with the extended holiday weekend. Overnight low temperatures in particular will be at least 15°F above seasonal into mid July. Hikers must be prepared for unseasonably hot weather in the high country, with temperatures well above seasonal at all times of day and at all mountain elevations. Please give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice, clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements, or indeed whether it is wise to be hiking at all in such conditions.

A comprehensive fire ban is now in place on Forest Service lands throughout the San Jacinto Ranger District (link to USFS order here). Fires are completely prohibited in all camping areas, including those provided with fire rings. Fires are of course always prohibited throughout both the State Park and National Forest wilderness areas.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day year-round in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently daily on 1st-5th July), plus many other trails on intervening days.

All major springs, creeks, and pipes are flowing relatively well at this time (example photos below). However flow rates are dropping steadily at upper elevations and most ephemeral water sources are now dry.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri) have been seen on the trail system up to at least 8800 ft elevation, and may be seen as high as 9300 ft. The volume of early season sightings suggested abundant snake populations this year in the San Jacinto mountains.

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017, where I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

WEATHER

Above seasonal temperatures started on 21st June and this trend will continue into mid July (at least). Forecast temperatures suggest the first two weeks of July will be very hot and well above average for the month on 2nd-13th at least. There will be little relief in the high country, with near-record temperatures expected even above 10,000 ft elevation on 4th-12th July. As is increasingly the case with a steadily heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular will be well above seasonal into mid July. There is currently no significant precipitation in the forecasts, but a slim chance of light monsoonal rain on 13th-14th most likely around the highest peaks.

The latest video forecast issued on 2nd July by NWS San Diego (linked here) describes in detail the imminent “heat dome” that will impact us in early July, plus expectations for the remainder of the month.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 5th July 2024 at 0645 the air temperature was 61.6°F (16°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 58.1°F (14°C), 24% relative humidity, and a steady NE wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 13.5 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 4th July 2024 at 0750 the air temperature was 64.4°F (18°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 59.8°F (15°C), 33% relative humidity, and a subtle ESE breeze sustained at 2 mph gusting to 4.1 mph.

At the Peak on Wednesday 3rd July 2024 at 0910 the air temperature was 61.4°F (16°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 58.5°F (15°C), 44% relative humidity, and a very light SSE wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 6.2 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow was gone from the high country trails by mid June.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos below).

Willow Creek Trail is in much more hiker-friendly condition than this time last year. Smaller treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut in June. The two huge (c.50 inch diameter) hazards remaining on the Forest Service side are being removed in early July. Whitethorn along the trail has not (yet) grown back significantly, other than a couple of minor areas near Hidden Divide in the State Park section. Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose significant problems for hikers.

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my June 2024 survey between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of trail for the past five years is unconscionable. A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz).

The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in the first half of this year.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

The Trail Report has “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade, and it has been functionally abandoned by both the State Park and Forest Service for years. Since 2020 about 75 downed trees have been cut and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared annually. As of July 2024 the trail is largely clear of treefall hazards, with three down across the trail in its upper section, all easily passable for hikers. A further half-a-dozen downed trees near the PCT would need to be removed to fully restore the original route of the trail. Although the condition of the trail is literally many times better than just a few years ago, Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the wider, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail. Be advised that in general Seven Pines Trail becomes most obscure in the mile closest to its junction with the PCT.

The Zen Center Trail continues to deteriorate since the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the former route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers, scrambling gloves, and an enjoyment of bush-whacking are all strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

Cooler, seasonal, temperatures on 17th-19th June rapidly transitioned to hot summer temperatures from 21st. Very hot temperatures are forecast for 2nd-8th July, dangerously coinciding with the extended holiday weekend. Overnight low temperatures in particular will be far above seasonal into the second week of July at least. Hikers should be prepared for unseasonably hot weather in the high country, with temperatures above seasonal at all times of day and at all mountain elevations. Give considerable extra thought to start times, route choice, clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements.

We are already in fire season. Fires – thankfully so far all relatively small – are starting almost daily in the surrounding lowlands of interior Southern California. The first to impact the fringe of the San Jacinto mountains was the Tuscany Fire on 17th June on BLM land on the south side of Chino Canyon (near the Tramway road, north-west Palm Springs), contained at 126 acres.

Survey hikes every day in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 21st, 24th, and twice on 28th June) plus many other trails on intervening days. I fully surveyed the northern Desert Divide and associated side trails (PCT Miles 170.5-179) on 18th June.

All major springs, creeks, and pipes are flowing well at this time (example photos below). However flow rates are dropping steadily at upper elevations, many ephemeral water sources are dry, and grassy meadows below 7000 ft are already largely dry. A long, hot, dry summer is forecast.

Campgrounds, forest roads, and fire lookouts all opened in time for the Memorial Day weekend, as described in detail in the previous Report (available here).

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri) have been seen on the trail system up to at least 8800 ft elevation already, and may be seen as high as 9300 ft this month. The volume of sightings suggest abundant snake populations this year in the San Jacinto mountains.

Be bear aware. Although rarely reported, up to three Black Bears have been in the San Jacinto mountains since 2017, where I have seen at least one annually for the past six years, most recently on upper Marion Mountain Trail on 14th September 2023. I found fresh prints in snow on 12th February this year at 9000 ft near PCT Mile 180.5 (photo here). Brief videos from Devil’s Slide Trail in September 2021 (available here) and at home in Idyllwild in 2018 (linked here) show two different individuals. There have been no reports of negative interactions with humans at or near campsites.

WEATHER

Temperatures above average for June are forecast starting 21st and continuing to the end of the month. Forecast temperatures suggest the first two weeks of July will be hot, and well above average for that month on 1st-8th at least. As is increasingly the case with a heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular will be well above seasonal in late June and into July. There is currently no significant new precipitation in the forecasts.

This video forecast from NWS San Diego (linked here) details the forthcoming heat dome, and the current projections for July and the remainder of the summer. Below average precipitation and above average temperatures are predicted, with vegetation moisture content (a key indicator of fire risk) already below average in much of interior Southern California.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 28th June 2024 at 0715 the air temperature was 52.4°F (11°C), with a windchill temperature of 42.8°F (6°C), 11% relative humidity, and a pleasantly fresh WSW wind sustained at 14 mph gusting to 22.7 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 24th June 2024 at 0800 the air temperature was 56.2°F (13°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 50.8°F (10°C), 76% relative humidity, and a light ESE wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 10.6 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow was gone from the high country trails by mid June.

Trail maintenance has made progress this month, although ultimately less than hoped. An American Conservation Experience (and PCTA-supported) crew worked on Miles 162-165 (south from Fobes Saddle, trimmed plus 17 trees cut), and Miles 177-179 (Tahquitz Creek to Saddle Junction, nine trees cut and tread improved). In mid June several smaller trees were removed from Willow Creek Trail and six trees were cleared from the Little Tahquitz Valley Trail by Forest Service. The Trail Report cleared several trees from the PCT section north of Saddle Junction (Miles 179-181) on 10th June, more than 30 trees from Spitler Peak Trail on 14th, and half-a-dozen more from Deer Springs Trail on 27th.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow. About 12 treefall hazards on the trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for years but with no action from the State Park. All but one of the treefall hazards down between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) were removed by the Trail Report in late June (example photos below).

The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in the first half of this year.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report on 14th June. The couple of minor stepover branches that remain pose no problem for hikers. This work brings to 120+ the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in the past three years. Currently the upper trail in particular is heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

Willow Creek Trail is in much more hiker-friendly than this time last year. Several of the smaller trees on the Forest Service section were cut in June. Whitethorn along the trail has not (yet) grown back significantly, other than a couple of minor areas near Hidden Divide in the State Park section. Remaining treefall hazards on the trail include three on the Forest Service section and five on the State Park side (two large ones from last year, plus three small new ones). Unfortunately two of the remaining trees on the Forest Service section are huge (four-plus feet diameter) and some hikers will find them challenging to cross (see photo in previous Report linked here).

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

Seven Pines Trail is largely (by its formerly low standards) clear of treefall hazards, with about ten down across the trail, most in the central mile, but they are easily passable for hikers. Be advised that the trail in general becomes more obscure in the mile closest to its junction with the PCT. The Trail Report has “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. Since November 2021, 70 downed trees have been removed and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared regularly (but not yet in 2024). Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail.

Treefall hazards remain a major problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz, with 132 recorded in my June 2024 survey between Miles 170.5-175.5. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of trail for the past five years is unconscionable. A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Concentrations of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock) and Miles 174-175 (south and east sides of Red Tahquitz).

The Zen Center Trail continues to deteriorate since the 2013 Mountain Fire, with a combination of vigorous regrowth and treefall hazards further obscuring the route with each passing season. The lower and upper parts of this trail are partially cairned and not too bad for those who are very familiar with the route, but even the experienced find navigating the central section tricky. Long trousers and scrambling gloves are strongly recommended.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

Regrettably we are periodically experiencing July-August temperatures in the first half of June. Overnight low temperatures in particular will generally be well above seasonal into late June. Hikers should be prepared for unseasonably warm weather in the high country on most days, with temperatures at or above seasonal at all times of day and at all mountain elevations. Give considerable extra thought to route choice, start times, clothing, sun protection, and hydration requirements.

Prescribed burning actions on Thomas Mountain started on Monday 10th June and are expected to impact access in that area for 7-10 days. Thomas Mountain Road (6S13 to 6S15) and Rouse Ridge Road (5S15) are closed, along with all camping areas on Thomas Mountain. Ramona Trail (3E2) is also closed. Fobes Ranch Road/Quinn Flat is being used for crew staging and as a helicopter base, and may have reduced access.

After years of neglect, there is encouraging news regarding trail maintenance along the PCT on Forest Service lands. An ACE (American Conservation Experience) crew, supported by PCTA, worked last week south from Fobes Saddle, roughly Miles 165-160. Trees were cleared by Forest Service south from Saddle Junction to near Red Tahquitz on 10th-11th June (Miles 179-175), followed by an ACE crew working south from Mile 175 on 12th-18th June down the Desert Divide, the notorious PCT section with 100+ downed trees. The Trail Report cleared several obstructing trees on the PCT section north of Saddle Junction (Miles 179-181) on 10th June, and cut almost all of 35 trees down on Spitler Peak Trail on 14th June.

Snow is gone from the high country trails. Some high elevation areas still hold localized patches (e.g,, north and east flanks of San Jacinto Peak, north side of Jean Peak). Traction devices are no longer required.

Survey hikes every day in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 7th, 9th, 10th, and 13th June), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 11th June), plus many other trails on intervening days.

All major springs, creeks, and pipes are flowing well at this time. However, flow rates are dropping steadily at upper elevations, many ephemeral water sources are drying, and grassy meadows below 7000 ft are already largely dry. A long, hot summer seems inevitable.

Campgrounds, forest roads, and fire lookouts all opened in time for the Memorial Day weekend, as described in detail in the previous Report (available here).

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri) have been seen on the trail system up to at least 8100 ft elevation already, and may be seen as high as 9300 ft this month. The volume of sightings suggest abundant snake populations this year in the San Jacinto mountains.

WEATHER

Temperatures more typical of midsummer started last week and will persist on some days into mid June (notably on 14th-15th and from 20th onwards). Temperatures will be briefly seasonal (and feel pleasantly cool) on 17th-19th June. As is increasingly the case with a heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular will be above seasonal almost daily into the third week of June. Remaining snow patches will of course disappear rapidly. There is currently no new precipitation in the forecasts.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Thursday 13th June 2024 at 0750 the air temperature was 46.6°F (8°C), with a windchill temperature of 34.9°F (2°C), 28% relative humidity, and a strong SSW wind sustained at 19 mph gusting to 32.3 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 10th June 2024 at 0800 the air temperature was 54.0°F (12°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 47.3°F (8°C), 18% relative humidity, and a gusty SSE wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 12.9 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 9th June 2024 at 0745 the air temperature was 51.3°F (11°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 48.4°F (9°C), 16% relative humidity, and a very light SW breeze sustained at 1 mph gusting to 4.6 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Trails are clear of snow, with the few tiny remaining patches mentioned below. No notable snow remains below 10,000 ft, and above that elevation only in a handful of less-traveled areas.

South Ridge Trail is clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak. The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in recent months. The notorious 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 and Tahquitz Peak is now completely clear of snow.

The Peak Trail is clear of snow to its junction with Deer Springs Trail. The area immediately around San Jacinto Peak is now almost entirely snow-free. The East Ridge trail route is now only 10% snow-covered, with the track now largely visible and easy to follow. The Round Valley Trail is now clear of snow.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow. The remaining snow patches through and above Little Round Valley have gone in the last few days.

Willow Creek Trail is clear of snow. Overall the trail is in reasonable condition, and certainly far more hiker-friendly than this time last year. Whitethorn along the trail has not (yet) grown back significantly, other than a couple of minor areas near Hidden Divide in the State Park section. Sixteen treefall hazards on the trail include 11 on the Forest Service section (two remaining from last year, plus nine new this winter) and five on the State Park side (two large ones from last year, plus three small new ones). Almost all of the downed trees on the USFS section are north of Willow Creek. Unfortunately two of the hazards on the Forest Service section are huge (four-plus feet diameter) and some hikers will find them challenging to cross (see photo in previous Report linked here).

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). Eleven trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

Seven Pines Trail is largely (by its formerly low standards) clear of treefall hazards, with about ten down across the trail, most in the central mile, but they are easily passable for hikers. Be advised that the trail in general becomes more obscure in the mile closest to its junction with the PCT. The Trail Report has “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. Since November 2021, 70 downed trees have been removed and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared regularly (but not yet in 2024). Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail.

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were almost all cleared by the Trail Report in mid June. The couple that remain pose no problem for hikers. Note that the upper trail in particular is currently heavily overgrown with lush seasonal vegetation.

The Pacific Crest Trail is now clear of snow through the San Jacinto mountains. Treefall hazards remain a problem in many places, most notably between Apache Peak and Red Tahquitz, with at least 110 down in my most recent survey. Large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 172-175 (a section severely burned in the July 2013 Mountain Fire). However as described above, significant work is expected in this area in June 2024. A crew is working this week on the PCT south from Fobes Saddle, roughly Miles 160-165. Trees should be cleared by Forest Service south from Saddle Junction early next week (Miles 179-175) and then another crew will be working south from Mile 175 from 12th-18th June. The Trail Report cleared the section north of Saddle Junction (PCT Miles 179-181) on 10th June of several trees across the trail from this past winter.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

Most hikers will find it is now straightforward to bareboot all of the established trails, including the entire PCT through the San Jacinto mountains. Hikers with limited experience on patchy icy snow may find that carrying spikes remains a good option locally above about 9000 ft. Spikes tend to be particularly useful for descending, especially later in the day as the snow structure deteriorates, even when they generally not required for ascending. Spikes remain recommended for off-trail travel above 10,000 ft.

Daily survey hikes in the San Jacinto mountains include various routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 20th, 24th, 28th May, and 1st June), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 25th and 29th May), plus a wide variety of other routes on intervening days.

I am no longer providing snow depth data, as very little snow remains below 10,000 ft. This does not mean there is no snow in the high country, only that it is too patchy to give meaningful measurements (see photos below). Some high elevation areas still hold 1-2 feet of increasingly patchy snow (e.g,, Little Round Valley, east flank of San Jacinto Peak, north side of Jean Peak)

All major springs, creeks, and pipes (and many ephemeral ones too) are flowing well at this time (example photo below). Flow rates are dropping rapidly however – Middle Spring on Devil’s Slide Trail is already down to just 25% of its early May flow – and a long, hot summer is provisionally forecast (e.g., see NWS San Diego discussion linked here).

Campgrounds reopened in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Black Mountain Road reopened for the season on Wednesday 22nd May. The boulder in the road about 0.5 mile above that gate was removed last week, and Pinewood residents graded the lower 1.7 miles of the road on 18th May. The entire road is clear of snow.

Dark Canyon Road had been closed almost continuously since February 2019, but reopened on 24th May for the summer. Black Mountain fire lookout reopened on 19th May, and Tahquitz Peak fire lookout on 26th May. South Ridge Road reopened for the season on 23rd April. Due to a localized section of mud, the uppermost road is currently best suited to high clearance AWD/4WD vehicles.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri) have been seen on the trail system up to at least 8100 ft elevation already. The volume of reports and sightings suggest abundant snake populations this year in the San Jacinto mountains. Rattlesnakes will get increasingly active with warmer weather and may be seen anywhere up to about 9300 ft by the end of May.

WEATHER

Seasonal temperatures in recent days will soon be replaced by hot weather and temperatures more typical of July-August than for late May/early June, starting on Thursday 30th May. Temperatures will be above even midsummer averages on 5th-6th June at least. As is increasingly the case in a heating climate in the San Jacinto mountains, overnight low temperatures in particular will be far above seasonal well into the first week of June. What little snow remains will of course melt rapidly. There is currently no significant precipitation in the forecasts.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Tuesday 28th May 2024 at 0740 the air temperature was 47.2°F (8°C), with a windchill temperature of 41.0°F (5°C), 13% relative humidity, and a light due South wind sustained at 4 mph gusting to 10.3 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 24th May 2024 at 0800 the air temperature was 35.4°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 21.6°F (-6°C), 37% relative humidity, and a fresh due West wind sustained at 16 mph gusting to 22.6 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Except where discussed below, trails are clear of snow. All trails below 8000 ft are now clear of snow. Notable snow remains below 9000 ft only in a few sheltered areas. Sun-exposed trails as high as San Jacinto Peak are now largely clear of snow, especially on the Peak’s south flank. Tracks through the remaining snow patches remain hard and icy in places early in the morning, but soften quickly by mid morning, getting sloppy as early as midday.

South Ridge Trail is clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak on its south approach. The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in recent months. The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 and Tahquitz Peak is now functionally clear of snow. A couple of remaining tiny snow patches are easy to hike around.

Devil’s Slide Trail is clear of snow. The Trail Report has undertaken extensive trail maintenance work since February to remove many tree limbs in and over the trail damaged by ice storms this winter.

The Peak Trail is now functionally clear of snow to its junction with Deer Springs Trail at 10,500 ft, but a few areas of limited snow patches remain. As usual the most persistent sections of snow patches remain around 9900-10,100 ft, and then above 10,400 ft. The area immediately around San Jacinto Peak is still largely snow-covered on the east approach, but snow-free on the south side. The East Ridge trail route remains 80% snow-covered, and the track is increasingly riddled with suncups (photo above).

Wellman Trail is now clear of snow where it is outside of forest cover, with only patchy 20% snow cover on the forested first 0.25 mile north of Annie’s Junction (the Forest/State Park boundary).

The Round Valley Trail averages only 10% snow cover in its uppermost section, within 0.3 mile of Wellman Divide. The remainder of the trail is clear of snow.

Deer Springs Trail is now functionally clear of snow to its junction with the Peak Trail at 10,500 ft. Snow cover averages only 5% on the trail above 8700 ft (the Marion Mountain Trail junction). In Little Round Valley snow cover averages 30% but is declining daily, and the drifts pose no navigation or traction issues. From the upper end of Little Round Valley to San Jacinto Peak snow cover is now only 10% with most of the trail exposed. Spikes are generally no longer required but some hikers may find them helpful, along with cautious navigation.

Willow Creek Trail is clear of snow. Overall the trail is in reasonable condition, and certainly far more hiker-friendly than this time last year. Whitethorn along the trail has not (yet) grown back significantly, other than a couple of minor areas near Hidden Divide in the State Park section. Sixteen treefall hazards on the trail include 11 on the Forest Service section (two remaining from last year, plus nine new this winter) and five on the State Park side (two large ones from last year, plus three small new ones). Almost all of the downed trees on the USFS section are north of Willow Creek. Unfortunately two of the hazards on the Forest Service section are huge (four-plus feet diameter) and some hikers will find them challenging to cross.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys in late winter, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust an app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, well maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at lat/long N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). The 11 trees down on the King Trail were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some minor damage from Tropical Storm Hilary last year. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My August 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

Seven Pines Trail is largely (by its formerly low standards) clear of treefall hazards, with about ten down across the trail, most in the central mile, but they are easily passable for hikers. A few extended snow patches remain near the junction with Deer Springs Trail. Be advised that the trail in general becomes more obscure in the mile closest to its junction with the PCT. The Trail Report has “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. Since November 2021, about 70 downed trees have been removed and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared regularly (but not yet in 2024). Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail.

On the PCT treefall hazards remain a problem in many places, most notably between Apache Peak and Red Tahquitz, with at least 110 down in my most recent survey. Large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 172-175 (a section severely burned in the July 2013 Mountain Fire).

The Pacific Crest Trail is now largely clear of snow through the San Jacinto mountains, but hikers less experienced with patchy icy snow may continue to find spikes useful for a few more days. The trail is clear from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 174.5. The track on the north side of Red Tahquitz (Miles 175-177) has some persistent snow patches averaging 20% snow cover. The trail is functionally clear of snow to Mile 184.5, with a few snow patches through the sheltered forest at Miles 180-181. The frequency of snow patches is higher, but no longer problematic, between Miles 184.5-190. A few short sections average about 30% snow cover. Large sections of Fuller Ridge Trail are now clear. Traversing this section is now straightforward barebooting but carrying spikes will continue to be preferred by some hikers.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

Snowmelt has been very rapid in the past week with temperatures generally above seasonal. It is now possible to bareboot all of the established trails, including the entire PCT through the San Jacinto mountains. However for many hikers carrying spikes remains a good option above about 8500 ft. Spikes tend to be particularly useful for descending, especially later in the day as the snow structure deteriorates, even when they generally not required for ascending.

Daily survey hikes in the San Jacinto mountains include various routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 13th, 17th, 20th, and 24th May), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 19th May), plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

I am no longer providing snow depth data, as very little snow remains below 9000 ft. Please note that this does not mean there is no snow in the high country, only that it is generally too patchy to give meaningful measurements (see photos below). Indeed some sheltered high elevation areas (e.g,, Little Round Valley) still hold pockets with 2-3 feet of snow.

At this time I am not providing detailed updates on water sources, as all major springs, creeks, and pipes (and many ephemeral ones too) are flowing well and reliably. Flow rates are dropping rapidly however – Middle Spring on Devil’s Slide Trail is already down to just 25% of its early May flow – and a long, hot summer is provisionally forecast (see NWS San Diego discussion linked here).

All campgrounds reopened in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Black Mountain Road reopened for the season on Wednesday 22nd May. The boulder in the road about 0.5 mile above that gate was removed last week, and Pinewood residents graded the lower 1.7 miles of the road on 18th May. The entire road is clear of snow.

South Ridge Road reopened for the season on 23rd April. Due to a localized section of mud, the uppermost road is currently best suited to high clearance AWD/4WD vehicles. Dark Canyon Road has been closed almost continuously since February 2019, but reopened on 24th May for the summer. Black Mountain fire lookout reopened on 19th May, and Tahquitz Peak fire lookout will reopen on 26th May.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri) have been seen on the trail system up to at least 7100 ft elevation already. Initial sightings suggest abundant snake populations this year in the San Jacinto mountains. Rattlesnakes will get increasingly active with warmer weather next week and may be seen anywhere up to about 9300 ft by the end of May.

WEATHER

Temperatures will be near (or even slightly below) seasonal until Sunday 26th May, before again rising to well above seasonal starting around Monday 27th. Snowmelt will be steady and widespread, before accelerating rapidly next week. There is currently no significant precipitation in the forecasts.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 24th May 2024 at 0800 the air temperature was 35.4°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 21.6°F (-6°C), 37% relative humidity, and a fresh due West wind sustained at 16 mph gusting to 22.6 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 20th May 2024 at 0755 the air temperature was 31.9°F (0°C), with a windchill temperature of 16.2°F (-9°C), 28% relative humidity, and a stiff due West wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 26.2 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snowmelt has continued to be very rapid in the past week. Trails below 8000 ft are now clear of snow. Significant snow remains below 9000 ft only in sheltered areas. Sun-exposed trails up to 10,500 ft are now largely clear of snow. Clear patches are increasing as high as San Jacinto Peak, especially on the south flank.

Snow quality has deteriorated with warmer weather in recent weeks. Tracks can still be hard and icy in places especially early morning, but then soften quickly by mid morning, getting sloppy as early as midday.

Carrying spikes remains a good option for most hikers everywhere above about 8500 ft. Icy compacted snow – following many freeze-thaw cycles and now that most trails have been well-traveled – is largely ideal for spikes. Snowshoes are no longer recommended anywhere, and are at best of very limited use away from compacted tracks above about 10,000 ft elevation on warm days later in the day on sunny slopes. I see no recent evidence of hikers using snowshoes anywhere on the mountain.

Devil’s Slide Trail is clear of snow to Saddle Junction. The Trail Report has undertaken extensive trail maintenance work since February to remove many tree limbs in and over the trail damaged by ice storms this winter.

South Ridge Trail (on the south side) is clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak. The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in the past month.

The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 and Tahquitz Peak is largely clear and has an adequate track to follow through the remaining small icy snow patches at this time [surveyed 20th May]. In many places it is possible to hike around remnant snow patches on adjacent rocks. Most hikers will find that spikes are not required, but it is best to turn around if you are not comfortable traversing this type of exposed terrain.

The Peak Trail is now largely clear of snow. As usual the most persistent lengthy sections of snow remain around 9900-10,100 ft elevation. Where there is a snow track it roughly follows the true trail route. The most heavily-traveled track above 10,400 ft now follows the true Peak Trail route through very sparse snow patches. The area immediately around San Jacinto Peak is still largely snow-covered on the east approach. The East Ridge trail route remains 95% snow-covered, and is increasingly lumpy (due to melting) and unclear (as most hikers now use the Peak Trail proper).

Wellman Trail is now clear of snow where it is outside of forest cover, with only patchy 60% snow cover on the forested first 0.25 mile north of Annie’s Junction.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow to Strawberry Junction. Above Strawberry Junction snow cover is now very sparse (averaging only 20%) to the Marion Mountain Trail junction. A well-traveled but largely uneven posthole track, that does not accurately follow the trail route in places, continues through about 40% snow cover thereafter. Above the Fuller Ridge Trail junction (8900 ft) the trail is largely clear and snow cover is now only averages 10%. However in sheltered sections at 9300-9600 ft the track(s) are a mess in places, only roughly following the trail route, and at times diverging into two or even three options. There are places where more than one track passes through Little Round Valley, where snow cover averages 50%. From the upper end of Little Round Valley to San Jacinto Peak snow cover is now only 10% with most of the trail exposed. However in the central part of this section (roughly 10,100-10,300 ft) the icy drifts are more continuous and the trail is obscure in places. Spikes are generally no longer required but some hikers will find them helpful, along with cautious navigation.

Marion Mountain Trail is clear of snow. A couple of tiny icy snow patches remain close to the Deer Springs/PCT junction. Spikes no longer required.

The State Park section of Skyline Trail reopened on Tuesday 7th May. The trail is clear of ice and spikes are not required.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys in late winter, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

On the PCT treefall hazards remain a problem in many places, most notably between Apache Peak and Red Tahquitz, with at least 110 down in my most recent survey. Large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 172-175 (a section severely burned in the July 2013 Mountain Fire).

The Caramba Trail from near Reeds Meadow through Laws Camp and on to Caramba, and the Cedar Trail from Willow Creek Trail to Laws, are euphemistically described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and functionally no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that I strongly advise hikers do not attempt to follow them (regardless of how much you may trust a certain app). An informal use trail to Laws is much more direct, well maintained, and avoids the challenging bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (local Idyllwild hikers dubbed it the “King Trail” when I established the route in 2019). It leaves Willow Creek Trail exactly 1.0 mile from Saddle Junction, 0.46 mile from the Skunk Cabbage turning (trailhead at lat/long N 33.7796, W 116.6590). The route descends largely following established deer trails for 1.2 miles, meeting Willow Creek about 0.2 mile upstream from the site of the historic Laws Camp (the remains of which were destroyed by the 2013 Mountain Fire and subsequent flood and treefall damage). The 11 trees down on the King Trail after this winter were removed in June-July 2023. The tread of the trail received some minor damage from Tropical Storm Hilary. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been well-cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My August 2023 survey counted about 110 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is especially obscure for the first 0.3 mile east of the Willow Creek crossing, becoming more obvious (but still subtle) as it descends towards Caramba. Very cautious navigation is advised throughout the area.

Seven Pines Trail is largely (by its low standards) clear of treefall hazards, with about ten down across the trail, most in the central mile, but they are easily passable for hikers. Be advised that the trail in general becomes more obscure in the mile closest to its junction with the PCT. The Trail Report has “adopted” Seven Pines Trail as a priority for maintenance work as the trail has had a disproportionate number of lost hiker rescues in the past decade. Since November 2021, about 70 downed trees have been removed and the trail is thoroughly trimmed and cleared regularly (but not yet in 2024). Nevertheless Seven Pines remains a genuine wilderness trail unlike the relatively wide, bare, and obvious routes of, for example, Devil’s Slide or Marion Mountain trails. Cautious navigation remains essential for those without considerable experience of hiking this trail.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

The PCT is now largely clear of snow through the San Jacinto mountains, but hikers less experienced with patchy icy snow will continue to find spikes useful.

The trail is clear from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 174.5. A handful of tiny patches remain on some north-facing slopes. Apache Peak (Mile 169.5) is now clear of snow.

The track on the north side of Red Tahquitz (Miles 175-177) does not accurately follow the PCT route in a few minor places, through an average of 30% snow cover. Snow cover declines to only about 10% between Miles 178-179. The south-facing slopes at Miles 179-180.3 and 181-183 are now clear of snow, with the exception of a handful of tiny patches.

Snow cover is then locally significant, but with snow-free patches increasing every day, between Miles 184.5-190. There is a well-traveled and reliable posthole track to follow on the remaining snow-covered sections of Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191), averaging about 40% snow cover. Large sections of this trail, especially on top of the ridge and on south- and west-facing slopes, are now clear. Although the posthole track does not always accurately the PCT route in places, following the main track is the safest way to traverse these miles. Traversing this section is now possible barebooting but carrying spikes will continue to be preferred by some hikers.

Hikers wanting to avoid Fuller Ridge can use the Black Mountain Road alternate. Black Mountain Road is open to hikers but not to vehicle traffic at this time. Spikes are not required on Black Mountain Road.

On the PCT treefall hazards remain a problem in many places, most notably between Apache Peak and Red Tahquitz, with at least 110 down in my most recent survey. Large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 172-175 (a section severely burned in the July 2013 Mountain Fire).

PCT hikers are politely reminded that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter. Mt. San Jacinto State Park regulations do not permit overnight stays in the shelter, which is dedicated for emergency, SAR, and ranger use.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

UPDATE Sunday 19th May 2024: the 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail on the north side of Tahquitz Peak is now largely clear of snow. Although some icy snow patches remain there are well-defined steps to follow, or it is possible to hike around the patches on adjacent rocks. Most hikers will find that they no longer require spikes on this trail.

---

Above seasonal temperatures in recent days have greatly accelerated snowmelt. It is now possible to bareboot almost all of the established trail routes, including the entire PCT through the San Jacinto mountains. However, that option is recommended only for those experienced hiking on unevenly distributed icy snow and using appropriate footwear. For many hikers, carrying spikes remains useful everywhere above about 8500 ft. Spikes tend to be particularly useful for descending, especially later in the day as the snow structure deteriorates, even when they not required for ascending.

Daily survey hikes in the San Jacinto mountains include various routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 10th, 13th, and 17th May), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 12th and 19th May), plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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 well-traveled and defined track across deep snow is often much easier hiking than a lightly traveled track across shallow, angled, icy snow.

Black Mountain Road remains closed to vehicle traffic due to winter conditions at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243, but is scheduled to reopen on Thursday 23rd May. The boulder in the road about 0.5 mile above that gate was removed this week. The road is clear of snow to Fuller Ridge campground. Black Mountain fire lookout is scheduled to reopen on 18th May and Tahquitz Peak fire lookout on 26th May.

South Ridge Road reopened for the season on 23rd April. Due to a localized section of deep mud, the uppermost road is currently best suited to high clearance AWD/4WD vehicles. Dark Canyon Road has been closed almost continuously for five years, but is expected to reopen in late May 2024.

Be rattlesnake aware. Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri) have emerged even at the upper end of their elevational distribution and have been seen on the trail system up to at least 7100 ft elevation already. Initial sightings suggest an abundant rattlesnake population this year. They will get increasingly active with warmer weather and may be seen anywhere up to about 9300 ft by the end of May.

WEATHER

Temperatures remain above seasonal for May for at least the next week, and especially warm on 16th-19th. Temperatures then drop to about average for late May from Monday 20th. Snowmelt will be rapid and widespread. There is no currently no significant precipitation in the forecasts.

NWS San Diego data (linked here) indicates that rainfall in Idyllwild is at 77% of average so far this water year. My provisional data indicate snowfall in Idyllwild has been about 85% of seasonal, but well below average (c.65%) at San Jacinto Peak.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 17th May 2024 at 0750 the air temperature was 41.6°F (5°C), with a windchill temperature of 33.1°F (1°C), 32% relative humidity, and a steady due West wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 11.5 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 13th May 2024 at 0750 the air temperature was 44.5°F (7°C), with a windchill temperature of 35.2°F (2°C), 32% relative humidity, and a light SE wind sustained at 6 mph gusting to 10.3 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 10th May 2024 at 0745 the air temperature was 37.0°F (3°C), with no measurable windchill temperature, 56% relative humidity, and essentially calm conditions.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snowmelt has continued to be very rapid in the past week. Trails below 8000 ft are now generally clear of snow. Sun-exposed trails up to 9700 ft are now largely clear of snow (e.g., PCT Miles 179-184.5 from Saddle Junction north to near the top of Marion Mountain Trail). Significant snow-free sections of trails as high as 10,400 ft are increasing every day, notably on the sun-exposed eastern side Peak Trail. A few tiny clear patches are even appearing up to 10,700 ft near San Jacinto Peak.

Snow quality has deteriorated with warmer weather in recent weeks. Tracks have largely consolidated due to freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic, and can still be hard and icy in places especially early morning, but then soften quickly by mid morning, getting sloppy as early as midday.

Carrying spikes remains useful for most hikers everywhere above about 8000 ft. Icy compacted snow – following many freeze-thaw cycles and now that most trails have been well-traveled – is largely ideal for spikes.

The State Park section of Skyline Trail reopened on Tuesday 7th May. The trail is clear of ice and spikes are not required.

Devil’s Slide Trail is now clear of snow to Saddle Junction. A few tiny icy snow patches remain very close to the Saddle. The Trail Report has undertaken extensive trail maintenance work since February to remove many tree limbs in and over the trail damaged by ice storms this winter.

South Ridge Trail is now clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak. The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in April-May.

The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 and Tahquitz Peak has an adequate track to follow through the few remaining small icy snow patches at this time [most recently surveyed 20th May]. Most hikers will find that spikes are not required, but it is best to turn around if you are not comfortable traversing this type of exposed terrain.

The Peak Trail is now largely clear of snow for the 0.5 mile north of Wellman Divide. The snow track has been well-traveled, fairly accurately follows the true trail route, and already has a few short snow-free patches developing to 10,500 ft. The most heavily-traveled track above 10,400 ft now follows the true Peak Trail route, while a completely snow-covered track ascends directly up the East Ridge route.

Wellman Trail is now clear of snow for most of its length where it is outside of forest cover, with only patchy snow on the forested first 0.25 mile north of Annie’s Junction.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow to Strawberry Junction. Above Strawberry Junction snow cover is now very sparse to about 8500 ft, within 0.25 mile of the junction with Marion Mountain Trail. A well-traveled but largely uneven posthole track, that does not accurately follow the trail route in many places, continues through about 70% snow cover thereafter. Above the Fuller Ridge Trail junction (8900 ft) snow cover is now only averages 20% on the sun-exposed slopes until 9300 ft. The track(s) are a mess above that elevation, only roughly following the trail route, and at times diverging into two or even three options, through an average of 70% snow cover. All of the tracks ultimately get to Little Round Valley however. The tracks largely coalesce through Little Round Valley where snow cover is 75%. From the upper end of Little Round Valley to San Jacinto Peak snow cover is now only 60% and lengthy sections of the trail are exposed, especially in the upper 0.5 mile. There are several moderately-traveled posthole tracks that meander up the slope, with none accurately following the true trail route. Spikes are no longer required but can be helpful, especially for descending the upper trail, along with cautious navigation.

Marion Mountain Trail is almost entirely clear of snow. A handful of small icy snow patches remain close to the Deer Springs/PCT junction. Spikes are generally no longer required.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys in late winter, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

The PCT is clear of snow from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 174.5. A handful of tiny patches remain on some north-facing slopes. Apache Peak (Mile 169.5) is now functionally clear of snow.

The posthole track on the north side of Red Tahquitz (Miles 175-177) does not accurately follow the PCT route in places, through an average of 50% snow cover. Snow cover declines to only about 20% between Miles 178-179. The south-facing slopes at Miles 179-180.3 and 181-183 are now clear of snow, with the exception of a handful of tiny patches.

Snow cover is then significant, but with snow-free patches increasing every day, between Miles 184.5-190. There is a well-traveled and reliable posthole track to follow on the remaining snow-covered sections of Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191). Large sections of this trail, especially on top of the ridge and on south- and west-facing slopes, are now clear. Although the posthole track does not always accurately the PCT route in places, following the main track is the safest way to traverse these miles. Traversing this section is possible barebooting but carrying spikes will continue to be preferred by most hikers.

Some PCT hikers are continuing to report that Fuller Ridge is challenging for those who are not experienced with icy snow travel. Hikers wanting to avoid Fuller Ridge can use the Black Mountain Road alternate. Black Mountain Road is open to hikers but not to vehicle traffic at this time. Spikes are not required on Black Mountain Road.

PCT hikers are politely reminded that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter. Mt. San Jacinto State Park regulations do not permit overnight stays in the shelter, which is dedicated for emergency, SAR, and ranger use.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

SNOW DEPTHS measured on 13th May 2024 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. The first number gives current average total depth, which also accounts for substantial melting between and since winter storms. The number in brackets is the greatest depth at that location this winter (where known). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds during and after most storms there has been considerable drifting, plus often very uneven melting during warm interludes. Altitudes and PCT mileages are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 18 inches, ranging from 0-40 inches [60 inches on 1st April]

Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 24 inches, ranging from 0-50 inches, measured 10th May

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0 inches, ranging from 0-10 [41-43 inches on 8th February], photos below

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 11 inches, ranging from 0-22 [55 inches on 1st April]

Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT Mile 184.9 (8650 ft): 4 inches, measured 10th May

Long Valley (8400 ft): 0 inch [24 inches on 8th February]

Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 0 inch

Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 0 inch, isolated drifts up to 8 inches [32 inches on 1st April]

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch [15 inches on 8th February]

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch [9 inches on 8th February]

UPDATE Wednesday 8th May: the State Park section of Skyline Trail has reopened. The trail is clear of ice and spikes are not required.

I had a delightful hike to San Jacinto Peak early morning Sunday 5th through our 28th storm of winter 2023/24. We only caught the southernmost edge of a more significant system moving through further north and the storm was yet again very minor in terms of precipitation. Light rain started in the early hours and stopped by about 0830. The storm was (relatively) mild and freezing rain plastered the vegetation and rocks as high as 10,100 ft. Although very fine powder dusted down to 9800 ft, there was a barely measurable snow accumulation of 0.25 inch at San Jacinto Peak, with no impact on the trails. Idyllwild recorded a total of 0.18 inch of rain (at 5550 ft).

Daily survey hikes in the San Jacinto mountains include various routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 5th, 6th, and 10th May), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 9th and 12th May), plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

With generally warm spring temperatures in recent days, most striking has been the rapid acceleration of snowmelt at all elevations (example photos below). It is now possible to bareboot all of the established trail routes, including the entire PCT through the San Jacinto mountains. However, that option is recommended only for hikers very comfortable and experienced hiking on icy snow and using suitable footwear. For most hikers, given variable conditions at present, carrying spikes remains advised everywhere above about 8000 ft. Spikes tend to be particularly useful for descending, especially later in the day, even when they not required for ascending.

Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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 well-traveled and defined track across deep snow is often much easier hiking than a lightly traveled track across shallow, angled, icy snow.

Black Mountain Road is closed to vehicle traffic due to winter conditions at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The new boulder in the road about 0.5 mile above that gate is tentatively planned for removal by late May. The road is now clear of snow to the PCT crossing/Fuller Ridge campground.

South Ridge Road reopened for the season on 23rd April. The upper road is currently suitable only for high clearance AWD/4WD vehicles. Dark Canyon Road has been closed almost continuously for five years, but is expected to reopen in late May 2024. Black Mountain Fire lookout is tentatively scheduled to reopen on 18th May, and Tahquitz Peak Fire lookout on or around 25th May.

Be rattlesnake aware. Despite comments elsewhere in this Report regarding snow and cool temperatures, Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus helleri) are now active and have already been seen on the trail system up to at least 6500 ft elevation. Rattlesnakes will get much more active with hot weather in the next two weeks and may be seen anywhere up to 9300 ft by the end of May.

WEATHER

Following the very minor storm on 5th May, spring-like temperatures return to the San Jacinto mountains starting 6th May. Temperatures may then warm even further from Saturday 11th May, and become summer-like, far above seasonal for May, into next week. Snowmelt will be rapid and widespread. There is no currently no further precipitation in the forecasts.

Newly available NWS San Diego data (linked here) indicates that rainfall in Idyllwild is at 77% of average so far this water year. My provisional data indicate snowfall in Idyllwild has been about 85% of seasonal, but well below average (c.65%) at San Jacinto Peak.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Monday 6th May 2024 at 1425 the air temperature was 39.7°F (5°C), with a windchill temperature of 35.4°F (2°C), 29% relative humidity, and a very light NNE breeze sustained at 2 mph gusting to 6.0 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 5th May 2024 at 0830 the air temperature was 19.8°F (-7°C), with a windchill temperature of -0.4°F (-18°C), 100% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 24.8 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snowmelt has been very rapid in the past week or so. Trails below 8000 ft are now generally clear of snow. Sun-exposed trails up to 9000 ft are now largely clear of snow (e.g., PCT Miles 179-184.5 from Saddle Junction north to near the top of Marion Mountain Trail). Significant snow-free sections of trails as high as 9900 ft are increasing every day, notably on the sun-exposed eastern side Wellman and Peak trails. A few tiny clear patches are even appearing up to 10,400 ft on the Peak Trail.

Snow quality has deteriorated with warmer weather in recent weeks. Tracks have largely consolidated due to freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic, and can still be hard and icy in places especially early morning.

Carrying spikes remains useful for most hikers everywhere above about 8000 ft. Icy compacted snow – following many freeze-thaw cycles and now that most trails have been well-traveled – is largely ideal for spikes. Crampons are essential for the north side of Tahquitz Peak (discussed below) and could be used as an alternative to spikes anywhere on compacted trails above about 10,000 ft for the next few days until bare patches start to become widespread.

Snowshoes are now only of very limited use away from compacted tracks above about 9000 ft elevation on warm days, especially later in the day on sunny slopes. Snowshoes are no longer useful for on-trail travel anywhere as the established tracks are compacted and quickly clearing of snow.

Devil’s Slide Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Saddle Junction. A few tiny icy snow patches remain very close to the Saddle. The Trail Report has undertaken extensive trail maintenance work since February to remove many tree limbs in and over the trail damaged by ice storms this winter.

South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak, with only a few tiny icy drifts remaining on the uppermost switchbacks. Spikes are no longer required. The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in the past month.

The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT MIle 177 and Tahquitz Peak has no reliable track to follow all the way through at this time [surveyed most recently on 9th May] across patchy angled icy snow. This ice slope is notoriously treacherous. Spikes at least (preferably crampons with an ice axe) are recommended if attempting to follow this trail section at this time, along with the necessary skills and experience to use that equipment in icy, angled terrain with considerable exposure. This section is however clearing rapidly and will likely have a useable track to follow by mid May.

The Peak Trail track has been well-traveled, fairly accurately follows the true trail route, and already has a few short snow-free patches developing. Near Miller Peak at about 10,400 ft the most heavily-traveled track ascends directly up the East Ridge route, rather than following the Peak Trail switchback, as is traditional in winter conditions. However there is now a posthole track on the uppermost Peak Trail. Wellman Trail is already largely clear of snow where it is outside of forest cover, and the track almost entirely follows the true trail route.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow to Strawberry Junction. Above Strawberry Junction snow cover is now very sparse to about 8500 ft, within 0.25 mile of the junction with Marion Mountain Trail. A well-traveled but largely uneven posthole track, that does not accurately follow the trail route in many places, continues through largely continuous snow thereafter. Above the Fuller Ridge Trail junction (8900 ft) snow cover is now only 60% on the sun-exposed slopes until 9300 ft. The track(s) are a mess above that elevation, only vaguely following the trail route, and at times diverging into two or even three options, through largely continuous snow cover. All of the tracks ultimately get to Little Round Valley however. The tracks largely coalesce through Little Round Valley where snow cover is 90%. From the upper end of Little Round Valley to San Jacinto Peak snow cover is almost continuous but thinning steadily, and there are several relatively lightly-traveled posthole tracks that all climb directly up the slope, none approximating the true trail route. Spikes are no longer essential but can be helpful, especially for descending the upper trail, along with cautious navigation.

Marion Mountain Trail is almost entirely clear of snow. A handful of small icy snow patches remain, mostly close to the Deer Springs/PCT junction. Some hikers may find spikes are useful for descending the uppermost trail patches.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys earlier this winter, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

The PCT is functionally clear of snow from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 174.5. Old icy snow is now confined to a few tiny patches on north- and east-facing slopes. Apache Peak (Mile 169.5) is now functionally clear of snow. The posthole track on the north side of Red Tahquitz (175-177) does not accurately follow the PCT route in places, through about 80% snow cover.

Snow cover is then significant, but with long snow-free patches increasing every day, between Miles 175-190. The south-facing slopes at Miles 179-180 and 181-183 are now functionally clear of snow.

There is now a reliable posthole track to follow on Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191), and large sections, especially on top of the ridge and on south- and west-facing slopes, are now clear. Although the posthole track does not always accurately the PCT route in places, following the main track is the safest way to traverse these miles. Traversing this section is possible barebooting but spikes may continue to be preferred by most hikers. Also useful are patience, cautious navigation, and an adequate comfort level with hiking on angled icy snow patches.

Hikers wanting to avoid Fuller Ridge can use the Black Mountain Road alternate. Black Mountain Road is open to hikers but not to vehicle traffic at this time. Spikes are not required on Black Mountain Road.

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. There are no steps to follow through a significant (but diminishing) section of angled and notoriously treacherous ice slopes. Crampons, always with an ice axe, and expert knowledge of how to use this equipment on high angle terrain, remain recommended. Even in below average snow years like 2024 these slopes always take many weeks longer to clear of ice than adjacent areas, and they will not safely clear until mid May.

PCT hikers are politely reminded that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter. Mt. San Jacinto State Park regulations do not permit overnight stays in the shelter, which is dedicated for emergency, SAR, and ranger use.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover operating costs. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and clearly 2024 will be no exception. 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.

SNOW DEPTHS measured on 5th May 2024 (unless otherwise indicated) are as follows. The first number gives current average total depth, which also accounts for substantial melting between and since recent storms. The number in brackets is the greatest depth at that location this winter (where known). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds during and after most storms there has been considerable drifting, plus often very uneven melting during warm interludes. Altitudes and PCT mileages are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 20-24 inches [60 inches on 1st April]

Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 24 inches, ranging from 0-50 inches, measured 10th May

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 0 inches, ranging from 0-10 [41-43 inches on 8th February] photos below

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 15 inches [55 inches on 1st April]

Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT Mile 184.9: 4 inches, measured 10th May

Long Valley (8400 ft): 0 inch [24 inches on 8th February]

Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 0 inch

Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 2 inches, ranging from 0-12 [32 inches on 1st April]

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch [15 inches on 8th February]

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch [9 inches on 8th February]

Our 27th storm of winter 2023/24 was no more than a light dusting of snow on the evening of Friday 26th which did not significantly impact tracks and trails. Any new snow had melted within 48 hours. Snow depth was 0.5 inch above 8500 ft all the way to San Jacinto Peak with a dusting down to 6800 ft. Idyllwild recorded 0.13 inch of rain.

Forecasts suggest a possibility of another very minor storm in the early morning of Sunday 5th May. Precipitation amounts are tentatively forecast to be minimal, similar to the storm of 26th April.

Daily survey hikes in the San Jacinto mountains include various routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 23rd, 27th, and 29th April), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 1st May), plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

I surveyed Fuller Ridge (PCT Miles 181.5-191) on the morning of Thursday 18th April and described conditions in a short video report available here on YouTube. Since then further melting has occurred, with trail conditions generally continuing to improve for PCT hikers.

With warm spring or even summer-like temperatures and major springtime melting for most of the past ten days, and with similar weather forecast for the foreseeable future, trail conditions continue to change rapidly.

It is now possible to bareboot all of the established trail routes, including the entire PCT through the San Jacinto mountains. However, that option is recommended only for hikers very comfortable and experienced hiking on icy snow and using especially grippy footwear. For most hikers, given variable conditions at present, carrying spikes remains recommended everywhere above about 7500 ft. Spikes tend to be especially useful for descending, even if rarely required for ascending. Crampons (and ice axe) continue to be required on the north side of Tahquitz Peak as discussed below.

Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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 well-traveled and defined track across deep snow is often much easier hiking than a lightly traveled track across shallow, angled, icy snow.

Black Mountain Road is closed to vehicle traffic due to winter conditions at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The new boulder in the road about 0.5 mile above that gate is expected to be removed by mid May. The road is clear of snow as far as the turning to Boulder Basin five miles from the highway. Limited patchy snow cover on the road has largely melted from there for the next three miles to the PCT crossing/Fuller Ridge campground.

South Ridge Road reopened for the season on 23rd April. The upper road is currently suitable only for high clearance AWD/4WD vehicles. Dark Canyon Road has been closed almost continuously for five years, but is expected to reopen in late May 2024. Black Mountain Fire lookout is tentatively scheduled to reopen for the season on 18th May, and Tahquitz Peak Fire lookout on or around 25th May.

WEATHER

Spring temperatures return to the San Jacinto mountains starting 30th April continuing until Sunday 5th May. After a colder day on 5th, temperatures quickly rise near or above seasonal. There is the possibility of minor precipitation overnight on Saturday 4th May, continuing into the morning of Sunday 5th. Impacts on trails are expected to be negligible at this time.

Newly available NWS San Diego data (linked here) indicates that rainfall in Idyllwild is at 77% of average so far this water year. My provisional data indicate snowfall in Idyllwild has been about 85% of seasonal, but well below average (c.70%) at San Jacinto Peak.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Monday 29th April 2024 at 0800 the air temperature was 40.2°F (5°C), with a windchill temperature of 30.3°F (-1°C), 16% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 11.1 mph.

At the Peak on Saturday 27th April 2024 at 0805 the air temperature was 25.8°F (-3°C), with a windchill temperature of 13.4°F (-10°C), 43% relative humidity, and a cool NNE wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 11.1 mph.

At the Peak on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 at 0735 the air temperature was 37.3°F (3°C), with a windchill temperature of 26.1°F (-3°C), 23% relative humidity, and a steady WSW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 16.8 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow quality has deteriorated with generally warmer weather in the past two weeks, with associated rapid melting at all elevations. This trend will continue into May. Tracks have largely consolidated due to freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic, and can still be hard and icy in places especially early morning. Icy snow travel requires considerably more caution than soft, postholing snow, but can be much faster and more reliable underfoot for hikers experienced with such conditions.

Carrying spikes remains recommended everywhere above about 7500 ft. Icy compacted snow – following many freeze-thaw cycles and now that most trails have been well-traveled – is largely ideal for spikes. Crampons are essential for the north side of Tahquitz Peak (discussed below) and can be used as an alternative to spikes anywhere on compacted trails above about 9000 ft for the next week or two until bare patches start to become widespread.

Snowshoes are now only valuable away from compacted tracks above about 9000 ft elevation. On very warm days, especially later in the day on sunny slopes, they may become increasingly helpful. They are no longer useful for on-trail travel as the established tracks are firm and compacted.

Trails completely clear of snow include Ernie Maxwell, Spitler Peak, and Cedar Springs.

Devil’s Slide Trail is almost clear of snow. The trail is functionally clear below 7700 ft with just a few isolated patches remaining. Some extended icy snow patches remain between 7700 ft and Saddle Junction, especially around 7700-7900 ft where icy conditions remain around switchbacks 6-8. Some hikers may find spikes useful for the snow patches on this trail, especially for descending. The Trail Report has undertaken extensive trail maintenance work since February to remove many tree limbs in and over the trail damaged by storms this winter.

South Ridge Trail is now functionally clear of snow to Tahquitz Peak, with only a few tiny icy drifts remaining on the uppermost switchbacks. Few hikers will find spikes are required. The Trail Report cleared this winter’s accumulated treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in April and has also undertaken extensive trail trimming in the past month.

The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT MIle 177 and Tahquitz Peak has no track to follow at this time [surveyed most recently on 1st May] through feet of angled ice and icy snow. This ice slope is notoriously treacherous. Neither snowshoes nor spikes are helpful at this time, due to the angled slope and structure of the snow, respectively. Crampons with an ice axe are required on this section at this time, along with the necessary skills and experience to use that equipment in icy, angled terrain with considerable exposure.

The Peak Trail track has been well-traveled and fairly accurately follows the true trail route. However near Miller Peak at about 10,400 ft the track ascends directly up the East Ridge route, rather than following the Peak Trail switchback, as is traditional in winter conditions. Steady melting should make the uppermost Peak Trail route accessible by early May. Wellman Trail is already rapidly clearing of snow, and the track almost entirely follows the true trail route.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow to Strawberry Junction. Above Strawberry Junction snow cover is increasingly sparse to about 8500 ft, close to the top of Marion Mountain Trail. A well-traveled but largely uneven posthole track, that does not accurately follow the trail route in many places, continues through almost continuous snow thereafter. Above the Fuller Ridge Trail junction the track only occasionally follows the trail route, and at times diverges into two or even three options. All of them ultimately get to Little Round Valley however. The tracks largely coalesce through Little Round Valley. From the upper end of Little Round Valley to San Jacinto Peak there are several relatively lightly-traveled posthole tracks that all climb directly up the slope, none approximating the true trail route. Spikes are helpful, especially for descending the upper trail, along with cautious navigation.

Marion Mountain Trail is clear of snow below about 7500 ft elevation. Above that the trail averages only about 30% snow cover but has a surprisingly lightly-traveled and uneven posthole track through the snow patches generally following close to the true trail route. Spikes are useful for descending the upper trail.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys earlier this winter, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

Despite limited snow this season and being readily passable with the appropriate skills and equipment for angled icy snow (currently crampons plus ice axe recommended), the State Park closed the uppermost section of Skyline Trail in their jurisdiction (above about 5600 ft) starting 21st February due to perceived unsafe conditions.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Snow cover on the PCT is minimal from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 174.5. Old icy snow is now very patchy and largely confined to north- and east-facing slopes. Note that these patches can be still be icy (depending on time of day) and require caution. Apache Peak (Mile 169.5) is now functionally clear of snow. The posthole track on the north side of Red Tahquitz (175-177) does not accurately follow the PCT route.

Snow cover is then extensive, but with snow-free patches increasing every day, between Miles 175-192. The south-facing slopes at Miles 179-180 and 181-183 are now largely clear of snow.

There is now a relatively reliable posthole track to follow on Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191). Although it does not accurately the PCT route in several places, following the main track is the safest way to traverse these miles. Traversing this section is possible barebooting but spikes are recommended. Also useful are patience, cautious navigation, and an adequate comfort level with hiking on angled icy snow slopes. I thoroughly surveyed Fuller Ridge on the morning of Thursday 18th April and reported on conditions in a short video report available here on YouTube.

Hikers wanting to avoid Fuller Ridge until the snow conditions improve can use the Black Mountain Road alternate. Black Mountain Road is open to hikers but not to vehicle traffic at this time. Spikes are no longer required on the upper three miles of Black Mountain Road.

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. There are no steps to follow through a lengthy section of steeply angled (and notoriously treacherous) ice slopes (photo below). Crampons, always with an ice axe, and expert knowledge of how to use this equipment on high angle terrain, are critical. Even in below average snow years like 2024 these slopes always take many weeks longer to clear of ice than adjacent areas, and they will remain challenging into late April this year, possibly even May.

PCT hikers are politely reminded that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter. Mt. San Jacinto State Park regulations do not permit overnight stays in the shelter, which is dedicated for emergency, SAR, and ranger use.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover operating costs. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and clearly 2024 will be no exception. 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.

SNOW DEPTHS measured on 27th (east slope trails) and 29th April 2024 (Deer Springs Trail) are as follows. The first number gives current average total depth, which also accounts for substantial melting between and since recent storms. The number in brackets is the greatest depth at that location this winter (where known). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds during and after most storms there has been considerable drifting, plus often very uneven melting during warm interludes. Altitudes and PCT mileages are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 28-32 inches [60 inches on 1st April]

Little Round Valley (9800 ft): 28 inches, ranging from 0-50 inches, photo above

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 6 inches, ranging from 0-20 [41-43 inches on 8th February] photos below

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 25-35 inches [55 inches on 1st April]

Seven Pines Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/PCT Mile 184.9: 10 inches, photo below

Long Valley (8400 ft): 0 inch, a few limited snow patches persist [24 inches on 8th February]

Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 0 inch

Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 6 inches, ranging from 0-18 [32 inches on 1st April]

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch [15 inches on 8th February]

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch [9 inches on 8th February]

UPDATE Saturday 27th April 2024: a very light dusting of snow yesterday evening has not significantly affected the tracks and trails. Snow depth is only 0.5 inch above 8500 ft all the way to San Jacinto Peak, and dusted down to 6800 ft on Devil’s Slide Trail. Idyllwild recorded 0.13 inch of rain. By late this morning the snow had already largely melted from sun-exposed trails below 9000 ft.

——————

For only the second time in the past four months we have gone more than ten days without a storm system. With recent summer-like temperatures and major springtime melting, trail conditions have changed dramatically, but should stabilize somewhat for a few days with cooler temperatures expected.

Daily survey hikes in the San Jacinto mountains include various routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 14th, 15th, 19th, and 23rd April), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 22nd April), Apache Peak and Fuller Ridge areas regularly during nobo PCT season, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days. I surveyed Fuller Ridge (PCT Miles 181.5-191) on the morning of Thursday 18th April and described conditions in a short video report available here on YouTube.

Decisions regarding traction devices are currently not necessarily straightforward, as temperatures in the high country fluctuate around freezing, and relatively firm early morning snow often softens dramatically within hours as temperatures climb. It is currently possible to bareboot all of the established trail routes, including the entire PCT through the San Jacinto mountains. However, that option is recommended only for hikers very comfortable and experienced hiking on angled icy snow and using excellent, appropriate footwear. For most hikers, given variable conditions at present, spikes are recommended everywhere above about 7500 ft. Crampons (and ice axe) are required on the north side of Tahquitz Peak as discussed below.

Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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 well-traveled and defined track across deep snow is often much easier hiking than a lightly traveled track across shallow, angled, icy snow.

Black Mountain Road is closed to vehicle traffic due to winter conditions at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The road is clear of snow as far as the turning to Boulder Basin five miles from the highway. Patchy snow cover (40%) on the road is steadily melting from there for the next three miles to the PCT crossing/Fuller Ridge campground. Spikes are not required for hiking the road.

South Ridge Road reopened for the season on 23rd April. Dark Canyon Road has been closed almost continuously for five years, but is expected to reopen May 2024. Humber Park reopened on 24th April following another brief closure for tree maintenance work.

WEATHER

Following near-summer-like temperatures in the San Jacinto mountains over the past week, a brief cooling trend is underway. Temperatures will be near (or even briefly below) seasonal until Sunday 28th, when very warm temperatures return for the last few days of April into May. Another cooling trend is predicted in the middle of the first week of May.

Partly cloudy and cooler conditions are expected for 25th-27th April, with possibilities for light precipitation, especially rain at mid elevations (below 8000 ft). Showers are most likely in the afternoon and evening of Friday 26th, when a dusting of snow – perhaps an inch around the highest peaks – is tentatively forecast for the high country. Rainfall is expected to be limited, with <0.25 inch forecast for Idyllwild.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Tuesday 23rd April 2024 at 0735 the air temperature was 37.3°F (3°C), with a windchill temperature of 26.1°F (-3°C), 23% relative humidity, and a steady WSW wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 16.8 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 19th April 2024 at 0820 the air temperature was 36.2°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 24.1°F (-4°C), 22% relative humidity, and a moderate WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 16.4 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow quality has deteriorated with a strong warming trend since 15th April and very rapid melting at all elevations. Nevertheless on cooler mornings old snow is locally firm and icy. Icy snow travel requires considerably more caution than soft, postholing snow.

Snow quality has deteriorated rapidly in recent days but should stabilize with a few cooler days forecast. Tracks have largely consolidated due to freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic and can still be hard and icy in places, especially early morning.

Snowshoes may be useful above about 9000 ft elevation on warm days (from 28th April) as snow softens rapidly, especially on less well defined trails such as upper Deer Springs. They are no longer helpful where tracks have been well-traveled and compacted (and hence increasingly suited to spikes and/or crampons). However, snowshoes continue to be valuable for off-trail travel above about 8000 ft through softening snow.

Almost all major tracks have reliable tracks through the remaining snow at this time including all of the PCT through the San Jacinto mountains, South Ridge Trail (south of Tahquitz Peak), Devil’s Slide Trail, onward via the PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails to San Jacinto Peak, the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide, Marion Mountain Trail, and all of Deer Springs Trail (although the track does not accurately follow the trail route above Marion Mountain Trail junction).

Carrying spikes remains strongly recommended everywhere above about 7500 ft. Icy compacted snow – following many freeze-thaw cycles and now that most trails have been well-traveled – is largely ideal for spikes. Crampons are essential for the north side of Tahquitz Peak (discussed below) and can be used as an alternative to spikes anywhere on compacted trails above about 9000 ft.

Snowshoes can be valuable away from compacted tracks above about 8000 ft elevation. On very warm days, especially later in the day on sunny slopes, they may become increasingly helpful. They are generally no longer useful for on-trail travel below 9000 ft as the established tracks are firm and compacted.

Despite limited snow this season and being readily passable with the appropriate skills and equipment for angled icy snow (currently crampons plus ice axe recommended), the State Park closed the uppermost section of Skyline Trail in their jurisdiction (above about 5600 ft) starting 21st February due to perceived unsafe conditions.

Devil’s Slide Trail is largely clear of snow. The trail is almost completely clear below 7700 ft with just a few isolated patches remaining. Some extended icy snow patches remain between 7700 ft and Saddle Junction, especially around 7700-7900 ft where icy conditions remain around switchbacks 6-8. Some hikers will find spikes useful for the snow patches on this trail, especially for descending. The Trail Report undertook extensive trail maintenance work in February to remove many damaged tree limbs in and over the trail resulting from an early February ice storm.

Trails clear of snow include Ernie Maxwell, Spitler Peak, and Cedar Springs.

South Ridge Trail is clear of snow to Old Lookout Flat (7500 ft), and functionally clear of snow from there to about 8400 ft (switchback 9), with only a few minor icy drifts remaining. Snow cover is only about 50% on the final nine switchbacks up to Tahquitz Peak, but many of the snow patches are icy and most hikers will find spikes useful on the uppermost trail. The Trail Report cleared this winter’s treefall hazards from South Ridge Trail in mid April.

The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT MIle 177 and Tahquitz Peak has no track to follow at this time [surveyed multiple times in April] through several feet of heavily drifted and angled ice and icy snow. This ice slope is notoriously treacherous. Neither snowshoes nor spikes are helpful at this time, due to the angled slope and structure of the snow, respectively. Crampons with an ice axe are essential on this section at this time, along with the necessary skills and experience to use that equipment in icy, angled terrain with considerable exposure.

The Peak Trail track has been well-traveled and fairly accurately follows the true trail route. However near Miller Peak at about 10,400 ft the track ascends directly up the East Ridge route, rather than following the Peak Trail switchback, as is traditional in winter conditions.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow to Strawberry Junction. Above Strawberry Junction snow cover is increasingly sparse to about 8400 ft. A well-traveled but largely uneven posthole track, that does not accurately follow the trail route in many places, continues through almost continuous snow thereafter. Above the Fuller Ridge Trail junction the track rarely follows the trail route, and often diverges into two or even three options. All of them ultimately get to Little Round Valley however. The tracks largely coalesce briefly through Little Round Valley. From the upper end of Little Round Valley to San Jacinto Peak there are several lightly-traveled posthole tracks that all climb directly up the slope, none even approximating the true trail route. Spikes can be helpful, especially for descending the upper trail, along with cautious navigation.

Marion Mountain Trail is largely clear of snow below 7200 ft elevation. Above that the trail has a surprisingly lightly-traveled and uneven posthole track that generally follows the true trail route through extended icy snow (c.60% snow cover). Spikes are useful, especially for descending.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys earlier this winter, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Snow cover on the PCT is minimal from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 163. Old icy snow is now very patchy and largely confined to north- and east-facing slopes, until about Mile 174.5. Note that many of these patches can be icy (depending on time of day) and require caution. See comments below regarding specific conditions around Apache Peak (Mile 169.5). The posthole track on the north side of Red Tahquitz (175-177) does not accurately follow the PCT route.

Snow cover is then extensive, but with snow-free patches increasing every day, between Miles 175-192. The south-facing slopes at Miles 179-180 and 181-183 are now largely clear of snow.

At this time, nobo hikers unfamiliar with hiking across areas of angled icy snow may want to consider taking the alternate at Spitler Peak Trail (Mile 168.5) to avoid the worst of the snow slopes from Miles 169-178, and the 100+ downed treefall hazards in the same section.

There is now a relatively reliable posthole track to follow on Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191). Although it does not accurately the PCT route in several places, following the main track is the safest way to traverse these miles. Traversing this section is possible barebooting but spikes are strongly recommended. Also useful are patience, cautious navigation, and an adequate comfort level with hiking on angled icy snow slopes. I thoroughly surveyed Fuller Ridge on the morning of Thursday 18th April and reported on conditions in a short video report available here on YouTube.

Hikers wanting to avoid Fuller Ridge until the snow conditions improve can use the Black Mountain Road alternate. Black Mountain Road is open to hikers but not to vehicle traffic at this time. Spikes are no longer required on the upper three miles of Black Mountain Road.

Only a small and patchy icy snow slope remains on the north-east side of Apache Peak. Spikes are recommended (but not essential) to traverse this short section using the PCT route. Another option for nobo hikers is to go up and over the saddle between the double peaks of Apache for those wanting to avoid this traverse.

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. There are no steps to follow through a lengthy section of steeply angled (and notoriously treacherous) ice slopes (photo below). Crampons, always with an ice axe, and expert knowledge of how to use this equipment on high angle terrain, are critical. Even in below average snow years like 2024 these slopes always take many weeks longer to clear of ice than adjacent areas, and they will remain challenging into late April this year, possibly even May.

PCT hikers are politely reminded that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter. Mt. San Jacinto State Park regulations do not permit overnight stays in the shelter, which is dedicated for emergency, SAR, and ranger use.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover operating costs. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and clearly 2024 will be no exception. 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.

SNOW DEPTHS measured on 23rd April 2024 are as follows. The first number gives current average total depth, which also accounts for substantial melting between and since recent storms. The number in brackets is the greatest depth at that location this winter (where known). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds during and after most storms there has been considerable drifting, plus often very uneven melting during warm interludes. Altitudes and PCT mileages are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 30-40 inches [60 inches on 1st April]

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 12 inches, ranging from 0-24 [41-43 inches on 8th February] photos below

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 30-36 inches [55 inches on 1st April]

Long Valley (8400 ft): 0 inch, some snow patches persist [24 inches on 8th February]

Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 0 inch, some snow patches persist

Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 8 inches, ranging from 0-24 [32 inches on 1st April]

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inch [15 inches on 8th February]

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch [9 inches on 8th February]

I surveyed Fuller Ridge (PCT Miles 181.5-191) on the morning of Thursday 18th April and detailed conditions in a short video report available here on YouTube. A special thank you to PCT hiker “Sarge” who I met on Friday 19th at Humber Park.

The latest storm system of winter 2023/24 was no more than a light dusting of snow above 7000 ft late on Saturday 13th, increasing to 0.5 inch above 8000 ft and peaking at one inch above 10,000 ft elevation, with barely 0.03 inch of rain in Idyllwild (at 5550 ft).

The second phase of the system late afternoon on Sunday 14th was a little cooler but largely confined to the western slope below 9500 ft, with the highest peaks and the eastern slope remaining above the cloud. There was a dusting of 0.25 inch of snow down to 6500 ft on Deer Springs Trail and at Humber Park, increasing to one inch at Wellman’s Cienega (9300 ft) and on Fuller Ridge.

Early on Monday 15th April we ascended San Jacinto Peak via Devil’s Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails, descending via Deer Springs Trail. The previous day I had also ascended the Peak Trail route, but descending the same way. Although on both mornings the fresh drifting snow had largely obscured the pre-existing track, especially above 10,000 ft, I was able to bareboot to San Jacinto Peak (I carried spikes and crampons, and most hikers will prefer to use the former). Descending Deer Springs Trail on 15th, I found spikes were invaluable down to about 9000 ft.

Survey hikes every day in the San Jacinto mountains include different routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 14th, 15th, and 19th April), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 12th April), Apache Peak and Fuller Ridge areas regularly during nobo PCT season, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Decisions regarding traction devices are currently not straightforward, as temperatures in the high country fluctuate around freezing, and firm early morning snow softens dramatically within hours as temperatures climb. It is currently possible to bareboot all of the established trail routes, including the entire PCT through the San Jacinto mountains. However, that option is only for those hikers very experienced hiking on angled icy snow and using excellent, grippy footwear. For most hikers, given the highly variable conditions at present, spikes are recommended everywhere above about 7500 ft. Crampons are required on the north side of Tahquitz Peak as discussed below.

Snow quality is deteriorating rapidly this week, especially by mid morning and anywhere exposed to direct sun. Tracks have largely consolidated due to freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic and can be hard and icy in places, especially early morning. Snowshoes can be useful above about 9000 ft elevation on warm days (from 16th April) as snow softens rapidly, especially on less well defined trails such as upper Deer Springs. They are generally unhelpful where tracks have been well-traveled and compacted and hence increasingly suited to spikes and/or crampons. However, snowshoes continue to be invaluable for off-trail travel above about 8000 ft through softening snow.

Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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 well-traveled and defined track across deep snow is often much easier hiking than a lightly traveled track across shallow, angled, icy snow.

Black Mountain Road is closed to vehicle traffic due to winter conditions at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The road is clear of snow as far as the turning to Boulder Basin five miles from the highway. Patchy snow cover (c.50%) on the road is steadily melting from there for the next three miles to the PCT crossing/Fuller Ridge campground. Spikes are not required for hiking the road.

Humber Park reopened on 10th April following tree maintenance work. South Ridge Road remains closed due to winter conditions but is clear of snow and should reopen soon. Dark Canyon Road has been closed almost continuously for the past five years, but is expected to reopen May 2024.

WEATHER

Temperatures rapidly warm to well above seasonal for April starting Tuesday 16th, lasting throughout the weekend. Temperatures at mid elevations will be more typical of May (even early June for the overnight lows). Melting will be very rapid everywhere, especially below 9000 ft and on sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations.

Temperatures are expected to be far above freezing even around the highest peaks from 17th April onwards, extremely warm for mid April at those elevations, with associated dramatic melting. Temperatures are forecast to cool to seasonal for Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th April, before rising once again.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 19th April 2024 at 0820 the air temperature was 36.2°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 24.1°F (-4°C), 22% relative humidity, and a moderate WNW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 16.4 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 15th April 2024 at 0850 the air temperature was 23.4°F (-5°C), with a windchill temperature of 5.0°F (-15°C), 64% relative humidity, and a variable NW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 24.8 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 14th April 2024 at 0810 the air temperature was 16.5°F (-9°C), with a windchill temperature of -8.3°F (-22°C), 48% relative humidity, and a strong and steady SW wind sustained at 28 mph gusting to 37.0 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Snow quality will quickly deteriorate with a strong warming trend after 15th April and widespread rapid melting at all elevations. Under any remaining fresh powder, deeper old snow is locally firm and icy. Icy snow requires considerably more caution plus specialist equipment (and different physical and mental skillsets) than soft, postholing snow.

Most major tracks have been broken through the snow at this time including all of the PCT through the San Jacinto mountains, South Ridge Trail (south of Tahquitz Peak), Devil’s Slide Trail, onward via the PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails to San Jacinto Peak, the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide, the PCT from Highway 74 north to Saddle Junction, Marion Mountain Trail, and all of Deer Springs Trail (although the track does not accurately follow the trail route above the Marion Mountain Trail junction).

Carrying spikes is strongly recommended everywhere above about 7500 ft. Icy compacted snow – following many freeze-thaw cycles and now that most trails have been well-traveled – is largely ideal for spikes. Crampons are essential for the north side of Tahquitz Peak (discussed below) and can be useful as an alternative to spikes anywhere on compacted trails above about 9000 ft.

Snowshoes can be valuable everywhere away from compacted tracks above about 8000 ft elevation. On warm days (notably 16th April onwards) and later in the day on sunny slopes they can become increasingly helpful. They will quickly become less useful for on-trail travel below 9000 ft as the established tracks become well compacted.

Despite limited snow this season and being readily passable with the appropriate skills and equipment for angled icy snow (currently crampons plus ice axe recommended), the State Park closed the uppermost section of Skyline Trail in their jurisdiction (above about 5600 ft) starting 21st February due to perceived unsafe conditions.

Devil’s Slide Trail is almost clear of snow below 7700 ft with just a few isolated patches remaining. Icy snow cover is about 75% in the last 0.6 mile up to Saddle Junction. The track is very well-defined. Note that at about 7700-7900 ft especially icy conditions remain around switchbacks 6-8. Spikes can be useful for the snow patches on this trail, especially for descending, although they are no longer essential. The Trail Report undertook extensive trail maintenance work in February to remove many damaged tree limbs in and over the trail resulting from an early February ice storm.

The Ernie Maxwell Trail is clear of snow. A few tiny snow patches remain near the upper (Humber Park) end. Spikes are not required.

South Ridge Trail is clear of snow to Old Lookout Flat (7500 ft). Snow cover is about 30% on the traverse to 7800 ft but is then 70% to Tahquitz Peak with cleared patches increasing daily. There is a well-traveled posthole track to 8500 ft (switchback 12, for those very familiar with this trail) at which point the track largely goes directly to the Peak, rarely following the established trail route. Most hikers will find spikes and/or an ice axe very useful on the upper trail. The Trail Report cleared the significant treefall hazards on South Ridge Trail in mid April.

The Peak Trail track that I broke on 6th April has been well-traveled and fairly accurately follows the true trail route. However near Miller Peak at about 10,400 ft the track ascends directly up the East Ridge route, rather than following the Peak Trail switchback, as is traditional in winter conditions. The East Ridge section gets covered over regularly by light spindrift whenever winds are strong (such as 13th-14th April), but the underlying track remains largely visible.

The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT MIle 177 and Tahquitz Peak has no track to follow at this time [surveyed multiple times in April] through several feet of heavily drifted and angled ice and icy snow. This ice slope is notoriously treacherous. Neither snowshoes nor spikes are helpful at this time, due to the angled slope and structure of the snow, respectively. Crampons with an ice axe are essential on this section at this time, along with the necessary skills and experience to use that equipment in icy, angled terrain with considerable exposure.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow to the Suicide Rock junction, and largely clear from there to Strawberry Junction, with just a few snow patches increasing in frequency close to the latter. Spikes are not needed to that point. Above Strawberry Junction snow cover is largely continuous, with just a few small patches starting to clear just north of the junction. There is a relatively well-traveled but uneven posthole track to the junction with Marion Mountain Trail. From there the route is largely an ugly posthole track that does not accurately follow the trail route in many places. Above the Fuller Ridge Trail junction the track rarely follows the trail route, and often diverges into two or even three options. All of them will ultimately get you to Little Round Valley however. The tracks largely coalesce briefly through Little Round Valley. From the upper end of Little Round Valley to San Jacinto Peak there are several indistinct posthole tracks that all climb directly up the slope, and none closely approximate to the true trail route. Spikes are recommended, especially for descending the upper trail, along with cautious navigation.

Marion Mountain Trail is largely clear of snow below 7200 ft elevation. Above that the trail has a lightly-traveled and uneven posthole track that largely follows the true trail route through largely continuous icy snow (c.80% snow cover). Spikes are useful, especially for descending.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys in late February, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Snow cover on the PCT is minimal from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 163. Old icy snow is now very patchy and largely confined to north- and east-facing slopes, until about Mile 174.5. Note that many of these patches remain icy and require considerable caution. See comments below regarding specific conditions around Apache Peak (Mile 169.5). The posthole track on the north side of Red Tahquitz (175-177) does not accurately follow the PCT route.

Snow cover is then extensive, but with snow-free patches increasing every day, between Miles 175-192. The south-facing slopes at Miles 179-180 and 181-183 are now largely clear of snow.

At this time, nobo hikers unfamiliar with hiking across areas of angled icy snow may want to consider taking the alternate at Spitler Peak Trail (Mile 168.5) to avoid the worst of the snow slopes from Miles 169-178, and the 100+ downed treefall hazards in the same section. This situation is improving daily with warming and rapid melting expected daily from Tuesday 16th April onwards.

There is now a relatively reliable posthole track to follow on Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191). Although it does not accurately the PCT route in several places, following the main track is the safest way to traverse these miles. Traversing this section is possible barebooting but spikes are strongly recommended. Also useful are patience, cautious navigation, and an adequate comfort level with hiking on angled icy snow slopes. I thoroughly surveyed Fuller Ridge on the morning of Thursday 18th April and reported on conditions in a short video report available here on YouTube.

It is recommended that hikers wanting to avoid Fuller Ridge until the ice conditions improve (now likely in the next week or two) use the Black Mountain Road alternate. Black Mountain Road is open to hikers but not to vehicle traffic at this time. Spikes are no longer required on the upper three miles of Black Mountain Road.

Only a small and patchy icy snow slope remains on the north-east side of Apache Peak. Spikes are recommended to traverse this short section using the PCT route. Another option for nobo hikers is to go up and over the saddle between the double peaks of Apache for those wanting to avoid this traverse.

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. There are no steps to follow through a lengthy section of steeply angled (and notoriously treacherous) ice slopes (photo below). Crampons, always with an ice axe, and expert knowledge of how to use this equipment on high angle terrain, are critical. Even in below average snow years like 2024 these slopes always take many weeks longer to clear of ice than adjacent areas, and they will remain challenging into late April this year, possibly even May.

PCT hikers are politely reminded that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter. Mt. San Jacinto State Park regulations do not permit overnight stays in the shelter, which is dedicated for emergency, SAR, and ranger use.

Although just outside the region covered by the Trail Report (and my area of expertise) I understand that northbound hikers are experiencing significant problems due to storm damaged trail in the Mission Creek area of roughly Miles 225-250. More details are available at this link.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover operating costs. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and clearly 2024 will be no exception. 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.

SNOW DEPTHS measured on 15th April 2024 are as follows. The first number gives current average total depth, which also accounts for substantial melting between recent storms. The number in parentheses gives new snow recorded in the minor storm on 13th-14th April, while the number in brackets is the greatest depth at that location this winter (where known). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds during and after most storms there has been considerable drifting, plus often very uneven melting during warm interludes. Altitudes and PCT mileages are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 50-52 inches (1.0 inch new snow 13th April)[60 inches on 1st April]

Little Round Valley (9750 ft): 35-40 inches (1.0 inch new on 13th April)

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 31-33 inches (0.75 inch new 13th April) [41-43 inches on 8th February]

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 46 inches (1.0 inch new on 13th-14th April)[55 inches on 1st April]

Long Valley (8400 ft): 0-8 inches, very uneven melting (0.5 inch new 13th April)[24 inches on 8th February]

Strawberry Junction/PCT Mile 183 (8100 ft): 0-5 inches, rapidly melting (1.0 inch new on 13th-14th April)

Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 22-24 inches (1.0 inch new on 13th-14th April)[32 inches on 1st April]

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-2 inches (0.25 inch new on 14th April)[15 inches on 8th February]

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inch (no new snow on 13th April)[9 inches on 8th February]

This is a summary of conditions since the 25th storm system of winter 2023/24 on Friday 5th April. First published on 6th April, this Report has been updated daily as I survey additional trails.

As often the case in this unusual winter, two distinct phases characterized the storm. The first, in the morning of Friday 5th, produced light powder everywhere above about 4000 ft, starting in the early hours and continuing steadily all morning, adding up to about 2.5 inches in Idyllwild. I measured at 1.5 inches by 0930 at Saddle Junction on a recon hike (which evidently increased to about three inches by midday).

After clearing at about noon on Friday, it appeared that the storm was over. However the second phase materialized later in the afternoon, when an intense thunderstorm – with minimal actual thunder – deposited an inch or more of graupel snow throughout the mountains in the space of less than an hour.

Total new snow accumulations were five inches at San Jacinto Peak, about four each at elevations from Wellman Divide down to Saddle Junction, 3.5 inches in Idyllwild, and 1-2 inches as low as 4500 ft. Especially above about 6000 ft the impacts of the storm were very significant on the tracks and trails due to the combination of very mobile graupel plus strong winds completely erasing pre-existing tracks. Wind loading was especially striking on the East Ridge of San Jacinto Peak, powered by wild westerly winds, with two feet depth of fresh powder in places generated from only a few inches of actual snowfall.

On Saturday 6th April I broke trail snowshoeing – through delightfully frigid “bluebird” conditions – all the way to San Jacinto Peak via Devil’s Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails to assess the snowfall and impact to the tracks. A warm spring sun by late morning started rapid melting below 8000 ft. I discussed current conditions, especially for PCT hikers, in a short video report recorded at San Jacinto Peak mid morning on Saturday 6th April following my early morning ascent (linked here).

We repeated that route early on Tuesday 9th. With a well-traveled and demarcated track, I was able to comfortably bareboot all the way to and from San Jacinto Peak (I carried spikes and crampons, and most hikers will prefer to use the former).

Yet another storm system, expected to be minor in terms of expected precipitation, is forecast for 13th-14th April. Snowfall in the high country – about 1-2 inches on both Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th – is not expected to be sufficient to completely eliminate current broken tracks.

Survey hikes every day in the San Jacinto mountains include different routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 1st, 6th, and 9th April), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 4th, 8th, and 12th April), Apache Peak area regularly during PCT season, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Tracks remain very icy in places under the fresh powder and have now consolidated due to freeze-thaw cycles and hiker traffic. For the next few days at least – until extensive thawing is expected to be well underway – spikes at a minimum (preferably crampons in some areas) are recommended everywhere above 7500 ft. Crampons are required on the north side of Tahquitz Peak and strongly recommended on Fuller Ridge, as discussed below.

Snowshoes are useful above about 9000 ft elevation, especially on warm days as snow softens rapidly. They have quickly become less useful as tracks have become compacted and increasingly suited to spikes and/or crampons. However, snowshoes will continue to be invaluable for any off-trail travel above about 8000 ft throughout April at least.

Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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 well-traveled and defined track across deep snow is often much easier hiking than a lightly traveled track across just a few inches of angled icy snow.

Black Mountain Road is closed to vehicle traffic due to winter conditions at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The road will very quickly clear of snow as far as the turning to Boulder Basin five miles from the highway. Snow cover on the road will more slowly melt from there for the next three miles to the PCT crossing/Fuller Ridge campground during April.

Humber Park reopened on 10th April following tree maintenance work. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces just below the gate (Adventure Pass or equivalent still required). South Ridge Road remains closed due to winter conditions but is clear of snow and should reopen soon. Dark Canyon Road has been closed almost continuously for the past five years.

WEATHER

Temperatures quickly warm to well above seasonal for 10th-11th April, with sunny days also forecast, so melting will be very rapid everywhere below 9000 ft and on sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations. Temperatures are expected to be at or above freezing even >10,000 ft from 9th April onwards, which is unusually warm for mid April. A minor storm is tentatively forecast for Saturday-Sunday 13th-14th April, although snow/rain quantities are not now expected to be significant. Temperatures are expected to again rise to above seasonal for April after passage of that storm.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Tuesday 9th April 2024 at 0745 the air temperature was 21.1°F (-6°C), with a windchill temperature of -2.0°F (-19°C), 29% relative humidity, and a frigid NNE wind sustained at 29 mph gusting to 36.2 mph.

At the Peak on Saturday 6th April 2024 at 0950 the air temperature was 17.2°F (-8°C), with a windchill temperature of 0.9°F (-18°C), 25% relative humidity, and a light but cool NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 11.1 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There was largely continuous snow cover on all trails above about 4500 ft on the morning of 6th April, but with rapid melting it has already largely disappeared below 7500 ft on the most sun-exposed slopes. Under the fresh powder, the remaining deeper old snow is locally firm and icy. Icy snow requires considerably more caution plus specialist equipment (and different physical and mental skillsets) than soft, postholing snow. Snow quality will improve with cold conditions over the weekend, but then generally deteriorate with a strong warming trend after 15th April and widespread rapid melting at all elevations.

Many major tracks have been broken through the snow at this time including South Ridge Trail (south of Tahquitz Peak), Devil’s Slide Trail, onward via the PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails to San Jacinto Peak, the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide, the PCT from Highway 74 north to Saddle Junction, Marion Mountain Trail, and all of Deer Springs Trail (although the track does not accurately follow the trail route above the Marion Mountain Trail junction).

Carrying spikes is strongly recommended everywhere above about 7000 ft. Icy compacted snow – once the trails become well-traveled – will be largely ideal for spikes, although as discussed above crampons can be an excellent option until next week at least, especially in some locations above about 7700 ft. Crampons are strongly recommended if attempting Fuller Ridge and essential for the north side of Tahquitz Peak (discussed below).

Snowshoes can be valuable everywhere away from compacted tracks above about 8000 ft elevation. On warm days (10th-12th April and after 15th) and later in the day on sunny slopes they will become increasingly helpful. They will quickly become less useful for on-trail travel below 9000 ft as the established tracks become well compacted. Snowshoes are recommended for any significant off-trail travel away from the defined tracks in the high country throughout April.

Despite limited snow this season and being readily passable with the appropriate skills and equipment for angled icy snow (currently crampons plus ice axe recommended), the State Park closed the uppermost section of Skyline Trail in their jurisdiction (above about 5600 ft) starting 21st February due to perceived unsafe conditions.

Although covered with light to moderate depth virgin snow early on the morning of Saturday 6th, Devil’s Slide Trail [resurveyed 9th April] is already largely clear below 7300 ft (just below Middle Spring). Icy snow cover is about 80% from there to Saddle Junction. The track is already very well-defined. Note that at about 7700-7900 ft especially icy conditions remain around switchbacks 6-8. Spikes are useful for the snow patches on this trail, especially for descending, although they are not essential. The Trail Report undertook extensive trail maintenance work in February to remove many damaged tree limbs in and over the trail resulting from an early February ice storm.

The Ernie Maxwell Trail [surveyed 7th April] is largely clear of snow. Some lengthy snow patches remain throughout the trail’s length, but most hikers will find that spikes are not required.

South Ridge Trail [surveyed 8th and 12th April] is clear of snow to Old Lookout Flat (7500 ft). Snow cover is about 50% on the traverse to 7800 ft but is then largely continuous to Tahquitz Peak with small cleared patches increasing daily. There is a well-traveled posthole track to 8500 ft (switchback 12, for those very familiar with this trail) at which point the track largely goes directly to the Peak, rarely following the established trail route. Most hikers will find spikes and/or an ice axe very useful on the upper trail. The Trail Report cleared the significant treefall hazards on South Ridge Trail in mid April.

The Peak Trail track that I broke on 6th April was well-traveled that weekend and fairly accurately follows the true trail route. However near Miller Peak at about 10,400 ft the track ascends directly up the East Ridge route, rather than following the Peak Trail switchback, as is traditional in winter conditions. The East Ridge section gets covered over regularly by light spindrift whenever winds are strong, but the underlying track remains largely visible.

The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT MIle 177 and Tahquitz Peak has no track to follow at this time [surveyed multiple times in April] through several feet of heavily drifted and angled ice and icy snow. This ice slope is notoriously treacherous. Neither snowshoes nor spikes are helpful at this time, due to the angled slope and structure of the snow, respectively. Crampons with an ice axe are essential on this section at this time, along with the necessary skills and experience to use that equipment in icy, angled terrain with considerable exposure.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys in late February, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Snow cover on the PCT has already largely melted from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 163. Underlying snow is then thin, with old snow largely confined to north- and east-facing slopes, until about Mile 174. Note that many of these patches remain icy and require considerable caution, especially when obscured by overlying new snow. See comments below regarding specific conditions around Apache Peak (Mile 169.5). Snow cover is then largely continuous between Miles 174-193. There are currently no reliable tracks to follow on Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191) and traversing this section requires crampons, an ice axe, and appropriate snow skills.

At this time, nobo hikers may want to consider taking the alternate at Spitler Peak Trail (Mile 168.5) to avoid the worst of the icy snow slopes from Miles 169-177, and the 100+ downed treefall hazards in the same section. This situation is improving daily with warming and rapid melting expected most days.

It is recommended that hikers wanting to avoid Fuller Ridge until the ice conditions improve (now unlikely before mid April) use the Black Mountain Road alternate. Black Mountain Road is open to hikers but not to vehicle traffic at this time. Spikes can be useful (but not essential) on the upper three miles of Black Mountain Road.

A small but significant icy snow slope remains on the north-east side of Apache Peak. Spikes at a minimum, but preferably crampons, plus an ice axe, and crucially the skills and experience to use this equipment on angled icy snow, are required to traverse this short section using the PCT route. At this time the best option for nobo hikers is to go up and over the saddle between the double peaks of Apache to avoid this traverse, but note that there are some additional icy chutes and slopes in the next few miles, especially at present around Red Tahquitz (Miles 174-175.5), some of which have proven to be equally problematic in past seasons. The alternate at Mile 168.5 is recommended if you are not completely comfortable traversing some moderate angled snow terrain.

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. There are no steps to follow through a lengthy section of steeply angled (and notoriously treacherous) ice slopes. Crampons, always with an ice axe, and expert knowledge of how to use this equipment on high angle terrain, are critical. Even in low-to-moderate snow years like 2024 these slopes always take many weeks longer to clear of ice than adjacent areas, and they will remain challenging into late April this year, possibly even May.

PCT hikers are politely reminded that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter. Mt. San Jacinto State Park regulations do not permit overnight stays in the shelter, which is dedicated for emergency, SAR, and ranger use.

Although just outside the region covered by the Trail Report (and my area of expertise) I understand that northbound hikers are experiencing significant problems due to storm damaged trail in the Mission Creek area of roughly Miles 225-250. More details are available at this link.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover operating costs. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and clearly 2024 will be no exception. 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.

SNOW DEPTHS measured on 6th April 2024 are as follows. The first number gives current average total depth, which also accounts for significant melting between recent storms. The number in parentheses gives new snow recorded in the storm on 5th April, while the number in brackets is the greatest depth at that location this winter (where known). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds during and after most storms there has been considerable drifting, plus often very uneven melting during warm interludes. Altitudes and PCT mileages are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 60 inches (5 inches new snow 5th April)[60 inches on 1st April]

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 39 inches (4 inches new 5th April) [41-43 inches on 8th February]

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 52-54 inches (4 inches new on 5th April)[55 inches on 1st April]

Long Valley (8400 ft): 0-14 inches, very uneven melting (4 inches new 5th April)[24 inches on 8th February]

Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 30 inches (4.5 inches new on 5th April)[32 inches on 1st April]

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-6 inches, already largely melted (4 inches new on 5th April)[15 inches on 8th February]

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches, already largely melting (3.5 inches new on 5th April)[9 inches on 8th February]

Mountain Center (4400 ft): 0-1 inch, melted (2-3 inches new on 5th April)[3 inches on 9th February and 25th March]

UPDATED 5th April 2024: light snow in the early hours added up to 0.75 inch in Idyllwild. Our morning hike of Devil’s Slide Trail through the snow found 1.5 inches of fresh powder at Saddle Junction (now likely increased to 2-3 inches). Long Valley (8500 ft) added about two inches this morning. Idyllwild had reached 2.5 inches of snow by noon when it abruptly stopped and brightened up. While more snow is possible, it looks likely that total snowfall will be below most forecasts at all elevations. Pre-existing tracks, and their underlying ice, have nevertheless been at least partly obscured, and cautious navigation is required.

UPDATED 4th April 2024: the storm coming in this evening is forecast to be relatively minor and brief – just over 24 hours duration – but will be unusually cold, especially for April. Snow expectations are broadly similar everywhere above 5000 ft, with 3-5 inches possible in Idyllwild and 6-7 inches forecast around the highest peaks. A dusting of snow as low as 3500 ft elevation is possible.

—————————

The 24th storm system of winter 2023/24 started in the early hours of Saturday 30th March and continued until the morning of Monday 1st April. As with so many of this winter’s storms, the bulk of the energy of this system passed tantalizingly close to the San Jacinto mountains but largely just to our west. Consequently the snowfall on Saturday 30th March – 11 inches at San Jacinto Peak – ended up significantly under the 15-20 inches forecast for that day for the high country. Conversely, the snowfall in Idyllwild (5.5 inches on 30th at 5550 ft) accurately matched forecasts.

As has been the case so often in this fascinating winter, two phases characterized this storm. The first, from early morning to late afternoon of 30th, produced moderate powder everywhere above 4000 ft, ranging from 11 inches at San Jacinto Peak (10,810 ft), to 8.5 inches at Saddle Junction (8100 ft), and an impressive 5 inches in Idyllwild (at 5550 ft). With the system coming up from the south-west, as is often the case the eastern side of the mountain experienced a “rain shadow” effect, with only 5 inches in Long Valley (8500 ft) and 8 inches in Round Valley (9100 ft) over a comparable time period.

The second phase on Sunday 31st March ultimately produced limited settled snow, but was periodically spectacular, with intense snow of large, wet flakes at times throughout the day throughout Strawberry Valley (where Idyllwild is located). Had temperatures been a little colder, many inches would have settled, but I estimated an accumulation of about 2.5 inches in town. An additional four inches fell at San Jacinto Peak, for a storm total of 15 inches, ranging down to 3.5 inches at Humber Park (storm total of 10 inches).

At all elevations, but especially above 7000 ft, the impacts of the storm were very significant on the tracks and trails due to very strong and gusty winds completely erasing pre-existing tracks. Near blizzard conditions dominated for much of Saturday 30th above 9500 ft, as both Kyle Eubanks and I witnessed firsthand, with our tracks eliminated within minutes of passing through an area.

On Monday 1st April I broke trail – through delightfully foggy conditions – to San Jacinto Peak via Devil’s Slide, PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails to assess the snowfall and impact to the trails. The mountain remained largely in thick cloud all morning, with very light snow still falling until late morning, but patchy sun and blue skies by the afternoon started very rapid melting.

I discussed the current conditions, principally for PCT hikers, in a short video report recorded at Annie’s Junction (9050 ft, approx. PCT Mile 180.8) at the tail end of the intense storm in the late afternoon of Saturday 30th (linked here). I recorded a further short report at San Jacinto Peak mid morning on Monday 1st April, summarizing the conditions I found on my early morning ascent (video linked here).

Survey hikes every day in the San Jacinto mountains include different routes to San Jacinto Peak multiple times per week (most recently on 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th March, and 1st April), Tahquitz Peak and area at least once per week (most recently on 23rd and 28th March), Apache Peak area regularly during PCT season, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Snowshoes are very useful everywhere above about 8000 ft elevation (locally lower). This elevation may rise rapidly to 9000 ft on sun-exposed trails with melting expected this week. They become less useful as tracks become compacted and increasingly suited to spikes and/or crampons. However, snowshoes will continue to be invaluable for any off-trail travel above about 8000 ft for the next month at least.

Tracks remain very icy in places under the fresh powder. For the next 1-2 weeks – until thawing is expected to be partly underway – spikes at a minimum (preferably crampons in some areas) are recommended everywhere above 7500 ft. Crampons are required on the north side of Tahquitz Peak and strongly recommended on Fuller Ridge, as discussed below, and may become increasingly useful everywhere in the high country throughout early April (at least).

Details of snow depths measured at various locations on the trail system are given at the foot of this posting. 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 well-traveled and defined track across deep snow is often much easier hiking than a lightly traveled track across just a few inches of angled icy snow.

PCT hikers in particular should note that many high country trails pose greater risks in 2024 – due to underlying ice from prior rain-on-snow – than they did at the same time in 2023 when snow depths were generally double (locally even quadruple) those of this year.

Despite warmer temperatures on days between storms, hikers should generally be prepared for temperatures below freezing at higher elevations, and often well below freezing when considering wind chill effects. See Weather section below for some of my recent observations from San Jacinto Peak. The next storm, expected on 4th-5th April, is forecast to be brief but also unusually cold for April.

Black Mountain Road is closed to vehicle traffic due to winter conditions at the gate 1.7 miles up from Highway 243. The road will quickly clear of snow as far as the turning to Boulder Basin five miles from the highway. Snow cover on the road will remain largely continuous from there for the next three miles to the PCT crossing/Fuller Ridge campground into late March.

Humber Park closed again on 30th March. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces just below the gate (Adventure Pass or equivalent still required). South Ridge Road remains closed due to winter conditions. Dark Canyon Road has been closed almost continuously for the past five years.

WEATHER

Temperatures quickly warm to about seasonal for 2nd-3rd April, with sunny days forecast, so melting may be very rapid everywhere below 7500 ft and on sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations. The next storm system is expected starting the evening of Thursday 4th April continuing until the early hours of Saturday 6th. The system is forecast to be very cold, unusually so for April, with freeze levels possibly as low as 4000 ft and hence snow (rather than rain) throughout the San Jacinto mountains. Forecast precipitation amounts include 8-12 inches of snow in the high country above 10,000 ft, 3-5 inches at mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild), and a dusting possibly as low as 3500 ft. At this time, temperatures are tentatively forecast to rise significantly again from 9th April onwards.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Monday 1st April 2024 at 0955 the air temperature was 18.1°F (-8°C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3°F (-19°C), 100% relative humidity, and a variable NNE wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 19.5 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 29th March 2024 at 1840 the air temperature was 20.3°F (-7°C), with a windchill temperature of -1.8°F (-19°C), 51% relative humidity, and a bitter SW wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 31.3 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 25th March 2024 at 0955 the air temperature was 16.3°F (-9°C), with a windchill temperature of -2.6°F (-19°C), 61% relative humidity, and a fresh WNW wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 19.1 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There was largely continuous snow cover on all trails above about 5500 ft on the morning of 1st April, but with rapid melting it is already becoming increasingly patchy to 7000 ft on the most sun-exposed slopes. Under the fresh powder, the remaining deeper old snow is locally firm and icy. Icy snow requires considerably more caution plus specialist equipment (and different physical and mental skillsets) than soft, postholing snow. Snow quality will deteriorate rapidly this week with a warming trend and locally rapid melting at all elevations, before hardening again during a brief but very cold storm on 4th-6th April.

Only a few major tracks are known to have been broken through the snow at this time including Devil’s Slide Trail, onward via the PCT, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails to San Jacinto Peak, and the Round Valley Trail from Long Valley through to Wellman Divide.

Carrying spikes is strongly recommended everywhere above about 7000 ft. Icy compacted snow – once the trails become well-traveled – will be largely ideal for spikes, although as discussed above crampons are an excellent option until next week at least, especially in some locations above about 7700 ft. Crampons are essential if attempting Fuller Ridge and the north side of Tahquitz Peak (discussed below).

Snowshoes can be valuable everywhere above about 7500 ft elevation at present. On warm days (most likely 2nd-3rd April and from 9th April onwards) and later in the day on sunny slopes they will become increasingly helpful. They will quickly become less useful for on-trail travel below 9000 ft as the established tracks become well compacted. Snowshoes are recommended for any significant off-trail travel away from the defined tracks in the high country throughout April.

Despite limited snow this season and being readily passable with the appropriate skills and equipment for angled icy snow (currently crampons plus ice axe recommended), the State Park closed the uppermost section of Skyline Trail in their jurisdiction (above about 5600 ft) starting 21st February due to perceived unsafe conditions.

Devil’s Slide Trail is already thinning of snow below 7000 ft – and becoming very slushy – but is otherwise snow-covered above that elevation. It will largely clear of snow up to 6800 ft in the next two days, with patchy clearing to 7500 ft, and a few bare patches appearing as high as 8000 ft. The track is already very well-defined. Note that at about 7700-7900 ft there are very icy conditions around switchbacks 6-8 (and I saw clear sign of a significant hiker fall of about 25 ft at switchback six from 31st March). Spikes are ideal for this trail, although they are not essential. The Trail Report undertook extensive trail maintenance work in February to remove many damaged tree limbs in and over the trail resulting from an early February ice storm.

The Peak Trail snowshoe track that I broke on 1st April fairly accurately follows the true trail route. However near Miller Peak at about 10,400 ft the track ascends directly up the East Ridge route, rather than following the Peak Trail switchback, as is traditional in winter conditions.

The 0.4 mile section of South Ridge Trail between Chinquapin Flat/PCT MIle 177 and Tahquitz Peak has no track to follow at this time [surveyed multiple times in late March] through several feet of heavily drifted and angled ice and icy snow. This ice slope is notoriously treacherous. Neither snowshoes nor spikes are helpful at this time, due to the angled slope and structure of the snow, respectively. Crampons with an ice axe are essential on this section at this time, along with the necessary skills and experience to use that equipment in icy, angled terrain with considerable exposure.

Spitler Peak Trail suffered badly during ice storms in early February, and I found 34 new treefall hazards down during my surveys in late February, almost all in the upper half. Most are relatively small and readily passable, but a few are larger, and the combined effect is to make for a slower and scrappier hike.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Snow cover on the PCT [updated 3rd April] has already largely melted from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about 163. Underlying snow is then thin, with old snow largely confined to north- and east-facing slopes, until about Mile 174. Note that many of these patches are icy and require considerable caution, especially when obscured by overlying new snow. See comments below regarding specific conditions around Apache Peak (Mile 169.5). Snow cover is then functionally continuous between Miles 174-193. There are currently no reliable tracks to follow on Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191) and traversing this section requires crampons, an ice axe, and appropriate snow skills.

At this time, nobo hikers should consider taking alternates at either Fobes Trail (Mile 166) or Spitler Peak Trail (Mile 168.5) to avoid the worst of the icy snow slopes from Miles 169-177, and the 100+ downed treefall hazards in the same section. This situation will continue to change over the coming days and weeks with a mix of rapid warming and melting either side of a cold storm in early April.

It is recommended that hikers wanting to avoid Fuller Ridge until the ice conditions improve (now unlikely until mid April) use the Black Mountain Road alternate. Black Mountain Road is open to hikers but not to vehicle traffic at this time. Spikes can be useful (but not essential) on the upper three miles of Black Mountain Road.

A small but significant icy snow slope remains on the north-east side of Apache Peak. Spikes at a minimum, but preferably crampons, plus an ice axe, and crucially the skills and experience to use this equipment on angled icy snow, are required to traverse this section using the PCT route. At this time the best option for nobo hikers is to go up and over the saddle between the double peaks of Apache to avoid this traverse, but note that there are some additional icy chutes and slopes in the next few miles, especially at present around Red Tahquitz (Miles 174-175.5), some of which have proven to be equally problematic in past seasons. Alternates at Miles 166 and 168.5 are recommended as mentioned above.

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. There are no steps to follow through a lengthy section of steeply angled (and notoriously treacherous) ice slopes. Crampons, always with an ice axe, and expert knowledge of how to use this equipment on high angle terrain, are critical. Even in low-to-moderate snow years like 2024 these slopes always take many weeks longer to clear of ice than adjacent areas, and they will remain challenging into late April this year, possibly May.

Although just outside the region covered by the Trail Report (and my area of expertise) I understand that northbound hikers are experiencing significant problems due to storm damaged trail in the Mission Creek area of roughly Miles 225-250. More details are available at this link.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private donations to help cover operating costs. Every year seems to have its unique challenges, and it is already clear that 2024 will be no exception. 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.

SNOW DEPTHS measured on 1st April 2024 are as follows. The first number gives current average total depth, which also accounts for rapid melting between recent storms. The number in parentheses gives new snow recorded in the storm on 30th-31st March, while the number in brackets is the greatest depth at that location this winter (where known). Note that averages are given; due to strong winds during and after most storms there has been considerable drifting, plus often very uneven melting during warm interludes. Altitudes and PCT mileages are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 60 inches (15 inches new snow 30th-31st March)[60 inches on 1st April]

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 40 inches (12 inches new 30th-31st March) [41-43 inches on 8th February]

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 181.8 (9070 ft): 55 inches (11 inches new on 30th-31st March)[55 inches on 1st April]

Long Valley (8400 ft): 8-14 inches, very uneven melting (9 inches new 30th-31st March)[24 inches on 8th February]

Saddle Junction/PCT Mile 179.9 (8070 ft): 32 inches (12 inches new on 30th-31st March)[32 inches on 1st April]

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 4-8 inches, already rapidly melting (10 inches new on 30th-31st March)[15 inches on 8th February]

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0-2 inches, already rapidly melting (8 inches new on 30th-31st March)[9 inches on 8th February]

Mountain Center (4400 ft): 0-1 inch, largely melted (4 inches new on 30th-31st March struggled to accumulate)[3 inches on 9th February and 25th March]

The 24th storm system of winter 2023/24 – but only the second major storm in terms of expected precipitation – is forecast to move slowly across the San Jacinto mountains throughout Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st March 2024.

Please check this page for periodic updates – the most recent is at the top – throughout the multiple day storm sequence. The next comprehensive Report update is planned for the evening of Monday 1st April.

UPDATE Monday 1st April at 1030

The mountain remains largely in thick cloud this morning, with very light snow still falling, but sun and blue skies are forecast by this afternoon. New snow that fell on Sunday 31st was about 3.5 inches at Humber Park (storm total of 10 inches) increasing to 4 inches at San Jacinto Peak (storm total 15 inches).

I recorded a short video report at San Jacinto Peak mid morning on Monday 1st April, summarizing the conditions I found on my early morning ascent (video linked here).

UPDATE Sunday 31st March at 1915

Idyllwild added an additional 0.5 inch of snow last night. Periodic snow continued to fall all day. Flakes are often huge and wet, but are struggling to accumulate, with net melting today below 6000 ft. Ultimately perhaps 2.5 inches accumulated, although perhaps it would have been 6+ if it had been a couple of degrees cooler. Likewise Long Valley (8500 ft) added little more than two inches of new accumulation. Little or no new snow is now forecast for mid and upper elevations for the remainder of today, and with much more benign winds in the high country expected, rather than the blizzard conditions of yesterday, fresh broken tracks should largely survive until the next storm (expected on the night of Thursday 4th).

UPDATE Saturday 30th March at 1930

The first phase of the storm has passed. Fresh snow depths recorded on our descending hike were San Jacinto Peak 11 inches, Wellman Divide (9700 ft) 9 inches, Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8, 9050 ft) 10 inches, Saddle Junction (PCT Mile 179, 8100 ft) 8.5 inches, Humber Park (6500 ft) 6.5 inches, Idyllwild 5 inches. Kyle Eubanks kindly reported 7 inches at Round Valley and 5 inches at Long Valley.

Total snow depth is now about 55-60 inches at San Jacinto Peak. Kyle put in a snowshoe track to/from Long Valley and Wellman Divide, and I broke trail between Wellman Divide and Humber Park. However our tracks between Wellman Divide and San Jacinto Peak will likely have lasted only a few minutes due to very strong winds and drifting snow in near-blizzard conditions. By comparison, total snow depth at Saddle Junction is about 28-30 inches.

I recorded a short video from PCT Mile 180.8 a.k.a. Annie’s Junction late this afternoon, giving a feel for conditions at that time (available here). Several more inches of snow are expected on Sunday 31st.

While all time and labor is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report uses small private 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.

UPDATE Saturday 30th March at 1130

Immediately after my last post, snow got heavier in the high country, now falling at about two inches per hour, with 4 new inches at San Jacinto Peak this morning, a depth likely to increase rapidly. Accompanied by gusty winds, broken tracks are now largely gone.

Light rain in Idyllwild this morning totaled about 0.2 inch, before transitioning through sleet to snow in the past hour. About one inch of snow has already settled at 5550 ft elevation.

UPDATE Saturday 30th March at 0830

Light rain started in Idyllwild at about 0730 with no significant accumulation so far. The storm is coming up from the south-west and is largely just west of the San Jacinto mountains at this time.

About one inch of fresh fine powder has accumulated at San Jacinto Peak this morning. The underlying old snow (average depth about 45 inches) is very hard and icy, ideal conditions for using crampons.

The USFS gate at Humber Park was closed again early this morning.

On my ascent I was struck by the rapid melting this past week. Large parts of Devil’s Slide Trail were clear of snow. At Wellman Divide the snow level had dropped at least six inches in the four days since I last passed that way. The southern California sun is potent after the spring equinox, regardless of elevation.