UPDATE 5th March 2025: A moderate atmospheric river storm will start to cross the San Jacinto mountains this afternoon, continuing in phases into the early hours of Friday 7th. Significant snowfall, accompanied by strong winds and severe cold, is expected in the high country, with inches of snow as low as 4000-5000 ft elevation. Further significant storms are predicted overnight on 10th-11th and again on 12th-13th March.

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This is a brief summary of trail conditions following a minor snow storm overnight on Sunday 2nd March. Although nominally the eighth storm of this winter, seven of those, like this most recent storm, have been minor and total snowfall at San Jacinto Peak since September 2024 has been a paltry 29 inches.

This summary is thankfully brief because this is expected to be the first of four storms in rapid succession – with the next three on 5th-6th, 10th-11th, and 13th-14th March – all of which are currently forecast to produce significant precipitation.

I broke trail through light snow on the morning of Monday 3rd March via Devil’s Slide Trail, a short section of the PCT, and the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails, to San Jacinto Peak. At San Jacinto Peak in late morning I recorded a short video report (linked here), and also took a video of the beautifully sunny, but windy, conditions on top (linked here).

This report includes a brief dedicated Pacific Crest Trail section (below, between Weather and Trail Conditions) for the benefit of northbound PCT hikers. Additional information elsewhere in the report is however also of use to PCT hikers.

Trails below about 6600 ft are already clearing of snow, with snow on trails up to 9000 ft on the most sun-exposed slopes already becoming thin and patchy (details under Trail Conditions below).

Details of recommended traction devices are given below under Trail Conditions. In summary, carrying spikes is recommended everywhere above about 6500 ft. Crampons are potentially useful everywhere in the high country above about 9000 ft for the next couple of days as the light powder is not adhering well to the pre-existing icy snow below. Crampons are required on the north side of Tahquitz Peak (details below). Snowshoes can be useful above about 9000 ft elevation, and will become invaluable after 5th March.

For the foreseeable, hikers must be prepared for genuine winter conditions in the high country, with temperatures near or well below freezing, and potentially far below freezing when considering wind chill effects, in addition to strong winds and heavily drifting snow (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak).

Details of snow depths measured at a few sample 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 firm, well-compacted track across deeper snow is often much easier hiking than a poorly defined track across just a few inches depth of angled icy snow.

The USFS gate at Humber Park is open, but is expected to close on 5th March. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces immediately below the gate. South Ridge Road currently remains open and is readily passable, albeit somewhat lumpy in places. Dark Canyon Road (4S02), the access road to the Seven Pines trailhead, is closed due to seasonal conditions.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every single day throughout the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically 2-3 times per week (even more frequently during storms), Tahquitz Peak and area 1-3 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

WEATHER

March may be far more interesting meteorologically than the preceding several months. Within hours of the passage of the light snow storm on 3rd, temperatures were already warming rapidly, with melting visible on bushes and rocks at 10,000 ft by noon that day. This will continue on Tuesday 4th.

A moderate (or even major) storm is forecast for 5th-6th March. Two precipitation phases are expected, on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday 5th, and then again on the afternoon and evening of Thursday 6th. The former will be warmer, with predominantly rain expected at mid elevations (possibly an inch in Idyllwild) before turning to snow that night. At mid elevations it may snow for much of 6th, with 3-5 inches possible.

Snow is expected throughout the higher elevations from Wednesday evening to Friday morning, with the heaviest accumulations on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Total snowfall forecasts for the high country have varied greatly from 10-25 inches, with 12-20 inches now most likely above 10,000 ft.

Temperatures may warm quickly after passage of that storm, and will be above seasonal yet again on 8th-9th, before an extended period of unstable weather is forecast starting Monday 10th March. Details remain uncertain at this time, but light or moderate precipitation is possible daily from 10th to 14th March, in the high country perhaps most likely at the beginning and end of that period.

At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 3rd March 2025 at 1025 the air temperature was 11.9°F (-11°C), with a windchill temperature of -13.7°F (-25°C), 69% relative humidity, and a wild WNW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 30.0 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 28th February 2025 at 0800 the air temperature was 27.8°F (-2°C), with a windchill temperature of 11.3°F (-13°C), 41% relative humidity, and a bitter SE wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 23.9 mph.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

The trail was largely covered in thin snow from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about Mile 175 as of 3rd March. However this was already melting rapidly that afternoon. Some thin patchy icy snow remains on north-facing and sheltered slopes from February. A patchy 1-2 inches of snow on the north-east side of Apache Peak (Miles 169.5) poses no significant problems. Treefall hazards are a problem on parts of this section but none are insurmountable, as described in more detail below.

Snow cover is continuous from Miles 175 (Red Tahquitz) to 177.7 (Chinquapin Flat), with no boot track at this time through very limited consequential terrain. Many hikers may find spikes useful on this section.

PCT hikers should not attempt to use South Ridge Trail from the PCT at Chinquapin Flat (roughly Mile 177.7) to Idyllwild via Tahquitz Peak, even though this looks temptingly simple on apps and maps. This section of steeply angled (and notoriously treacherous) ice slopes will become especially problematic after further snowfall on 5th March.

Snow cover is thin and starting to become patchy and averages 90% between Miles 177.7 to Saddle Junction (about Mile 179). The south-facing slope of Miles 179-180 is already starting to clear, but from Mile 180 (elevation 8900 ft) to about Mile 181 just past Annie’s Junction snow cover is continuous. Miles 181-183 are sun-exposed and will briefly clear of snow on 4th March, and snow cover is then becomes continuous from Mile 183.5. Spikes can be useful on the snowy parts of this section, but are not required at this time for hikers experienced with snow travel.

There is currently no boot track through moderate snow cover on the PCT along Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191). At this time continuing north on Fuller Ridge requires the skills and comfort level to hike on angled terrain with some moderate exposure, and spikes are recommended. After 5th March, taking the Black Mountain Road alternate will probably be recommended for the foreseeable future, pending thorough surveys.

In recent years a myth has periodically circulated on PCT social media that going up and over San Jacinto Peak somehow avoids Fuller Ridge. This is erroneous and potentially dangerous. Whether you remain on the PCT northbound (going around at lower elevation via Strawberry Junction, Mile 183) or leave the PCT at Annie’s Junction (Mile 180.8) to go up to San Jacinto Peak and then down the west side to reconnect to the PCT at about Mile 185.5, you still have to hike Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-190.5). It is possible to do the former route more safely by leaving the PCT at Strawberry Junction and descending Deer Springs Trail, which is largely clear of snow below Strawberry Junction, back into Idyllwild.

A well established alternate from Idyllwild – avoiding Fuller Ridge – is to connect back to the PCT at about Mile 191 using Black Mountain Road. Black Mountain Road is clear of snow for the lower five miles, and then has increasingly patchy 20% snow cover for the upper three miles to the PCT but following the road through the snow patches is obvious. Mile 192 northward to Interstate 10 is functionally clear of snow.

Although the situation improved somewhat in 2024, treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed February 2025).

PCT hikers are asked to respect that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter, to minimize impacts to a sensitive subalpine environment. Officially Mt. San Jacinto State Park permits overnight stays only in established campgrounds (Little Round Valley and Strawberry Junction are good options for thru-hikers).

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.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Trails are covered with thin patchy snow above about 6000 ft, and light-to-moderate depth snow above about 8500 ft. Melting is rapidly underway at all elevations, and clear patches are already appearing as high as 8500 ft in places. This is expected to change dramatically from 5th March onward (see Weather above).

For details of trail conditions, including specifics of downed trees, prior to this latest minor snow storm, see the previous Report (linked here).

Everywhere above about 6500 ft carrying spikes is recommended as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and as they undergo freeze-thaw cycles. As always, spikes tend to be especially useful for descending, even when they are not necessarily required for ascending.

Devil’s Slide Trail has a well-traveled track through very thin snow to Saddle Junction.

There is a moderately traveled track south on the PCT from Saddle Junction (Mile 179) to about Mile 177 (Chinquapin Flat).

From Saddle Junction northbound a posthole track continues to San Jacinto Peak via Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8) and Wellman Divide, via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails. Due to strong winds, the tracks may be obscure on some exposed slopes.

There is now a continuous posthole track on the Peak Trail. However the track turns up to the Peak near Miller Peak via the East Ridge Trail route. These tracks may well have been obscured by spindrift snow by the afternoon of 3rd March.

Tahquitz Peak trail from Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 has a challenging and very lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the steeply angled icy snow. These slopes comprise some of the most consequential terrain in winter in these mountains, and this route is not recommended for most hikers at this time. Spikes (or preferably crampons) are strongly recommended, with at least hiking poles or ideally an ice axe (and, critically, adequate knowledge of how to use it).

SNOW DEPTHS

Measured on 3rd March 2025. The first number gives total average depth. Due to strong winds accompanying the most recent storm system there was extensive drifting and accumulation in the trails. The number in parentheses indicates the new snowfall in the storm on 2nd-3rd March. Altitudes and PCT Miles are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 10 inches (4 inches new snow on 3rd March)

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 6 inches (3 inches new snow on 3rd March)

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 180.8 (9020 ft): 12 inches (3 inches new snow on 3rd March)

Saddle Junction/approx. PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 2-3 inches (2 inches new snow on 3rd March)

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0-1 inches (1 inch new snow on 3rd March, already largely melted by that afternoon)

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inches (0.5 inch new snow on 3rd March, already largely melted)

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 Friday 28th February 2025: I recorded a video report from San Jacinto Peak early this morning (linked here), giving a feel for current conditions and discussing the significant weather change on the way. Below seasonal temperatures are expected for the next two weeks, with three snow storms in quick succession expected on 2nd-3rd, 5th-6th, and 10th-11th March. Even limited snowfall in the first of these storms will be enough to complicate conditions underfoot in the high country by obscuring the thin icy snow above about 9000 ft elevation (lower in places) that persists from mid February.

Despite the moderate storm mid month, Southern California continues to experience one of the the driest winters since records began in 1850. Worse still, this is easily the driest winter in history for the San Jacinto mountains high country, where total snowfall at San Jacinto Peak since September 2024 has been a paltry 25 inches. That number will need to more than double in the next couple of months even to match the lowest snow total in recorded history (57.75 inches in winter 2021/22). The air temperature at San Jacinto Peak on Monday 24th (40.8°F/5°C) was the hottest ever recorded there in the month of February.

The first – and so far only – notable storm of this winter, between Wednesday 12th and Friday 14th February, accounted for 70% of this winter’s snowfall to date and was described in detail in the previous report (linked here). There is an increasing possibility of a minor storm on 2nd-3rd March, with 1-5 inches of snow forecast for the high country, and a mix of light snow and rain for mid elevations.

This report is the first of the season to include a dedicated Pacific Crest Trail section (below, between Weather and Trail Conditions) for the benefit of northbound PCT hikers. Additional information elsewhere in the report is however also of use to PCT hikers.

Trails below about 7600 ft are now generally clear of snow, with snow on trails up to 9000 ft on sun-exposed slopes becoming increasingly patchy (details under Trail Conditions below).

Carrying spikes is recommended throughout the trail system above about 7500 ft. While they are not required, depending upon your expertise and comfort level hiking on shallow, variable, icy snow – with snow condition itself depending on time of day and sun exposure – spikes continue to be widely useful as established tracks undergo freeze-thaw cycles and are consolidated by hiker traffic. Typically spikes tend to be much more valuable for descending trails than for ascending.

Snowshoes are no longer helpful on the established trail system, which is too compacted for their use. Hikers venturing well off-trail may find that they remain valuable in some areas above about 9000 ft.

Hikers should be prepared for temperatures near or below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects, from 28th February into the first week of March (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak).

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every single day throughout the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically 2-3 times per week (more frequently during storms), Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

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 firm, well-compacted track across deeper snow is often much easier hiking than a poorly defined track across just a few inches depth of angled icy snow.

The USFS gate at Humber Park reopened on 18th February after a brief closure. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces immediately below the gate. South Ridge Road remains open and is readily passable, albeit somewhat lumpy in places. Dark Canyon Road (4S02), the access road to the Seven Pines trailhead, is closed due to seasonal conditions.

WEATHER

Since the passage of the storm more than a week ago, temperatures have been largely above seasonal. Temperatures are forecast to be far above average for February from 23rd-27th, with snow softening and melting everywhere.

A rapid cooling will result in temperatures below average from 28th February throughout the first week of March, as minor systems pass through on 2nd-3rd and again 5th-6th March. From 27th February onwards, most days will be partly or mostly cloudy.

Forecasts are currently indicating possibilities for light precipitation on 1st-6th March, most likely on 3rd, with 1-3 inches of snow possible at the highest elevations. The system will be cold enough to produce a dusting of snow as low as 4000 ft.

At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Friday 28th February 2025 at 0800 the air temperature was 27.8°F (-2°C), with a windchill temperature of 11.3°F (-13°C), 41% relative humidity, and a bitter SE wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 23.9 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 24th February 2025 at 0810 the air temperature was 40.8°F (5°C), with a windchill temperature of 30.6°F (-1°C), 55% relative humidity, and a very light NW wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 7.5 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 20th February 2025 at 0820 the air temperature was 35.6°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 23.2°F (-5°C), 17% relative humidity, and a steady NNW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 18.3 mph.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

The trail is largely clear of snow from Miles 151 (Highway 74) to about Mile 175. Some thin patchy snow remains on north-facing and sheltered slopes. A patchy 1-2 inches of snow on the north-east side of Apache Peak (Miles 169.5) poses no significant problems. Treefall hazards are a problem on parts of this section but none are insurmountable, as described in more detail under Trail Conditions.

Snow cover is continuous from Miles 175 (Red Tahquitz) to 177.7 (Chinquapin Flat), with a lightly-traveled boot track through very limited consequential terrain. Many hikers may find spikes useful on this section.

PCT hikers attempting 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 – should note that there is only a rough track with limited steps to follow through a section of steeply angled (and notoriously treacherous) ice slopes.

Snow cover is thin and starting to become patchy and averages 90% between Miles 177.7 to Saddle Junction (about Mile 179). The south-facing slope of Miles 179-180 is 50% clear, but from Mile 180 (elevation 8900 ft) to about Mile 181 just past Annie’s Junction snow cover is continuous. Miles 181-183 are sun-exposed and clearing of snow, and snow cover then becomes largely continuous from Mile 183.5. Spikes can be useful on the snowy parts of this section, but are not required at this time for hikers experienced with snow travel.

There is a boot track through an average of 90% moderate snow cover on the PCT along Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-191), steadily clearing on the most sun-exposed areas. The track does not accurately follow the PCT route in some places and passes through some challenging terrain, especially in Miles 185.5-187. At this time continuing north on Fuller Ridge requires the skills and comfort level to hike on angled terrain with some moderate exposure, and spikes are recommended.

In recent years a myth has periodically circulated on PCT social media that going up and over San Jacinto Peak somehow avoids Fuller Ridge. This is erroneous and potentially dangerous. Whether you remain on the PCT northbound (going around at lower elevation via Strawberry Junction, Mile 183) or leave the PCT at Annie’s Junction (Mile 180.8) to go up to San Jacinto Peak and then down the west side to reconnect to the PCT at about Mile 185.5, you still have to hike Fuller Ridge (Miles 185.5-190.5). It is possible to do the former route more safely by leaving the PCT at Strawberry Junction and descending Deer Springs Trail, which is largely clear of snow below Strawberry Junction, back into Idyllwild.

A well established alternate from Idyllwild – avoiding Fuller Ridge – is to connect back to the PCT at about Mile 191 using Black Mountain Road. Black Mountain Road is clear of snow for the lower five miles, and then has increasingly patchy 20% snow cover for the upper three miles to the PCT but following the road through the snow patches is obvious. Mile 192 northward to Interstate 10 is functionally clear of snow.

PCT hikers are asked to respect that overnight stays are not permitted at or near San Jacinto Peak, including in the historic shelter, to minimize impacts to a sensitive subalpine environment. Officially Mt. San Jacinto State Park permits overnight stays only in established campgrounds (Little Round Valley and Strawberry Junction are good options for thru-hikers).

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.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Trails are covered with thin patchy snow above about 7500 ft, and light-to-moderate depth snow above about 8500 ft. Melting is steadily underway at all elevations, and clear patches are already appearing as high as 9000 ft in places. Due to unusually mild temperatures at all elevations this week, snow is softening as early as mid morning, and significant postholing is possible by late morning.

Everywhere above about 7500 ft carrying spikes is recommended as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and as they undergo freeze-thaw cycles. This elevation will continue to rise over the next few days as sun-exposed trails continue to melt. As always, spikes tend to be especially useful for descending, even when they are not necessarily required for ascending. For example I have yet to need spikes to ascend to San Jacinto Peak since recent snowfall, but have used them to descend down to 8900 ft on Deer Springs Trail.

Devil’s Slide Trail is now clear of snow to about 7600 ft. From there to Saddle Junction there is about 40% cover of thin and increasingly patchy icy snow to Saddle Junction. Some hikers will find spikes useful in this upper section, especially for descending.

There is a moderately traveled posthole track south on the PCT from Saddle Junction (Mile 179) to about Mile 177 (Chinquapin Flat), that is then very lightly-traveled onward to Tahquitz Peak.

From Saddle Junction northbound a well-traveled track continues to San Jacinto Peak via Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8) and Wellman Divide, via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails.

There is now a continuous posthole track on the Peak Trail. However the most-consolidated posthole tracks turn up to the Peak near Miller Peak via the East Ridge Trail route, and although there are various meandering options ascending the ridge, they all merge near the Peak.

Also on the tram side, there is a well-traveled posthole track from Long Valley through Round Valley to Wellman Divide. Earlier tracks coming directly up from the tram via Tamarack Valley (the “Sid Davis” route) that were put in immediately after the storm last week are no longer passable due to melting.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow to the Suicide Rock trail junction. The trail remains clear of snow to 7500 ft, with then about 10% thin snow cover nearer Strawberry Junction (8050 ft). Thereafter snow cover is largely continuous to San Jacinto Peak, albeit thin and starting to become patchy especially below 8600 ft. The track is relatively lightly-traveled but easy to follow to the junction with Marion Mountain Trail. Above that point the well-traveled track largely follows the true trail route to Little Round Valley. Above Little Round Valley, there is a mess of meandering posthole tracks that all head upslope toward San Jacinto Peak, with none of them consistently or accurately following the trail route (as is typical in winter with adequate snow depth on this slope), before coalescing near Summit Junction (10,500 ft).

On the section of Deer Springs Trail between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) six significant treefall hazards remain, mostly from high winds in January. Three more came down in a concentrated area just north of the top of Seven Pines Trail (near Mile 185.2). About ten further trees on the upper trail (above Fuller Ridge) have been down and reported repeatedly for more than a decade but with no action from the State Park. Two significant obstructions are down across the trail between the Suicide Rock Trail junction and Strawberry Junction.

Marion Mountain Trail is clear of snow to 7600 ft. For a brief transition 0.1 mile above that elevation, icy snow cover is about 50%, before quickly becoming 90% up to the PCT/Deer Springs Trail. There is a good boot track to follow throughout. While spikes are not essential on the ascent, most hikers will find them invaluable for the descent. Several large tree limbs and four medium-sized trees came down across the trail in recent weeks, with one on the Forest Service section and three in the State Park, all of which are relatively easy to pass over for hikers.

South Ridge Trail [updated 28th] is now largely clear of snow until the uppermost switchbacks close to the peak. In the uppermost switchbacks (>8500 ft, switchback 12) icy snow cover averages 60%, and some hikers will find spikes useful, especially for descending. Five treefall hazards that came down in the trail earlier this year have already been removed by the Trail Report, and the most extensive trail trimming program on South Ridge in more than a decade has continued throughout this winter.

Tahquitz Peak trail from Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 has a challenging and very lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the steeply angled icy snow (photo in previous Report linked here). These slopes comprise some of the most consequential terrain in winter in these mountains, and this route is not recommended for most hikers at this time. Spikes (or even crampons) are strongly recommended, with at least hiking poles or preferably an ice axe (assuming adequate knowledge of how to use it).

Although the situation has improved somewhat in recent months, treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed January 2025).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189, which have not been maintained by that agency for many years). Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards were removed by USFS late in 2024. Snow cover on Fuller Ridge Trail averages only 50%, but is very localized with sun-exposed sections completely clear and shaded sections still with 1-2 inches depth of snow in the trail.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction, Miles 180.8-183) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail (Annie’s Junction to Wellman Divide) from September 2024-January 2025.

In February 2025 the Trail Report cleared Spitler Peak Trail of the six trees that came down in Santa Ana winds in January (bringing to 129 the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years). We also removed most of the whitethorn from the central portion of the trail in December 2024. While more brush trimming work is always required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition since at least mid 2023. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks, and Antsell Rock Creek starting flowing gently again late last year.

The Trail Report removed the only two new small trees down across Fobes Trail earlier in February. The trail is otherwise largely clear, with only a few minor branch hazards mainly along the lower trail.

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 (and potentially dangerously) described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown, largely with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that hikers should 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 bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (some 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). One huge tree fell in late 2024 across the King Trail about midway down and requires a minor scramble underneath (that tree will not be cut soon), while another fell in January 2025 close to the bottom of the trail that is relatively easy to cross over. Another five recently downed trees were either removed or worked around in January 2025, when the trail was thoroughly trimmed and cleared. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with careful route-finding. My February 2025 survey counted about 120 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is extremely obscure for the first 0.5 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.

In late 2024 Willow Creek Trail was nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Four new trees came down on the Forest Service section in January, two of which are large and tricky for hikers to pass. In addition to trees being cut in 2024, whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in late summer. On the State Park side localized trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in 2024, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both easy to pass for hikers).

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 trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of late 2024 the trail is – by its low standards – relatively 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 greatly 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

SNOW DEPTHS

Measured on 24th February 2025 (20th February for Deer Springs Trail locations). Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm system there was extensive drifting, especially in the trails. Altitudes and PCT Miles are approximate. Also note that – remarkably for February – none of these locations had any snow remaining from prior storms (i.e. everything recorded here was from the latest, mid February, storm).

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 11 inches (was 17.5 inches on 14th February, drifted areas ranging from 7-24 inches)

Little Round Valley (9750 ft): 16 inches (drifted to 24 inches in places)

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 6 inches (was 17 inches on 14th February, heavily drifted in places)

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 180.8 (9020 ft): 13 inches (was 16-17 inches on 14th February)

Fuller Ridge Trail junction with Deer Springs Trail/approx. PCT Mile 185.5 (8800 ft): 12 inches

Saddle Junction/approx. PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 1-2 inches (was 3.5 inches on 14th February)

Strawberry Junction/approx. PCT Mile 183.1 (8050 ft): 1-2 inches (patchy 0-4 inches)

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 0 inches (was 2-3 inches on 14th February)

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inches (0.25 inch of snow on 12th February, and 5.3 inches of rain 12th-14th February)

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.

UPDATED Thursday 20th February: I hiked to San Jacinto Peak today for the fourth time in the past week, ascending via the Wellman and Peak trails, descending Deer Springs Trail, and have updated the Trail Conditions section below accordingly. I summarized my observations from Sunday 16th in a video report from the far-too-warm-for-February Peak (linked here). On 17th we hiked both north and south sides of Tahquitz Peak. High country tracks are generally firm and reliable underfoot in the early morning, but become soft by late morning, with a much greater likelihood of postholing by and after noon.

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This is a summary of conditions following the seventh, but by far most substantial, snow storm of winter 2024/25, with the majority of the snow falling between the afternoon of Thursday 13th and the morning of Friday 14th February.

Exactly six years on from the (in)famous Valentine’s Day flood of 2019 – when eight inches of rain in less than a day destroyed several mountain roads, some for months – heavy rain was also a feature of this storm, with Idyllwild recording 5.3 inches (and nearly four inches in one 24 hour period).

This complex storm sequence had multiple phases as discussed under Weather below. The practical consequence was a strikingly high snow level, with moderate snow above about 8500 ft, and surprisingly shallow snow lower down. I have never recorded such a discrepancy in snow depths between Saddle Junction (8100 ft, with just three inches by the afternoon of 14th) and Annie’s Junction (9020 ft, nearly 18 inches).

Final storm totals included 17-18 inches at San Jacinto Peak, similar amounts at Wellman Divide and Annie’s Junction (due to the complexities of the timing of the snowfall), just 10-11 inches at Long Valley, and three inches or fewer from Saddle Junction (8100 ft) down to about 6500 ft.

I recorded a short video report from San Jacinto Peak in the snow just after 0900 on Friday 14th (linked here).

Most trails have now been traveled and most are no longer obscured by significant snowfall, due to hiker traffic and with rapid melting continuing. Nevertheless cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Snow depths measured on 14th are listed at the foot of this posting, but note that due to very strong winds accompanying the storm there was extreme drifting, and snow is often deeper in the trails.

Until about 18th, conditions were unusually good for snowshoeing above about 9000 ft on most of the mountain, and as low as 8000 ft on the eastern side (where less impacted by rainfall). Rarely have I encountered such a densely formed snowpack in fresh powder, and I was gliding across the surface of the snow on 14th. With compaction from freeze/thaw cycles, conditions are now better for spikes.

Everywhere above about 7000 ft it is recommended to carry spikes for the foreseeable future as established trails have become consolidated by hiker traffic and as they undergo freeze-thaw cycles. This elevation will rise further over the next week as sun-exposed trails rapidly melt.

Sadly – but unsurprisingly given the trend this winter – temperatures abruptly rise to above seasonal on Saturday 15th February, and remain warm for days, possibly even for the remainder of the month. Consequently melting will be rapid at all elevations, especially on sun-exposed slopes. Only those traditional locations that are especially sheltered – for example the north face of Tahquitz Peak, either side of Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8), in and below Little Round Valley – may continue to hold deep snow for the next several weeks.

The USFS gate at Humber Park reopened on 18th February after a brief closure. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces immediately below the gate. If there is a “Road Closed” sign lower down, it is also possible to park along Forest Drive. South Ridge Road remains open and is readily passable, albeit somewhat lumpy in places. Dark Canyon Road (4S02), the access road to the Seven Pines trailhead, is closed due to seasonal conditions.

WEATHER

Temperatures are forecast to abruptly rise above seasonal averages this weekend and remain elevated for the remainder of February, especially on 23rd-27th. By Sunday 23rd record high temperatures for the month of February are possible around the highest peaks. Most days are forecast to be clear and sunny until the turn of the month. Obviously these factors will combine to cause rapid snow melt and deteriorate hiking conditions markedly.

The three day storm on 12th-14th was complex with three distinct phases. The first cold phase on the morning of Wednesday 12th included snow dusting down to just below 5000 ft but minimal depth, with only 0.25 inch in Idyllwild and 0.5 inch at Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft). Upper elevations and especially the eastern side of the mountains received no measurable snow at that time.

As temperatures warmed on 12th and into 13th, the shallow snow at mid elevations melted, producing slush on the trails below 9000 ft. Rainfall then dominated as the snow level rose – briefly as high as San Jacinto Peak – before stabilizing around 8500 ft.

From the evening of 12th to the early hours of 14th, rainfall dominated below about 8500 ft, with snowfall above that elevation, and the greatest intensity of both overnight on 13th.

The final third phase was another cooling as the system departed, with the snow level dropping to 6000 ft early on 14th. Precipitation became more inconsistent throughout 14th, finally ending in the early afternoon.

At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Thursday 20th February 2025 at 0820 the air temperature was 35.6°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 23.2°F (-5°C), 17% relative humidity, and a steady NNW wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 18.3 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 16th February 2025 at 0915 the air temperature was 36.4°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 30.1°F (-1°C), 45% relative humidity, and a very light WNW wind sustained at 3 mph gusting to 5.8 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 14th February 2025 at 0915 the air temperature was 20.4°F (-6°C), with a windchill temperature of -1.3°F (-19°C), 100% relative humidity, and a bitter WNW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 26.7 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

Trails are snow-covered with thin snow above about 7500 ft, and moderate depth snow above about 8500 ft. Melting is underway at all elevations, and clear sections are already appearing below 7500 ft, e.g., lower Devil’s Slide Trail, South Ridge Trail, and lower Deer Springs Trail.

Until about 18th least, beware of large volumes of ice falling from trees over trails, especially from 8000-10,000 ft. Although this happens to some extent following every storm, due to the large volume and high elevation of freezing rain associated with this latest storm, the ice fall risk is unusually noteworthy at present.

Everywhere above about 7500 ft carrying spikes is strongly recommended for the foreseeable future [updated 20th February] as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and as they undergo freeze-thaw cycles. This elevation will rise over the next few days as sun-exposed trails continue to melt. As always, spikes tend to be especially useful for descending, even when they are not necessarily required for ascending. Early on the morning of 20th I did not need spikes at all to ascend the Wellman and Peak trails to San Jacinto Peak, on an excellent firm snow track, but used them to descend down to 8900 ft on Deer Springs Trail. By about 1030, snow was becoming soft below Strawberry Junction (but was thankfully already very shallow).

Conditions remain suitable for snowshoeing above about 9000 ft on most of the mountain. Snowshoes may actually become increasingly useful over the next week to minimize postholing as snow softens by late morning, especially on sun-exposed slopes.

Devil’s Slide Trail [20th February] is now functionally clear of snow to about 7500 ft. Hikers are unlikely to require spikes below that elevation. From there to Saddle Junction there is a well-consolidated track to follow through thin, icy snow to Saddle Junction. Spikes are useful in this upper section, especially for descending.

There is a lightly traveled posthole track south on the PCT from Saddle Junction (Mile 179) to about Mile 177 (Chinquapin Flat).

From Saddle Junction northbound [20th February] a well-traveled track continues to San Jacinto Peak via Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8) and Wellman Divide, via the Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails.

Tracks on the Peak Trail end near Miller Peak, where they are joined by tracks coming up from the tram via Tamarack Valley. These all continue up to the Peak via the East Ridge Trail route [20th February], and although there are various options ascending the ridge, they all end up at the Peak.

Also on the tram side, there is a well-traveled posthole track from Long Valley through Round Valley to Wellman Divide.

Deer Springs Trail [20th February] is clear of snow to the Suicide Rock trail junction. The trail remains largely clear of snow to 7500 ft, with then about 50% thin snow cover to Strawberry Junction. Thereafter snow cover is continuous to San Jacinto Peak, albeit very thin below 8600 ft. The track is relatively lightly-traveled but easy to follow to the junction with Marion Mountain Trail. Above that point the well-traveled track is relatively easy to follow, and largely follows the true trail route, to Little Round Valley. Above Little Round Valley, there is only a scattering of posthole tracks that all meander upslope to San Jacinto Peak, with none of them approximating to the trail route (as is traditional in with adequate snow depth on this slope).

South Ridge Trail [22nd February] has a posthole track to Tahquitz Peak fire lookout. The trail is clear of snow to Old Lookout Flat (at 7600 ft). Snow cover averages 50% beyond that. In the uppermost switchbacks (>8500 ft, switchback 12) snow cover is continuous, uneven (due to icefall) and most hikers will find spikes are useful, especially for descending.

Tahquitz Peak trail from Chinquapin Flat/PCT Mile 177 has a challenging and very lightly traveled posthole track to follow through the steeply angled icy snow (photo below). These slopes comprise some of the most consequential terrain in winter in these mountains, and this route is not recommended for most hikers at this time. Spikes (or even crampons) are strongly recommended, with at least hiking poles or preferably an ice axe (assuming adequate knowledge of how to use it).

SNOW DEPTHS

Measured on 14th February 2025. Note that average depth is given; due to strong winds accompanying the storm system there is extensive drifting, especially in the trails. Altitudes and PCT Miles are approximate. Also note that – remarkably for February – none of these locations had any snow remaining from prior storms (i.e. everything recorded here was from this latest storm).

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 18 inches (drifted areas ranging from 7-24 inches)

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 17 inches, heavily drifted in places.

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 180.8 (9020 ft): 15-18 inches

Saddle Junction/approx. PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 3 inches

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 2 inches (largely slushy, melting already underway)

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 0 inches of snow. The 0.25 inch on 12th melted very rapidly. An impressive 4.69 inches of rain since the 12th included 3.72 inches in the 24 hour period starting 0700 on 13th.

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.

Only the seventh storm of winter 2024/25 – but by far the most notable one for expected precipitation – is forecast to move across the San Jacinto mountains between Wednesday 12th and Friday 14th February 2025.

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, summarizing conditions during and after the storm, may be published late on Friday 14th February.

UPDATE Friday 14th February at 1010: it continues to snow gently in the high country, but it is accumulating at only 0.25-0.5 inch per hour. Storm total at San Jacinto Peak is 16-17 inches.

I recorded a short video report from San Jacinto Peak in the snow just after 0900 (linked here).

UPDATE Friday 14th February at 0700: Idyllwild has recorded an impressive 3.72 inches of rain in the past 24 hours, for a current storm total of 4.69 inches.

Snow depths broadly doubled overnight, with storm totals of 14-16 inches at San Jacinto Peak and 9-10 inches in Long Valley (8500 ft). Strong winds overnight mean that drifting is severe, with measurements around San Jacinto Peak ranging from 7-22 inches. Snow fell entirely as fine rounded grains (rather than big flakes) so couldn’t reach the most optimistic depths forecast.

UPDATE Thursday 13th February at 1700: Snow has been slow to accumulate at San Jacinto Peak, with currently 5.0 inches of fresh powder (but very heavily drifted in strong winds).

Snow level on my morning hike was above 9000 ft, with rain below 8500 ft, and sleet in between, but all are expected to drop overnight.

Idyllwild has added 1.32 inches of rain since 0700 today, for a storm total of 2.29 inches already (and the most intense precipitation still to come in the next few hours).

UPDATE Thursday 13th February at 1330: Freezing rain overnight reached all the way to San Jacinto Peak before turning to light snow early this morning. There is currently 3.5 inches of fresh powder at the Peak, and I measured 2.5 inches at Wellman Divide (9700 ft) a couple of hours earlier. The heavy snowfall is expected over the next 12 hours.

Idyllwild has added another 0.75 inches of rain since 0700 for a storm total of >1.7 inches so far. Trail conditions were challenging between 7500-9300 ft, with heavy water flows running underneath 1-2 inches of slush as the light snow from yesterday melted.

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 Thursday 13th February at 0700

Rainfall in the past 24 hours in Idyllwild has totaled 0.97 inch and is steadily intensifying. It finally started snowing lightly in Long Valley at about 0500 this morning, accumulating very slowly.

UPDATE Wednesday 12th February at 1950

Very light misty drizzle in Idyllwild for most of the afternoon and evening has added up to 0.15 inch so far. This aligns with most weather stations in the San Jacinto mountains which are reporting 0.1-0.2 inch, with 0.25 inch in Anza. The eastern slope is still not reporting any snow at upper elevations.

UPDATE Wednesday 12th February at 1340

We hiked to a windy and frigid Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft) this morning through very light, fine snow, and recorded a short video report from the fire lookout (linked here). Periodic brighter spells suggested that the top of the cloud was just above us, somewhere between 9000-10,000 ft, and hence unsurprisingly Long Valley (at 8500 ft on the east slope) remains snow-free at this time. No more than 0.5 inch accumulated around Tahquitz Peak, and by the time we descended, snow was starting to melt as high as 8500 ft and below 6500 ft it had already completely melted as the temperature rose to a few degrees above freezing.

UPDATE Wednesday 12th February at 0630

In the early hours of this morning Idyllwild was dusted with 0.25 inch of snow, but it had stopped by first light. The high country and eastern side of the mountains have remained largely above the cloud at this time, with no snow in Long Valley (8500 ft). As the bulk of the storm system moves in, temperatures are forecast to rise, with rain starting at mid elevations around noon and light snow in the high country around dusk. Total snow accumulation estimates for the high country have increased, with up to two feet now possible on Thursday.

UPDATE Wednesday 12th February 2025 at 0630: In the early hours of this morning Idyllwild was dusted with 0.25 inch of snow, but it had stopped by first light. The high country and eastern side of the mountains have remained largely above the cloud at this time, with no snow in Long Valley (8500 ft). As the bulk of the storm system moves in, temperatures are forecast to rise, with rain starting at mid elevations around noon and light snow in the high country around dusk. Total snow accumulation estimates for the high country have increased, with up to two feet now possible on Thursday.

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The first substantial storm system of winter 2024/25 to impact Southern California is finally forecast for this coming week. A moderate “atmospheric river” is expected between Wednesday 12th and Friday 14th February, with the first light precipitation possible on the evening of Tuesday 11th. The system will be mild, with a high snow level that may drop close to 5000 ft only briefly at the beginning and end of the storm sequence. Consequently rain is forecast for mid elevations (e.g., Idyllwild), with an impressive 2-4 inches possible. Snow estimates for the highest elevations of the high country have ranged widely from 10-40 inches, although a depth around 12-18 inches is now most likely. Regardless of the final depth, impacts on the trail system could be significant, at least for the remainder of February.

Melting of the light snow from the storm on 26th-27th January has been rapid. We experienced continuous snow cover in the high country for only four days (the late January storm is described in detail in a prior Report linked here). Total snowfall at San Jacinto Peak since September 2024 has been a pitiful 7.6 inches. Most trails are clear of snow (details under Trail Conditions below).

In the early hours of Friday 7th February we caught the southernmost edge of an atmospheric river passing to the north. I hiked to San Jacinto Peak that morning through pleasant misty cloud and periodic drizzle before reaching patchy blue sky right around the Peak. The storm was mild, producing only rain all the way to the highest elevations. Above 9500 ft freezing rain plastered all surfaces with ice but that quickly melted in full sun the following day. Saddle Junction (8100 ft) with 0.51 inch recorded the most rainfall, with 0.41 inch at Wellman’s Cienega (9300 ft), 0.32 inch in Idyllwild, and 0.2 inch at San Jacinto Peak.

Conditions are currently suitable for spikes in places above about 8700 ft on the western slope (e.g., Deer Springs Trail) as the established trails have undergone freeze-thaw cycles and remaining thin snow has become icy due to consolidation by hiker traffic. Recommendations for traction devices are expected to change significantly starting 12th February.

Hikers must be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects, for the foreseeable future (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak).

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every single day throughout the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically 2-3 times per week (more frequently during storms), Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Regardless of how low the snow level drops during the storm this week, access to Forest Service dirt roads may well close due to seasonal conditions, at least temporarily. The USFS gate at Humber Park is currently open. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces immediately below the gate. South Ridge Road is currently open and is readily passable with AWD/4WD vehicles.

WEATHER

Following temperatures this past weekend that were again well above seasonal, a rapid cooling will result in temperatures below average on 11th-14th February.

As described above, a moderate storm system is forecast for this coming week, impacting the San Jacinto mountains between Tuesday 11th and Friday 14th February. The system will be relatively mild with several inches of rain forecast for mid elevations, with a possibility for light snow at the beginning of the storm as low as 5000 ft (which will subsequently melt as temperatures rise on 13th and 14th).

Snow estimates for the high country have ranged as high as 40 inches. The most likely final depth is now expected to be 1-2 feet at most. The relative warmth of the system will result in a high snow level, around 7000-8000 ft for much of the storm, with consequently little or no snowfall expected below 6000 ft.

Immediately after passage of the storm, temperatures quickly rise to above seasonal at all elevations starting 15th February, but most strikingly at the highest elevations. Consequently melting of snow may be rapid once again.

At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 10th February 2025 at 0845 the air temperature was 24.9°F (-4°C), with a windchill temperature of 8.2°F (-13°C), 44% relative humidity, and a cool due West wind sustained at 13 mph gusting to 18..7 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 9th February 2025 at 0835 the air temperature was 29.4°F (-1°C), with a windchill temperature of 14.5°F (-10°C), 12% relative humidity, and a steady WSW wind sustained at 14 mph gusting to 18.9 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 7th February 2025 at 0940 the air temperature was 27.4°F (-3°C), with a windchill temperature of 8.8°F (-13°C), 100% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 28.4 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no continuous settled snow in the San Jacinto mountains, an unprecedented situation in recorded history this late into the winter. The thin covering above 9000 ft that fell on 7th January only lasted for a few days despite cold temperatures, while the 4-6 inches of snow from the minor storm on 26th-27th January has already largely melted. Obviously this situation is expected to change starting Wednesday 12th February, and hikers must be fully prepared for winter conditions thereafter.

Most hikers will find that traction devices are not widely required on the trail system at this time, although conditions are currently suitable for spikes in places above about 8700 ft on the western slope (Deer Springs Trail and short parts of the PCT) as the established trails have undergone freeze-thaw cycles and the thin snow has become icy due to consolidation by hiker traffic. Spikes tend to be much more valuable for descending trails than ascending.

There is functionally no snow on trails on the eastern side trails, e.g., the Peak Trail is almost completely clear. Tiny patches persist in the most sheltered areas above 9000 ft, notably either side of Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8), then again at 9900-10,100 ft on the Peak Trail and above 10,500 ft around San Jacinto Peak.

The East Ridge Trail (between Miller-San Jacinto peaks) is still 50% snow-covered, but only one inch deep and with a well-traveled (but icy) track accurately following the old trail route.

Deer Springs Trail is clear of snow from the trailhead to Strawberry Junction, and then beyond for about 1.5 miles to near 8600 ft elevation. From just south of the junction with Marion Mountain Trail snow cover is a patchy 60% in the trail to San Jacinto Peak, although much of the sun-exposed route above Little Round Valley is now clear. Snow is thin and patchy in the trail, but due to hiker compaction it is icy. Some hikers will find spikes useful on the upper part of this trail.

On the section of Deer Springs Trail between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) six significant treefall hazards remain, mostly from high winds in January. Three more came down in a concentrated area just north of the top of Seven Pines Trail (near Mile 185.2). About ten further trees on the upper trail (above Fuller Ridge) have been down and reported repeatedly for more than a decade but with no action from the State Park. Two significant obstructions are down across the trail between the Suicide Rock Trail junction and Strawberry Junction.

South Ridge Trail is clear of snow from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak (updated 3rd Feb). Four treefall hazards that came down in the trail in strong winds in January were removed by the Trail Report in early February.

There is a well-traveled track through patchy thin snow on the short section of South Ridge Trail on the north side of Tahquitz Peak to Chinquapin Flat. This is icy in places and hikers may find spikes are useful here.

Although the situation has improved somewhat in recent months, treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed January 2025).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189, which have not been maintained by that agency for many years). Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards were removed by USFS late in 2024. Snow cover on Fuller Ridge Trail averages only 50%, but is very localized with sun-exposed sections completely clear and shaded sections still with 1-2 inches depth of snow in the trail.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction, Miles 180.8-183) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail (Annie’s Junction to Wellman Divide) from September 2024-January 2025. The Wellman Trail currently averages about 20% snow cover, confined to the sections that are sheltered under the forest canopy.

In February 2025 the Trail Report cleared Spitler Peak Trail of the six trees that came down in Santa Ana winds in January (bringing to 129 the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years). We also removed most of the whitethorn from the central portion of the trail in December 2024. While more brush trimming work is always required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition since at least mid 2023. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks, and Antsell Rock Creek starting flowing gently again in November 2024 (but will dry again this spring without significant further precipitation).

The Trail Report removed the only two new small trees down across Fobes Trail last week. The trail is otherwise largely clear, with only a few minor branch hazards mainly along the lower trail. Snow was gone from this trail (all below 6000 ft) by 31st January.

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 (and potentially dangerously) described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown, largely with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that hikers should 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 bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (some 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). One huge tree fell in late 2024 across the King Trail about midway down and requires a minor scramble underneath (that tree will not be cut soon), while another fell in January 2025 close to the bottom of the trail that is relatively easy to cross over. Another five recently downed trees were either removed or worked around in January 2025, when the trail was thoroughly trimmed and cleared. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with careful route-finding. My February 2025 survey counted about 120 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is extremely obscure for the first 0.5 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.

In late 2024 Willow Creek Trail was nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Four new trees came down on the Forest Service section in January, two of which are large and tricky for hikers to pass. In addition to trees being cut in 2024, whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in late summer. On the State Park side localized trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in 2024, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both easy to pass for hikers).

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 trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of late 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

UPDATE Friday 7th February at 1330: we caught the southernmost edge of an atmospheric river passing to our north overnight. I hiked to San Jacinto Peak this morning through pleasant misty cloud and periodic drizzle before reaching patchy blue sky right around the Peak. The storm was mild, producing only rain all the way to the highest elevations. Above 9500 ft freezing rain has plastered all surfaces with a thin but treacherous covering of ice. Spikes are strongly recommended at the highest elevations until the emerging sun melts the ice. The most rainfall on the mountain was at Saddle Junction (8100 ft) with 0.51 inch, with 0.41 inch at Wellman’s Cienega (9300 ft), 0.24 inch in Idyllwild, and 0.2 inch at San Jacinto Peak.

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The dramatically variable weather that is increasingly typical of the climate this century has certainly been impacting the San Jacinto mountains in the past week. Only five days after the all-too-minor snow storm of last week, it was t-shirt-and-shorts weather in Idyllwild this weekend. Temperatures quickly swung from below seasonal to far above average for February. San Jacinto Peak flirted with an all-time record high temperature for the month of February on 2nd, and may continue to do so on/off throughout the first two weeks of the month (the record high for February is 39.3°F on 22nd in 2021).

Predictably, melting of the light snow from the storm on 26th-27th January has been very rapid. We experienced continuous snow cover in the high country for only four days (the late January storm is described in detail in the previous Report linked here). Total snowfall at San Jacinto Peak since September 2024 has been a pitiful 7.6 inches. Many trails are already functionally clear of snow (details under Trail Conditions below) and the remainder may be within days.

Moderate rainfall is now forecast for the mid elevations overnight on 6th and throughout 7th February. Up to one inch is possible at 5000-6000 ft (e.g., Idyllwild-Pine Cove). The high country may stay largely above the precipitation, with less than 0.1 inch rain currently expected (and temperatures forecast to be too warm for snow). Another storm system is brewing for next week (12th-14th February) with possibilities for more significant snowfall, and further rain at mid elevations.

Conditions are currently suitable for spikes in places above about 8700 ft on the western slope as the established trails have undergone freeze-thaw cycles and the thin snow has become icy due to consolidation by hiker traffic. Snow depths are of course insufficient for snowshoes. Snow depths are insufficient to justify listing at the foot of this posting.

Despite temperatures being above seasonal for February, hikers should be prepared for temperatures near freezing in the high country, and potentially well below freezing when considering wind chill effects on some days (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak).

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every single day throughout the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically 2-3 times per week (more frequently during storms), Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days. On Sunday 2nd we ascended San Jacinto Peak via the classic east side route (using Devil’s Slide, Wellman, and Peak trails) and descended the west side via Deer Springs Trail. This facilitated survey of the highest parts of the PCT in the San Jacinto mountains (roughly Miles 179-181 and 185.5-183.5) plus several of its side trails.

The USFS gate at Humber Park reopened late last week. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces immediately below the gate. Vehicles not parked in these spaces have been ticketed in past winters. South Ridge Road is open and is readily passable with AWD/4WD vehicles.

WEATHER

Temperatures are forecast to remain well above seasonal until Tuesday 4th February, when they drop to near (or even slightly below) average for at least a week. Most days into mid February are forecast to be at least partly cloudy.

A warm atmospheric river passing (predictably) to our north this week will raise the marine layer to 6000-8000 ft elevation, potentially producing some light rain between 4th-7th February. Current projections are for less than 0.2 inch of rain across the four days, most likely on Friday 7th, focused on the western slope and west-facing valleys (e.g., much of the PCT in these mountains, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Garner Valley and the Desert Divide).

The high country is expected to remain above the cloud and receive no significant new precipitation, although there is a slim possibility of a very light dusting of snow on Friday 7th. Due to the warmth of the upper level air mass, temperatures in the high country are forecast to remain 5-10°F above normal on most days into mid February, although westerly winds will remain relatively strong.

At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Sunday 2nd February 2025 at 0825 the air temperature was 37.7°F (3°C), with a windchill temperature of 22.1°F (-5°C), 45% relative humidity, and a steady due West wind sustained at 22 mph gusting to 32.1 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 27th January 2025 at 1040 the air temperature was 16.0°F (-9°C), with a windchill temperature of 9.0°F (-13°C), 74% relative humidity, and a remarkably calm hint of a NNW breeze sustained at 0 mph gusting to 2.8 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

For details of water availability prior to the late January minor storm, see an earlier Report (linked here).

There is currently no continuous settled snow in the San Jacinto mountains, a truly unprecedented situation in recorded history this far into the winter months. The thin covering above 9000 ft that fell on 7th January only lasted for a few days despite cold temperatures, while the 4-6 inches of snow from the minor storm on 26th-27th January has already largely melted.

Most hikers will find that traction devices are not required on the trail system, although conditions are currently suitable for spikes in places above about 8700 ft on the western slope (Deer Springs Trail and short parts of the PCT) as the established trails have undergone freeze-thaw cycles and the thin snow has become icy due to consolidation by hiker traffic. Spikes tend to be much more valuable for descending trails than ascending.

There is functionally no snow on trails below 9000 ft on the eastern side trails, e.g., Devil’s Slide Trail is clear, as is most of PCT Miles 178-180. Patches persist in the most sheltered areas above 9000 ft, notably either side of Annie’s Junction (PCT Mile 180.8), then again at 9900-10,100 ft on the Peak Trail and above 10,500 ft around San Jacinto Peak.

The East Ridge Trail (between Miller-San Jacinto peaks) is still 90% snow-covered, but only 1-2 inches deep and with a well-traveled track accurately following the old trail route.

Deer Springs Trail is functionally clear of snow from the trailhead to Strawberry Junction, and then beyond for about 1.5 miles to 8600 ft elevation. From just south of the junction with Marion Mountain Trail snow cover is about 90% in the trail all the way to San Jacinto Peak. Snow is thin and patchy in the trail, but due to hiker compaction it is icy. Some hikers will find spikes useful on the upper part of this trail.

On the section of Deer Springs Trail between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) six significant treefall hazards remain, mostly from high winds in January. Three more came down in a concentrated area just north of the top of Seven Pines Trail (near Mile 185.2). About ten further trees on the upper trail (above Fuller Ridge) have been down and reported repeatedly for more than a decade but with no action from the State Park. Two significant obstructions are down across the trail between the Suicide Rock Trail junction and Strawberry Junction.

South Ridge Trail is clear of snow from the top of South Ridge Road to Tahquitz Peak (updated 3rd Feb). Four treefall hazards that came down in the trail in strong winds in January were removed by the Trail Report in early February.

There is a well-traveled track through almost continuous thin icy snow on the short section of South Ridge Trail on the north side of Tahquitz Peak to Chinquapin Flat. This is icy in places and hikers will find spikes are useful here.

Although the situation has improved somewhat in recent months, treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed January 2025).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189, which have not been maintained by that agency for many years). Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards were removed by USFS late in 2024. Snow cover on Fuller Ridge Trail averages only 50%, but is very localized with sun-exposed sections completely clear and shaded sections still with 1-2 inches depth of snow in the trail.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction, Miles 180.8-183) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail (Annie’s Junction to Wellman Divide) from September 2024-January 2025. The Wellman Trail currently averages about 20% snow cover, confined to the sections that are sheltered under the forest canopy.

In February 2025 the Trail Report cleared Spitler Peak Trail of the six trees that came down in Santa Ana winds in January (bringing to 129 the total number of trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years). We also removed most of the whitethorn from the central portion of the trail in December 2024. While more brush trimming work is always required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition since at least mid 2023. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks, and Antsell Rock Creek starting flowing gently again in November 2024 (but will dry again this spring without significant further precipitation).

The Trail Report removed the only two new small trees down across Fobes Trail last week. The trail is otherwise largely clear, with only a few minor branch hazards mainly along the lower trail. Snow was gone from this trail (all below 6000 ft) by 31st January.

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 (and potentially dangerously) described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown, largely with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that hikers should 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 bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (some 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). One huge tree fell in late 2024 across the King Trail about midway down and requires a minor scramble underneath (that tree will not be cut soon) while another one close to Laws is relatively easy to pass over. Another five recently downed trees were either removed or worked around in January 2025, when the trail was thoroughly trimmed and cleared. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with careful route-finding. My February 2025 survey counted about 120 trees down on this 2.1 miles of trail. It is extremely obscure for the first 0.5 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Four new trees came down on the Forest Service section in January, two of which are large and tricky for hikers to pass. Many prior treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut in 2024. Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in late summer 2024. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in 2024, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

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 trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of late 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

This is a summary of conditions following the only notable (so far) snow storm of winter 2024/25, albeit a minor storm by the standards of the San Jacinto mountains, with snow falling on 26th and 27th January. As is increasingly the trend with a rapidly changing climate in recent years, the snowfall did not fit an obvious altitudinal pattern (in which snow depth generally increases at higher elevations), with storm totals of about four inches at both Idyllwild (at 5550ft) and at San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft). The greatest depths I measured were between 7500 and 9500 ft, peaking at 6.5 inches at Saddle Junction (8100 ft).

The storm system was not a conventional “atmospheric river” originating well to the west, but came from a stalled “cut off” low pressure system around which the jet stream took a sinuous path from northern Canada. Consequently the system was cold, with a dusting of snow below 4000 ft on the morning of 27th, and the slow movement resulted in light snow continuing on/off for most of two days. The bulk of the snowfall was nevertheless concentrated in two phases, in the early hours of Sunday 26th, and then again overnight into the early hours of Monday 27th.

I broke trail to San Jacinto Peak via Devil’s Slide, Wellman, Peak, and East Ridge trails on Sunday 26th January, enjoying the conditions so much that I then repeated the same route, again breaking trail through further fresh snow, on Monday 27th. I recorded short video reports from the Peak on both days (linked here for Sunday 26th, and here for Monday 27th). We broke trail up South Ridge to Tahquitz Peak on 29th, and also put in a trail on the north side of Tahquitz between the peak and Chinquapin Flat.

Currently some trails have not been traveled and most are somewhat obscured by light snowfall. On my descent on the afternoon of 27th I noted that apart from Devil’s Slide Trail (and my own tracks on the PCT northbound ultimately heading to San Jacinto Peak) there were no other broken trails away from Saddle Junction. This will change soon with limited hiker traffic, but cautious navigation is recommended everywhere. Snow depths are listed at the foot of this posting, but note that due to drifting, snow is sometimes deeper in the trails themselves.

Snow depth and structure are both currently suitable for spikes above roughly 7000 ft, and spikes will become increasingly valuable as established trails become consolidated by hiker traffic and undergo freeze-thaw cycles. With rapid melting expected in the next week, the elevation at which spikes are needed will rise quickly. Snow depths are generally insufficient for snowshoes (except possibly around the Tahquitz area meadows for the next day or two) and crampons/ice axe are not required anywhere.

Hikers should be prepared for temperatures below freezing in the high country, and well below freezing when considering wind chill effects until Thursday 30th (see below for my recent weather observations from San Jacinto Peak).

The USFS gate at Humber Park closed on Sunday 26th January. Even when closed there are nine legal parking spaces immediately below the gate. Vehicles not parked in these spaces have been ticketed in past winters. South Ridge Road remains (unexpectedly) open and is readily passable with AWD/4WD vehicles.

WEATHER

Temperatures are forecast to remain below seasonal averages until Thursday 30th, with no significant further precipitation in January, although a possibility of light precipitation on the afternoon of Tuesday 28th. Temperatures are then forecast to rise dramatically to far above seasonal starting Friday 31st, with both daytime highs and overnight lows 10-15°F above average for January/February. The high country will not be spared, with temperatures also some 15°F above normal during the first couple of days of February. This will obviously very rapidly accelerate snowmelt at all elevations.

Temperatures are expected to cool somewhat into the second week of February, with light precipitation currently forecast for Wednesday 5th. This rainfall may be confined to the mid elevations with about 0.25 inch forecast for Idyllwild, with the high country forecast to be above the cloud with no snow expected at this time.

The latest video report from National Weather Service San Diego (linked here) summarizes the recent storm event and describes the weather patterns for the next week.

At San Jacinto Peak (10,810ft/3295m) on Monday 27th January 2025 at 1040 the air temperature was 16.0°F (-9°C), with a windchill temperature of 9.0°F (-13°C), 74% relative humidity, and a remarkably calm hint of a NNW breeze sustained at 0 mph gusting to 2.8 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 26th January 2025 at 1110 the air temperature was 17.8°F (-8°C), with a windchill temperature of -3.8°F (-20°C), 100% relative humidity, and a cool WSW wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 15.9 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

For details of specific trail conditions (and water availability) prior to this latest minor storm, see the previous Report (linked here).

All trails above about 6000 ft are at least partially snow-covered. By the afternoon of 27th melting was already underway below 6500 ft, and this will accelerate rapidly over the next few days. Reliable tracks are currently only known to be in place for Devil’s Slide Trail through to San Jacinto Peak via Wellman Divide.

Devil’s Slide Trail has a relatively well-traveled track to follow.

Deer Springs Trail has a reliable track through the snow all the way to San Jacinto Peak as of Thursday 30th.

South Ridge Trail has a lightly traveled posthole track through to Tahquitz Peak as of Wednesday 29th. On the same day we put through a track on the north side to and from the Peak to Chinquapin Flat, where snow depth averages five inches but is drifted to 8-12 inches in the trail.

The Ernie Maxwell Trail has a well-traveled track to follow.

SNOW DEPTHS

Numbers given here are storm totals, measured initially on 26th then again on 27th January 2025, after each of the two main periods of snowfall. Note that average depth is given; some drifting and accumulation has occurred, especially in trails. Altitudes and PCT Miles are approximate.

San Jacinto Peak (10810 ft): 3.5 inches

Wellman Divide (9700 ft): 5.0 inches

Annie’s Junction/approx. PCT Mile 180.8 (9020 ft): 5.0 inches

Tahquitz Peak (8836 ft): 5.0 inches, drifted 8-12 inches on north side trail, and 6-8 inches on uppermost South Ridge Trail

Long Valley (8400 ft): 4.5 inches

Saddle Junction/approx. PCT Mile 179 (8070 ft): 6.5 inches

Devil’s Slide Trail at Humber Park (6550 ft): 5.0 inches (largely melted by 29th)

Idyllwild (at 5550 ft): 4.0 inches, largely melted by afternoon of 27th.

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 Monday 27th January at 1130: I hiked back up to San Jacinto Peak this morning, recording another short video report (linked here). Snow last night dusted down to 4000 ft, but otherwise was a consistent 2-2.5 inches everywhere, in addition to what remained from yesterday. Greatest depth is at Saddle Junction (8100 ft) with 6.5 inches, but a paltry 3.5 inches at San Jacinto Peak. Storm total for Idyllwild is four inches, but most of yesterday’s snow had already melted by Sunday evening. I hope topublish a full update to the Report this evening.

UPDATE Sunday 26th January at 1620: I hiked to San Jacinto Peak this morning and recorded a short video report from there late morning (linked here). Light snow started in the early hours of this morning, so far accumulating to 1.5 inch in Idyllwild (but already largely melted this afternoon) and one inch at San Jacinto Peak, but with 4.0 inches at Saddle Junction (8100 ft) and 3.5 inches at 9000 ft, suggesting the high country was above the cloud for some of the first wave of snow. Current forecasts expect 2-3 more inches everywhere by tomorrow morning. At this time carrying traction devices such as microspikes is recommended everywhere on the trail system above 7000 ft, and cautious navigation is required for those who are not very familiar with the trails in snow conditions.

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Southern California is experiencing the driest start to a winter since records began in 1850, as discussed in a recent National Weather Service San Diego video report (linked here). Riverside County, along with much of the rest of southern California, is currently under 5% of average precipitation for the water year (i.e. since 1st October). December 2024 was the first time in recorded history that no snow fell in the San Jacinto high country in December, by far the latest into any winter on record with no settled snow in these mountains. Total snowfall at San Jacinto Peak since September 2024 has been a laughable 3.6 inches. Consequently at this time hikers will find spikes are not required anywhere on the trail system, however this is expected to change significantly this weekend.

A minor-to-moderate storm system is now forecast for 25th-27th January. With a complex and dramatic jet stream flow bringing an air mass originating in central Canada directly to Southern California, this is expected to be a cold system with a dusting of snow possibly as low as 4000 ft. Precipitation estimates have varied from one to 14 inches of snow above 10,000 ft, with about 5-7 inches currently most likely. Snow at mid elevations is expected from the evening of Saturday 25th throughout Sunday 26th, with up to four inches possible between 5000-6000 ft (e.g., Idyllwild-Pine Cove).

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every single day throughout the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically 2-3 times per week (more frequently during storms), Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Despite a failed monsoon in 2024 and below-average precipitation both last winter and – very obviously – so far this season, most major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time, surviving for now off the above average precipitation from September 2022 to August 2023 (sample photos below and in a prior Report linked here). Note that many of these water sources may freeze temporarily in the coming days.

The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 19th January 2025. The creek in Little Round Valley largely dried up in early January 2025 but is still flowing gently – when unfrozen – in its central section (photo below). In the Tahquitz area meadows, the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. Tahquitz Creek is flowing at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and adjacent to its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177. Strawberry Cienega is dry. Stone Creek is dry where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6. Bud Spring near 9900 ft, just north-west of Marion Mountain, is flowing. Cedar Spring is flowing gently. Tool Box Spring (at the top of Ramona Trail) continues to flow well as of mid January.

WEATHER

Prior to the arrival of the winter storm on 25th, moderate to strong Santa Ana winds (i.e. largely from northeasterly directions) are forecast for 20th-21st. Gusts to 55 mph are possible in the high country and 30 mph around Idyllwild-Pine Cove. Even though much of this winter has been unusually mild, air temperatures are nevertheless often near or below freezing above 10,000 ft, where strong winds (>20 mph) greatly influence the feel of temperatures and hence associated risks. At this time of year, hikers must always be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country regardless of forecasts and/or how relatively mild it may feel at trailheads (see my sample Peak weather observations below).

Temperatures have been largely above average for months dating back to last summer. After the passage of the Santa Ana winds, temperatures will quickly warm to well above average at all elevations on 22nd-24th, before falling dramatically on Saturday 25th.

A minor-to-moderate storm system is now expected on 25th-27th January. As described above this is expected to be a cold system with light snow possible down to 4000 ft. Temperatures at the highest elevations on 25th-27th are forecast to be severely cold, with air temperatures near or below 10°F/-12°C, and windchills well below 0°F/-18°C.

Light snowfall is expected for at least 24 hours between the evening of Saturday 25th until the evening of Sunday 26th, perhaps continuing into Monday 27th. Precipitation estimates currently suggest 5-9 inches of snow above 10,000 ft, and 2-4 inches at mid elevations (5000-6000 ft).

Following passage of the storm, temperatures are forecast to quickly rise yet again, and by the first week of February may be well above seasonal (i.e. significantly above freezing in the high country).

A minor storm on Tuesday 7th January briefly brought light snow throughout the mountains with a dusting down to 6500 ft and about an inch above 9000 ft. Three inches settled at San Jacinto Peak where I recorded a short video report that evening (linked here). Remaining snow is now largely melted and what little remains is very thin and patchy.

The latest National Weather Service San Diego video report (linked here) released on 20th January describes in detail the weather patterns expected over the next ten days.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Monday 20th January 2025 at 0830 the air temperature was 11.4°F (-11°C), with a windchill temperature of -13.9°F (-26°C), 58% relative humidity, and a frigid due North wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 28.3 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 17th January 2025 at 0800 the air temperature was 24.0°F (-4°C), with a windchill temperature of 8.6°F (-13°C), 22% relative humidity, and a fresh NW wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 15.8 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no continuous settled snow in the San Jacinto mountains, a truly unprecedented situation in recorded history this far into the winter months. The thin covering above 9000 ft that fell on 7th January only lasted for a few days despite cold temperatures (photos in previous Report linked here). There is functionally no snow on trails below 9900 ft on the eastern side trails, with thin but locally icy patches at 9900-10,100 ft on the Peak Trail and around San Jacinto Peak. The East Ridge Trail (Miller-San Jacinto peaks) is still 50% snow-covered. Snow is gone on Deer Springs Trail below 9500 ft, and is sparse and patchy above that. Few if any hikers will find that traction devices are required anywhere on the trail system. As described above, the snow situation is expected to change significantly in the next week.

Although the situation has improved somewhat in recent months, treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed January 2025).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189, which have not been maintained by that agency for many years). Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards were removed by USFS late in 2024.

On the section of Deer Springs Trail between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) most of the tricky treefall hazards that came down in strong winds earlier in the month were removed on 22nd January 2025, following an urgent request from the Trail Report. About ten further trees on the upper trail (above Fuller Ridge) have been down and reported repeatedly for more than a decade but with no action from the State Park.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction, Miles 180.8-183) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail (Annie’s Junction to Wellman Divide) in September-December 2024 and this work continues in January 2025. We continue to trim South Ridge Trail year-round, but with increased effort in December-January 2024/25.

The Trail Report removed almost all the obstructive whitethorn from Spitler Peak Trail in December 2024, largely in the central portion of the trail (miles 2.0-3.2 from the trailhead). Another 37 treefall hazards were cleared by the Trail Report in 2024, bringing to 123+ the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While more brush trimming work is always required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition since at least mid 2023. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks, and Antsell Rock Creek starting flowing gently again in November but will likely dry again soon.

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 (and potentially dangerously) described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown, largely with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that hikers should 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 bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (some 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). One huge tree fell in late 2024 across the King Trail about midway down and requires a minor scramble underneath (that tree will not be cut soon). Another five recently downed trees were either removed or worked around in January 2025, when the trail was thoroughly trimmed and cleared. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My first 2025 survey counted about 120 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September 2024. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

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 trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of late 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

Southern California is experiencing the driest start to a winter since records began in 1850, as discussed in a recent National Weather Service San Diego video report (linked here). Riverside County, along with much of the rest of southern California, is currently under 5% of average precipitation for the water year (i.e. since 1st October).

There is only limited evidence for a significant change in the weather. The jet stream and associated atmospheric rivers are being forced generally to our north by a “Rex block” – an obstructive high/low pressure combination – which typically lasts for days, but has potential to persist for months. There is the possibility of a minor storm system bringing some precipitation on 25th-27th January.

December 2024 was the first time in recorded history that no snow fell in the San Jacinto high country in December, by far the latest into any winter on record with no settled snow in these mountains. Total snowfall at San Jacinto Peak since September 2024 has been a laughable 3.6 inches.

A minor storm on Tuesday 7th January briefly brought light snow throughout the mountains with a dusting down to 6500 ft and about an inch above 9000 ft. Three inches settled at San Jacinto Peak where I recorded a short video report that evening (linked here). Unfortunately the dusting below 9000 ft had largely melted already on sun-exposed slopes within 24 hours. Remaining snow is now largely melted and what little remains is thin and patchy. Most hikers will find spikes are not required anywhere on the trail system.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every single day throughout the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically 2-3 times per week (more frequently during storms), Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Despite a failed monsoon in 2024 and below-average precipitation both last winter and – very obviously – so far this season, most major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time, surviving for now off the above average precipitation from September 2022 to August 2023 (see photos below and in the previous Report linked here). The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 13th January 2025. The creek in Little Round Valley finally dried up in early January 2025. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. Tahquitz Creek is flowing at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and adjacent to its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177. Strawberry Cienega is dry. Stone Creek is dry where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6. Bud Spring near 9900 ft, just north-west of Marion Mountain, is flowing (photo in an earlier Report linked here). Cedar Spring is flowing gently. Tool Box Spring (at the top of Ramona Trail) continues to flow well as of mid January.

WEATHER

Temperatures have been largely above average for months dating back to last summer. Temperatures are currently forecast to be around or below seasonal until about Tuesday 21st, when they will quickly warm to well above average at all elevations on 22nd-24th, before falling again around Saturday 25th.

Temperatures in the high country will be near or below freezing for the next week, with cold windchills around the high peaks. A cold air storm system may pass over starting Saturday 25th and bring cold temperatures at the highest elevations on 25th-27th (air temperatures well below 20°F/-9°C, windchills potentially far below 0°F/-18°C).

Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds (i.e. largely from northeasterly directions) are forecast for 20th-23rd, especially severe on 20th-21st. Even though much of this winter has been unusually mild, air temperatures are nevertheless often near freezing above 10,000 ft, where strong winds (>20 mph) greatly influence the feel of temperatures and hence associated risks. At this time of year, hikers should always be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country regardless of forecasts and/or how relatively mild it may feel at trailheads (see my sample Peak weather observations below).

While prospects for precipitation into early February are slim, there is the possibility of a minor storm system bringing some precipitation on 25th-26th January. At this time it is too early to be confident about snow or rain probabilities or quantities associated with that possible storm system.

The latest National Weather Service San Diego video report (linked here) released on 17th January describes in detail the weather patterns expected over the next week and beyond.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 17th January 2025 at 0800 the air temperature was 24.0°F (-4°C), with a windchill temperature of 8.6°F (-13°C), 22% relative humidity, and a fresh NW wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 15.8 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 13th January 2025 at 0850 the air temperature was 17.8°F (-8°C), with a windchill temperature of 2.7°F (-16°C), 17% relative humidity, and a light due North wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 11.6 mph.

At the Peak on Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 1115 the air temperature was 12.5°F (-11°C), with a windchill temperature of -14.3°F (-26°C), 86% relative humidity, and a frigid NNE wind sustained at 23 mph gusting to 33.9 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no continuous settled snow in the San Jacinto mountains, a truly unprecedented situation in recorded history this far into the winter months. The thin covering above 9000 ft that fell on 7th January only lasted for a few days despite cold temperatures (photos above and below). There is functionally no snow on trails below 9900 ft on the eastern side trails, with thin but locally icy patches at 9900-10,100 ft on the Peak Trail and around San Jacinto Peak. The East Ridge Trail (Miller-San Jacinto peaks) is still largely snow-covered. Snow is gone on Deer Springs Trail below 9500 ft, and is sparse and patchy above that. Few if any hikers will find that traction devices are required anywhere on the trail system.

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed late 2024).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189, which have not been maintained by that agency for many years). Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards were removed by USFS late in 2024.

On the section of Deer Springs Trail between Strawberry Junction and the top of Marion Mountain Trail (roughly PCT Miles 183-185) five new major treefall hazards came down in strong winds in early January 2025, bringing to seven the number of major downed trees on this section. These have been reported to the State Park. A further 8-9 trees are on the upper trail (above Fuller Ridge) have been down and reported repeatedly for a decade but with no action from the State Park.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction, Miles 180.8-183) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail (Annie’s Junction to Wellman Divide) in September-December 2024 and this work continues in January 2025. We continue to trim South Ridge Trail year-round, but with increased effort in December-January 2024/25.

The Trail Report removed almost all the obstructive whitethorn from Spitler Peak Trail in December 2024, largely in the central portion of the trail (miles 2.0-3.2 from the trailhead). Another 37 treefall hazards were cleared by the Trail Report in 2024, bringing to 123+ the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While more brush trimming work is always required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition since at least mid 2023. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks, and Antsell Rock Creek starting flowing gently again in November but will likely dry again soon.

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 (and potentially dangerously) described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown, largely with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that hikers should 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 bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (some 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). One huge tree fell in late 2024 across the King Trail about midway down and requires a minor scramble underneath (that tree will not be cut soon). Another five recently downed trees were either removed or worked around in early January 2025, when the trail was thoroughly trimmed and raked. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My first 2025 survey counted about 120 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September 2024. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

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 trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of late 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

UPDATE Friday 10th January 2025 at 1700: Due to high fire risk, power has been shut off in Fern Valley since Tuesday evening. It may be restored tonight. Consequently bandwidth is limited for updating the Trail Report, and a full update is now unlikely before Monday 13th. I took the opportunity to hike to San Jacinto Peak again on 8th, putting in tracks through the shallow snow on east and west sides of the mountain for others to follow. We hiked the Tahquitz Peak area on 9th. Snow has largely gone everywhere below 9000 ft, with, for example, no snow on the trails to Tahquitz Peak. Snow is thin, patchy, and steadily melting at higher elevations. Most hikers will find spikes are not required.

UPDATE Tuesday 7th January 2025 at 2050: We finally have a little settled snow this winter! Cold, strong Santa Ana winds (i.e. coming in from the north-east) started early this morning, and produced minor – but much needed – precipitation, with light snow throughout the mountains above 6500 ft. Three inches settled at San Jacinto Peak, and I measured two inches at Wellman Divide (9700 ft), and 0.75 inch above 9000 ft. Locations on the north-east (windward) side received a little more snow, with at least an inch in Long Valley (8500 ft). Snow has drifted in trails due to the strong accompanying winds which have strengthened further this evening. The dusting below 9000 ft has largely melted already on sun-exposed slopes. I recorded a short video report from San Jacinto Peak on my hike this evening (linked here). The air temperature at the Peak was 13.3°F (-10°C) at 1600, with a windchill temperature of -13.5°F (-25°C). Similar temperatures are expected tomorrow morning.

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December 2024 was the first time in recorded history that no snow fell in the San Jacinto high country in December, nor was there any settled snow remaining from prior storms. It is consequently by far the latest into any winter on record with no snow in these mountains. Total snowfall – using that term very generously – at San Jacinto Peak since September 2024 has been 0.6 inch, the sum of three very light dustings all of which promptly melted.

Almost all of Riverside County, along with many other parts of south-east California, is currently under 5% of average precipitation for the water year (i.e. since 1st October), and the other Southern California ranges – the Santa Ana, San Gabriel, and San Bernardino mountains – also have no settled snow (other than artificial snow made at ski resorts).

There is currently no evidence of a significant change on the way. The jet stream and associated atmospheric rivers continue to track generally to our north. Even when the jet stream tracks across Southern California (on 7th-9th January), we will remain in the dry portion of the air mass. Note that temperatures in the high country will be far below freezing on 7th and 8th January, with severely cold windchill temperatures (below 0°F/-18°C) and the possibility of very light precipitation.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day throughout the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes to the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak typically 2-3 times per week, Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Unusual recent weather – unseasonably warm and dry so deep into the winter months – has led to an exceptionally active tick season. Some trails are predictably tick-prone, such as Cedar Springs Trail where the lower section currently has cattle ranging on and near the trail, and wood ticks (genus Dermacentor) are abundant. Even trails such as lower Deer Springs Trail are producing tick encounters (deer ticks, Ixodes, appropriately enough). Hikers with dogs in particular should take necessary precautions and check thoroughly for ticks post-hike.

Despite a failed monsoon earlier this year and below-average precipitation both last winter and – very obviously – so far this season, major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time, surviving for now off the above average precipitation from September 2022 to August 2023 (see photos below and in a previous Report linked here). The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 1st January 2025. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. 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. Strawberry Cienega is dry. Stone Creek is dry where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6. Bud Spring near 9900 ft, just north-west of Marion Mountain, is flowing (photo in prior Report linked here). Cedar Spring is flowing well for the time of year.

WEATHER

Other than fluctuating either side of seasonal during the second week of the month, temperatures were above average for most of December. They are currently forecast to continue to be above seasonal for the first half of January, albeit briefly dipping close to seasonal on 6th-8th before rising again. Temperatures in the high country will be well below freezing on 7th and 8th January, with windchill temperatures potentially dangerously cold (likely below 0°F [approx. -20°C]).

Strong winds are currently forecast for the high country almost every day in the first two weeks of January. Strong – at times very strong – Santa Ana winds (i.e. largely from northeasterly directions) are forecast for 7th-9th and again on 14th-15th January. Even though much of this winter has been unusually mild, air temperatures are nevertheless often near freezing above 10,000 ft, and strong winds (>20 mph) greatly influence the feel of temperatures and hence associated risks. At this time of year, hikers should always be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country regardless of forecasts and/or how mild it may feel at trailheads (see my sample Peak weather observations below).

Many days for the foreseeable future will be at least partly cloudy. There was no significant precipitation in December 2024 at mid or upper elevations, and there is currently no significant precipitation in the forecasts until at least mid January.

The latest video report from NWS San Diego (linked here) gives a thorough explanation of the weather conditions expected for the week of 6th-10th January.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Wednesday 1st January 2025 at 0815 the air temperature was 39.3°F (4°C), with a windchill temperature of 23.5°F (-5°C), 23% relative humidity, and a variable due West wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 22.3 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 29th December 2024 at 0840 the air temperature was 38.8°F (4°C), with a windchill temperature of 25.2°F (-4°C), 12% relative humidity, and a blustery WNW wind sustained at 13 mph gusting to 23.7 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains (sadly for the first time in recorded history into January).

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed late 2024).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards were removed by USFS late in 2024.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction, Miles 180.8-183) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail (Annie’s Junction to Wellman Divide) in September-December 2024. We continue to trim South Ridge Trail year-round, but with increased effort in December 2024.

The Trail Report focused on removing almost all the obstructive whitethorn from Spitler Peak Trail in December 2024, largely in the central portion of the trail (miles 2.0-3.2 from the trailhead). Another 37 treefall hazards were cleared by the Trail Report in 2024, bringing to 123+ the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While more brush trimming work is always required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition since at least mid 2023. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks, and Antsell Rock Creek starting flowing gently again in November.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September 2024. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

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 (and potentially dangerously) described by the Forest Service as “not maintained”. In reality both trails have been abandoned and no longer exist. They are so heavily overgrown, largely with dense whitethorn, which obscures dozens of downed trees, that hikers should 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 bushwhacking of the unmaintained trails (some 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). One huge tree fell in late 2024 across the King Trail about midway down and requires a minor scramble underneath (that tree will not be cut soon). Another five recently downed trees were either removed or worked around in early January 2025, when the trail was thoroughly trimmed and raked. From Laws east to Caramba the route of the original Caramba Trail has been cairned by myself and others and can largely be followed with very careful route-finding. My first 2025 survey counted about 120 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 trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of late 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

There is no settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto high country, the latest into a winter in recorded history by many weeks without snow in these mountains. Total snowfall – using that term very generously – at San Jacinto Peak since September is 0.6 inch.

There is very little evidence of a change on the way. The storm to our north on the afternoon of Tuesday 24th December brought only brief drizzle to mid elevations, with the high peaks remaining above the cloud. There is the possibility of more unsettled weather in the first week of January.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report literally every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied routes throughout the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak averaging 2-4 times per week, Tahquitz Peak and area 1-2 times per week, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Unusual recent weather – warm and dry so late in the year – has led to an exceptionally active tick season. Some trails are predictably tick-prone, such as Cedar Springs Trail where the lower section currently has cattle ranging on and near the trail, and wood ticks (genus Dermacentor) are abundant. Even trails such as lower Deer Springs Trail are producing multiple tick encounters (deer ticks, Ixodes, appropriately enough). Hikers with dogs in particular should take necessary precautions and check thoroughly for ticks post-hike.

Despite a failed monsoon earlier this year and below-average precipitation both last winter and – obviously – so far this season, major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below and in a previous Report linked here). The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 23rd December. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow very well. Tahquitz Creek is flowing at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177. Strawberry Cienega is functionally dry. Stone Creek is dry where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6. Bud Spring near 9900 ft, just north-west of Marion Mountain, is still flowing steadily (photo below). Cedar Spring is flowing well for the time of year.

WEATHER

Temperatures have been above average for almost all of December, but fluctuated either side of seasonal during the second week of the month. They are now forecast to largely above seasonal for the remainder of December, potentially dropping closer to seasonal for the first week of January. Most days for the foreseeable future will be at least partly cloudy.

Temperatures dropped to seasonal on Wednesday 25th, but windchills were well below freezing at higher elevations on Tuesday 24th. The minor storm on 24th produced only 0.02 inch of rain as high as Saddle Junction (8100 ft), a trace of rain to Wellman’s Cienega (9300 ft), but no precipitation at all at San Jacinto Peak (10,810 ft).

Strong winds are currently forecast for the high country on most days into the first week of January. Even though much of December 2024 has been unusually mild, air temperatures are often near freezing above 10,000 ft, and strong winds (>20 mph) greatly influence the feel of temperatures and hence associated risks. At this time of year, hikers should always be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country regardless of forecasts and/or how mild it may feel at trailheads (see my sample Peak weather observations below).

The latest video weather review from NWS San Diego released on Monday 23rd (linked here) does not suggest an encouraging outlook for precipitation into early January.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Wednesday 25th December 2024 at 0830 the air temperature was 34.8°F (1°C), with a windchill temperature of 19.4°F (-7°C), 17% relative humidity, and a sharp NW wind sustained at 16 mph gusting to 26.3 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 23rd December 2024 at 0900 the air temperature was 37.6°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 27.5°F (-2°C), 37% relative humidity, and a light NNW wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 11.8 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 19th December 2024 at 0805 the air temperature was 44.1°F (8°C), with a windchill temperature of 34.0°F (1°C), 33% relative humidity, and a moderate SE wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.8 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains (sadly for the first time in recorded history in December).

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed late 2024).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards were removed by USFS late in 2024.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction, Miles 180.8-183) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail (Annie’s Junction to Wellman Divide) in September-December 2024. We continue to trim South Ridge Trail year-round, but with increased attention this December.

The Trail Report has worked hard on Spitler Peak Trail in December to remove most of the obstructive whitethorn, largely in the central portion of the trail. Another 37 treefall hazards were cleared by the Trail Report in 2024, bringing to 123+ the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While more brush trimming work is always required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition since mid 2023. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks, and Antsell Rock Creek starting flowing gently again in November.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September 2024. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

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 trimmed and cleared multiple times annually. As of late 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

With no storms passing close to our area this month, there continues to be no settled snow in the San Jacinto high country, by far the latest into a winter in recorded history without snow in these mountains. We are not alone in this predicament. Rainfall for almost all of Riverside County is only 5% of average for the current water year (i.e. since 1st October). San Diego is experiencing its 7th driest water year to date, in a sample size of 174 years (since 1850; NWS data in video report linked here).

At San Jacinto Peak on the afternoon of Thursday 12th winds from the west (as a storm system passed through central California) were not as strong as expected, but still generated some impressive cloud formations (video and photo below), and a few tiny snowflakes flew by.

Temperatures are now forecast to be well above seasonal for the remainder of December. Frankly it was remarkable to be sat at San Jacinto Peak on the morning of Thursday 19th in mild conditions with an air temperature of 44°F – far above seasonal for mid December – and (for me) completely comfortable in just a shirt and shorts.

Another storm is forecast to pass by largely to the north on 24th-25th December, bringing strong winds to the high country and cooler temperatures to all elevations. At this time very limited precipitation is forecast.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes throughout the high peaks including San Jacinto Peak averaging 2-3 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Unusual recent weather – warm and dry so late in the year – has led to an exceptionally active tick season. Some trails are predictably tick-prone, such as Cedar Springs Trail where the lower section currently has cattle ranging on and near the trail, and hence wood ticks (genus Dermacentor) are abundant. Even trails such as South Ridge, Ernie Maxwell, and lower Deer Springs Trail are producing multiple tick encounters (deer ticks, Ixodes, appropriately enough). Hikers with dogs in particular should take necessary precautions and check thoroughly for ticks post-hike.

Despite a failed monsoon earlier this year and below-average precipitation both last winter and – obviously – so far this season, major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below and in previous Report linked here). The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 16th December. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow very well. Tahquitz Creek is flowing at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177. Strawberry Cienega is functionally dry. Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point. Bud Spring near 9900 ft (just north-west of Marion Mountain) is still flowing steadily. Cedar Spring is flowing well for the time of year.

WEATHER

Temperatures were well above average for the first week of December, fluctuated either side of seasonal for the second week, and are now forecast to be well above seasonal yet again at all elevations almost daily for the remainder of December. Temperatures drop to near seasonal on Wednesday 25th, but windchills may be well below freezing at higher elevations on Tuesday 24th.

Most days for the foreseeable future will be at least partly cloudy. The next storm probably passing largely to our north is expected to produce strong mountain winds and lower temperatures on 24th-25th December. Some very light precipitation is possible at all elevations, but it is expected to be mild enough to rain even around the highest peaks.

Strong winds are currently forecast for the high country on 24th and most days from 26th-31st December. Even though much of December 2024 has been unusually mild, air temperatures are often near freezing above 10,000 ft, and strong winds (>20 mph) greatly influence the feel of temperatures and hence associated risks. At this time of year, hikers should always be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country regardless of forecasts and/or how mild it may feel at trailheads (see my sample Peak weather observations below).

The latest video weather review from NWS San Diego released on Monday 16th (linked here) does not suggest an encouraging outlook for precipitation for the remainder of December.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Thursday 19th December 2024 at 0805 the air temperature was 44.1°F (8°C), with a windchill temperature of 34.0°F (1°C), 33% relative humidity, and a moderate SE wind sustained at 7 mph gusting to 13.8 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 16th December 2024 at 0820 the air temperature was 42.0°F (6°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 38.6°F (4°C), 12% relative humidity, and a barely discernable WNW breeze sustained at 1 mph gusting to 3.7 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 13th December 2024 at 0920 the air temperature was 30.8°F (-1°C), with a windchill temperature of 12.6°F (-11°C), 28% relative humidity, and a stiff NW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 31.3 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 12th December 2024 at 1300 the air temperature was 24.0°F (-5°C), with a windchill temperature of 3.7°F (-16°C), 25% relative humidity, and a frigid WSW wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.6 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains (sadly for the first time in recorded history this far into December).

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed late November 2024).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards have been removed by USFS in the past month.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the Wellman Trail in September-December 2024.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms earlier in 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June, with three further trees more recently removed. This brings to at least 123 the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While another round of brush trimming work is required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition for more than a year. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks (photo below), but Antsell Rock Creek adjacent to the trailhead has been dry for a couple of months.

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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

We are now by far the deepest into December in recorded history with no settled snow in the San Jacinto high country. The flow of storm systems continues to track well to the north of our area, and this is forecast to continue into late December. Such a pattern has become increasingly common with global heating this century, and consequently 12 of the past 13 winters have had below average snowfall in the San Jacinto mountains high country (a statistic that looks increasingly likely to become 13 out of 14 winters). Rainfall for almost all of Riverside County is at only 5% of average for the current water year (i.e. since 1st October).

Strong Santa Ana winds have led to a Red Flag Warning (in mid December!). At San Jacinto Peak on the morning of Tuesday 10th, the north-east wind was sustained at nearly 30 mph, accompanied by just 11% relative humidity. At the Peak on the afternoon of Thursday 12th winds from the west (as a storm system moved through to our north) were not as strong as expected, but still generated some impressive cloud formations (video and photo below), and I briefly had a few tiny snowflakes flying by. Further storms may pass by north of us on 14th-15th and then again on 24th-25th, bringing strong winds to the high country, but currently little or no precipitation is forecast.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes through the high country to San Jacinto Peak currently 2-3 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Unusual recent weather – warm and dry so late in the year – has led to an exceptionally active tick season. Some trails are predictably tick-prone, such as Cedar Springs Trail, where the lower section currently has cattle ranging on and near the trail, and wood ticks (genus Dermacentor) are abundant. However, even trails such as South Ridge, Ernie Maxwell, and lower Deer Springs Trail are producing multiple tick encounters (deer ticks, Ixodes, appropriately enough). Hikers with dogs in particular should take necessary precautions and check thoroughly for ticks post-hike.

Despite a failed monsoon earlier this year and below-average precipitation both last winter and – obviously – so far this season, major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below). Middle Spring on Devil’s Slide Trail finally dried up by 10th November. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 1st December at least. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is dry, however the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow very well. The creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to trickle where it is crossed by the meadow trail. Tahquitz Creek is flowing at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177 (photos below). Strawberry Cienega is functionally dry. Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point. Bud Spring at 9900 ft (just north-west of Marion Mountain) is still flowing gently. Cedar Spring is flowing well for the time of year (photo below).

Forest Service campgrounds and the State Park Stone Creek campground all closed for the season last month. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak also closed in November.

WEATHER

Temperatures were well above average for the first week of December, but have now dropped to closer to seasonal. Temperatures are forecast to be well above seasonal yet again at all elevations on 16th-23rd December. The cloud-dominated days of late November return for 11th-17th December. Strong prevailing westerly winds on Thursday 12th raised the marine layer sufficiently to bring a hint of light drizzle to the mountain (and briefly a few tiny snowflakes up high!), but otherwise there continues to be no precipitation in the forecasts for the next ten days at least. Storms passing well to our north are expected to produce strong mountain winds on 14th and 24th-25th December.

Even though much of December 2024 has been unusually mild, air temperatures continue to be around freezing above 10,000 ft and when winds are strong (>20 mph) they greatly influence the feel of temperatures and associated risks. At this time of year, hikers should always be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country regardless of forecasts and how mild it may feel at trailheads (see Peak weather observations below).

The latest video weather review from NWS San Diego released on Tuesday 10th (linked here) does not suggest an encouraging outlook for precipitation for most of the remainder of December.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 13th December 2024 at 0920 the air temperature was 30.8°F (-1°C), with a windchill temperature of 12.6°F (-11°C), 28% relative humidity, and a stiff NW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 31.3 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 12th December 2024 at 1300 the air temperature was 24.0°F (-5°C), with a windchill temperature of 3.7°F (-16°C), 25% relative humidity, and a frigid WSW wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 27.6 mph.

At the Peak on Tuesday 10th December 2024 at 0910 the air temperature was 32.7°F (0°C), with a windchill temperature of 14.9°F (-10°C), 11% relative humidity, and a potent NE wind sustained at 27 mph gusting to 33.9 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains (sadly for the first time in recorded history into December).

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed late November 2024).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards have been removed by USFS in the past month.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report heavily trimmed the Wellman Trail in September-December 2024.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms earlier in 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June, with three further trees more recently removed. This brings to at least 123 the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While another round of brush trimming work is required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition for more than a year. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks (photo below), but Antsell Rock Creek adjacent to the trailhead has been dry for a couple of months.

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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

Although the high country was in the cloud frequently in the last week of November, there has been no further precipitation since the minor rain on 23rd. The first week of December is forecast to be dry and unusually warm (for the time of year), with temperatures above seasonal at all elevations. This “winter” now holds the dubious distinction of being the latest into December in recorded history that there has been no settled snow in the San Jacinto high country. Cold fronts passing to the north on 9th-10th and again around 14th will substantially drop temperatures and strengthen winds, but are not currently forecast to bring significant precipitation.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes through the high country to San Jacinto Peak currently 2-3 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Unusual recent weather – warm and dry so late in the year – has led to an exceptionally active tick season. Some trails are predictably tick-prone, such as Cedar Springs Trail, where the lower section currently has cattle ranging on and near the trail, and wood ticks (genus Dermacentor) are abundant. However, even higher elevation trails such as lower Deer Springs Trail are producing many tick encounters (deer ticks, Ixodes, appropriately enough). Hikers with dogs in particular should take all necessary precautions and check thoroughly for ticks post-hike.

Despite a failed monsoon this year and below-average precipitation last winter (and almost none so far this season), major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below). Middle Spring on Devil’s Slide Trail finally dried up by 10th November. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 1st December. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is dry, however the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow very well. The creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to trickle where it is crossed by the meadow trail. Tahquitz Creek is flowing at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177 (photos below). Strawberry Cienega is functionally dry. Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point. Bud Spring at 9900 ft (just north-west of Marion Mountain) is still flowing gently. Cedar Spring is flowing well for the time of year (photo below).

Forest Service campgrounds and the State Park Stone Creek campground all closed for the season last month. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak also closed in November.

WEATHER

Temperatures have risen to well above average for the first week of December, which is also forecast to be dry. The cloud-dominated days of late November will be replaced by largely clear days until about Wednesday 11th. Winds are forecast to be relatively calm for the first week of December. Winds in the high country strengthen significantly again starting Sunday 8th. The passage of a cold front to the north on 9th-10th December will produce stronger winds, cooler air temperatures, and windchill temperatures well below freezing. The next possible cold front is tentatively forecast for 13th-15th December.

Even though December 2024 is starting unusually mild, air temperatures continue to be around freezing above 10,000 ft and when winds are strong (>20 mph) they significantly influence the feel of temperatures and associated risks. At this time of year, hikers should always be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country regardless of forecasts.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Tuesday 3rd December 2024 at 0850 the air temperature was 36.5°F (2°C), with a windchill temperature of 26.6°F (-3°C), 51% relative humidity, and a cool SE wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.5 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 1st December 2024 at 0830 the air temperature was 43.4°F (6°C), with a windchill temperature of 35.1°F (2°C), 38% relative humidity, and a pleasantly cool SSE wind sustained at 6 mph gusting to 9.1 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 29th November 2024 at 0835 the air temperature was 38.5°F (3°C), with a windchill temperature of 31.1°F (0°C), 11% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 4 mph gusting to 7.3 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains (sadly for the first time in recorded history into December).

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. Some 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions that make for slow-going, between Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed late November 2024).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section (Miles 189.3-190.5) five significant treefall hazards, present for several years, have been cut by USFS in the past month.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report largely completed trimming the Wellman Trail in September-November 2024.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms earlier in 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June, with three further trees more recently removed. This brings to at least 123 the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While another round of brush trimming work is required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition for more than a year. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks (photo below), but Antsell Rock Creek adjacent to the trailhead has been dry for a couple of months.

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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

In keeping with the theme of this winter so far, last weekend’s storm to the north almost completely missed the San Jacinto mountains. The system was sufficiently warm to produce light rain (rather than snow) as high as San Jacinto Peak on the evening of Saturday 23rd, with 0.15 inch there, and similar amounts at Wellman’s Cienega (0.11 inch at 9300 ft) and Saddle Junction (0.12 inch at 8100 ft). Rainfall was very limited elsewhere, with just 0.03 inch in Idyllwild, and 0.05 inch in Little Round Valley (9800 ft).

Although the high country has been in the cloud on/off in recent days, there has been no further precipitation. The high country was in the cloud above 9000 ft during my ascent on Monday 25th, with pleasantly damp trails from all the mist dripping off the trees, and with rocks around the highest peaks starting to get icy.

Air temperatures continue to be near freezing above 10,000 ft, although winds are now generally weaker than in recent weeks with much less severe windchills. Hikers should nevertheless be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country (prior to a significant warming in the first week of December).

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak currently 3-4 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Despite a failed monsoon this year and below-average winter precipitation last season (and far below average so far this season), major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below). Middle Spring on Devil’s Slide Trail finally dried up by 10th November. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 29th November. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is dry, however the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. The creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to trickle where it is crossed by the meadow trail. Tahquitz Creek is flowing gently at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177 (photos below). Strawberry Cienega is functionally dry. Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point.

Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Dark Canyon, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin all closed for the season earlier in November. The State Park Stone Creek campground is also now closed. Fire lookouts at Black Mountain and Tahquitz Peak closed on 14th and 22nd November, respectively.

WEATHER

Temperatures dropped below seasonal on Saturday 23rd and are now expected to remain near or below average until the end of November. Temperatures then rise to well above average for the first week of December, which is also expected to be dry. The last week of November will be largely cloudy every day with a possibility of minor precipitation in the early hours of Wednesday 27th November.

Winds are strong (>20 mph) almost daily in the high country for the remainder of November, significantly influencing the feel of temperatures and associated risks. Air temperatures are near or below freezing above 10,000 ft daily, and consequently windchill temperatures are below (often well below) freezing. Winds are forecast to calm significantly for most of the first ten days of December.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 29th November 2024 at 0835 the air temperature was 38.5°F (3°C), with a windchill temperature of 31.1°F (0°C), 11% relative humidity, and a light WNW wind sustained at 4 mph gusting to 7.3 mph.

At the Peak on Wednesday 27th November 2024 at 0820 the air temperature was 31.5°F (0°C), with a windchill temperature of 14.7°F (-10°C), 100% relative humidity, and a biting WNW wind sustained at 17 mph gusting to 29.0 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 25th November 2024 at 0845 the air temperature was 31.3°F (0°C), with a windchill temperature of 16.3°F (-9°C), 100% relative humidity, and a steady due West wind sustained at 12 mph gusting to 21.3 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 24th November 2024 at 0830 the air temperature was 27.3°F (-3°C), with a windchill temperature of 5.7°F (-5°C), 65% relative humidity, and a wild due West wind sustained at 20 mph gusting to 37.1 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains.

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. About 56 trees are down across the trail between PCT Miles 170.5-174, with 37 of these, including several serious obstructions, that make for slow-going around Miles 172.5-174 (around and immediately south of South Peak). A further nine smaller obstructions are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail). Significant sections of Miles 168.5-175 are also badly overgrown with brush and are in urgent need of major trimming work (surveyed late November 2024).

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section, the two major trunks at about Mile 190.1, present for about three years, were cut by USFS on 5th November.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

The Trail Report largely completed trimming the Wellman Trail in September-November 2024.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms earlier in 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June, with three further trees more recently removed. This brings to at least 123 the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While another round of brush trimming work is required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition for more than a year. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks (photo below), but Antsell Rock Creek adjacent to the trailhead has been dry for a couple of months.

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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

UPDATE Sunday 24th November 2024: in keeping with the theme of the winter so far, the major storm to the north almost completely missed the San Jacinto mountains. It was mild enough to produce light rain – rather than snow – as high as San Jacinto Peak, with 0.15 inch there, and similar amounts at Wellman’s Cienega (0.11 inch at 9300 ft) and Saddle Junction (0.12 inch at 8100 ft). The next week will be almost completely cloudy, with possibilities for minor precipitation on 26th, 27th, and 30th.

_______________________

Our third storm of the season brought cold temperatures, but sadly almost no precipitation, to the San Jacinto mountains on 15th-16th November. A dusting of snow (0.1 inch) fell above 9000 ft on Friday 15th. I recorded a short video report from San Jacinto Peak that morning (linked here). Further precipitation that night was much more widespread than the previous day, but still minimal, and on 16th I recorded another 0.1 inch of snow everywhere above 6400 ft. Snow cover was most consistent from 8000-9500 ft, but so thin as to be barely measurable (photos below). The mid morning air temperature at San Jacinto Peak (13.6°F/-10°C) on 16th was several degrees colder than the previous day, but without an accompanying strong wind overall it felt milder.

There is a possibility of minor snowfall spread across several days starting at the weekend (Saturday 23rd-Tuesday 26th November), as a dramatic storm passes well to our north. It remains unclear when (or even if) the storm impacts the San Jacinto mountains, with high country snow forecasts now only 0-2 inches. The relatively warm system will result in a high snow level near or even well above 9000 ft. Rainfall is expected to total less than 0.25 inch at mid elevations, potentially spread across more than two days.

Air temperatures will be near or below freezing above 10,000 ft from Saturday 23rd onward, with strong winds every day and hence windchill temperatures around the highest peaks generally well below freezing. Hikers should be prepared for winter temperatures in the high country.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak currently 3-4 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Despite a failed monsoon this year and below-average winter precipitation last season (and so far this season), major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos in the previous Report linked here). Ephemeral water sources have been dry for months. Middle Spring on Devil’s Slide Trail finally dried up by 10th November. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 19th November. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is dry, however the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. The creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to trickle where it is crossed by the meadow trail. Tahquitz Creek is flowing gently at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177 (photos below). Strawberry Cienega is functionally dry. Hidden Lake was 10% full in mid November (by surface area, not volume). Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point.

Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin, Dark Canyon, Marion Mountain, and Fern Basin all closed for the season earlier in November. The State Park Stone Creek campground is also now closed for the season. The fire lookout at Black Mountain closed for the season on 14th November, and Tahquitz Peak lookout will close on Friday 22nd.

WEATHER

Temperatures have fluctuated wildly in November, and that pattern looks likely to continue for the remainder of the month. They were near or below seasonal the first few days of November before rising to above seasonal on 9th-14th. Temperatures dropped rapidly again from 15th, and are forecast to remain below seasonal until 19th.

Temperatures will be well above average on 20th-23rd, with 21st and 22nd in particular far warmer than seasonal for late November. Both of those days will be at least partly cloudy. Temperatures then drop rapidly on Saturday 23rd, associated with the passage of a cold front mainly to our north, then remaining below average until the end of November.

A major multi-day storm system passes to the north starting this weekend (Saturday 23rd-Tuesday 26th November). As a relatively warm system, there will be a consequently high snow level at or even above 9000 ft. High country snow forecasts have ranged from 0-12 inches, but are now expected to be at the lower end of that range. Rainfall may be limited to less than 0.25 inch at mid elevations, spread across 2-3 days, mostly falling overnight on Saturday 24th, and perhaps throughout 25th-26th.

A further minor storm is tentatively forecast for 29th-30th November, but details remain unclear at this time, other than the likelihood that it will again be relatively mild, with a very high freeze level.

Winds are now strong (>20 mph) daily in the high country, significantly influencing the feel of temperatures and associated risks. Air temperatures will be near or below freezing above 10,000 ft until Tuesday 19th, and again from 23rd-29th (at least), hence windchill temperatures around the highest peaks will typically be well below freezing.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Tuesday 19th November 2024 at 1045 the air temperature was 31.3°F (0°C), with a windchill temperature of 16.1°F (-9°C), 26% relative humidity, and a moderate WNW wind sustained at 14 mph gusting to 24.1 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 18th November 2024 at 0820 the air temperature was 29.9°F (-1°C), with a windchill temperature of 10.8°F (-12°C), 22% relative humidity, and a steady WNW wind sustained at 18 mph gusting to 31.4 mph.

At the Peak on Saturday 16th November 2024 at 0835 the air temperature was 13.6°F (-10°C), with a windchill temperature of 0.5°F (-18°C), 100% relative humidity, and a cool NNE wind sustained at 5 mph gusting to 9.5 mph.

At the Peak on Friday 15th November 2024 at 0910 the air temperature was 17.8°F (-8°C), with a windchill temperature of -6.9°F (-22°C), 100% relative humidity, and a bitter WSW wind sustained at 16 mph gusting to 30.3 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no significant settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains (this may change starting late on Saturday 23rd November, as discussed above).

Treefall hazards remain a problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the five years prior to this summer was simply unconscionable. The good news is that at least half of the 132 trees down between Miles 170.5-175.5 have finally been cleared by work undertaken mainly in October 2024. A concentration of large downed trees still make for slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock). A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

The Trail Report has largely completed trimming the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail in the past two months. Although only a short trail, it forms a major part of a well-traveled route to/from the high country peaks. It was last trimmed in 2020, also by the Trail Report, as sadly the State Park shows little interest in maintaining most trails in their jurisdiction.

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section, the two major trunks at about Mile 190.1, present for about three years, were cut by USFS on 5th November.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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.

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms earlier in 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June, with two further trees recently removed in October. This brings to at least 122 the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While another round of brush trimming work is required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition for more than a year. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks (photo below), but Antsell Rock Creek adjacent to the trailhead has been dry for a couple of months.

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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

UPDATE 16th November 2024: further precipitation overnight was much more widespread than the previous day, but still minimal, with 0.1 inch of snow from 6400 ft elevation to San Jacinto Peak. Snow cover was most consistent from 8000-9500 ft, but again so thin as to be barely measurable. The mid morning air temperature at San Jacinto Peak (13.6°F/-10°C) was several degrees colder than on 15th, but without the strong wind of the previous day overall it felt milder. The San Bernardino range was more directly in the path of storm cells, and looked to have received 1-2 inches of snow.

UPDATE 15th November 2024: very minor precipitation overnight included the lightest dusting of snow (0.1 inch) above 9000 ft. I recorded a short video report from San Jacinto Peak following my morning ascent (linked here) that gives a feel for current conditions.

Temperatures have been pleasantly mild and largely above seasonal (for November) since Friday 8th. This is expected to change dramatically on Friday 15th, with temperatures dropping well below seasonal at all elevations until Tuesday 19th. Air temperatures will be well below freezing above 10,000 ft on 15th-18th, with strong winds most days and hence windchill temperatures around the highest peaks 0-10°F (-18° to -12°C). Hikers must be appropriately prepared for genuine winter temperatures. Precipitation is expected to be minimal, with perhaps an inch of snow at the highest elevations, and light rain (with a hint of snow possible) at mid elevations.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak currently 3-4 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Despite a failed monsoon this year and below-average winter precipitation last season, major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below). Ephemeral water sources have been dry for months. Middle Spring on Devil’s Slide Trail finally dried up by 10th November. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 11th November. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is dry, however the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. The creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to trickle where it is crossed by the meadow trail. Tahquitz Creek is flowing gently at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177 (photos below). Two tiny springs at Strawberry Cienega are now functionally dry. Hidden Lake was 25% full in mid October (by surface area, not volume). Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point.

Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin and Dark Canyon are now closed for the season, Marion Mountain and Fern Basin campgrounds close after Tuesday 12th November. The State Park Stone Creek campground is also now closed for the season. The fire lookout at Black Mountain closed for the season on 14th November, and Tahquitz Peak lookout is expected to close on Saturday 23rd.

WEATHER

Temperatures were near or below seasonal the first few days of November before rising to above seasonal on 9th-14th. On a calm day, temperatures can be far above seasonal in the high country (for example see observations for 10th November at San Jacinto Peak below). Temperatures drop rapidly again from 15th, remaining well below seasonal until at least 20th.

Winds are now moderate or strong on most days in the high country, significantly influencing the feel of temperatures and associated risks. Strong westerly winds on 14th-15th herald the passage of a significant cold front, and consequently air temperatures will be well below freezing above 10,000 ft on 15th-18th, with windchill temperatures around the highest peaks around -5 to +10°F (-20° to -12°C). Conversely, strong Santa Ana – generally northerly – winds on 18th-21st may result in another significant warming (relatively speaking) on 21st-23rd.

Currently there is no significant new precipitation in the forecasts, although very light precipitation (possibly even a hint of snow) is expected at mid elevations on Friday 15th, with <2 inches of snow around the highest peaks tentatively forecast for Saturday 16th.

The highly changeable weather expected over the next few days is described in detail in the latest video (linked here) from NWS San Diego.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Monday 11th November 2024 at 0830 the air temperature was 37.1°F (3°C), with a windchill temperature of 24.1°F (-4°C), 22% relative humidity, and a stiff SW wind sustained at 14 mph gusting to 21.1 mph.

At the Peak on Sunday 10th November 2024 at 0840 the air temperature was 44.1°F (7°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 40.3°F (5°C), 20% relative humidity, and a barely discernable WNW breeze sustained at 1 mph gusting to 2.4 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

There is currently no settled snow anywhere in the San Jacinto mountains (and none in the forecast at present).

Treefall hazards remain a problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the five years prior to this summer was simply unconscionable. The good news is that at least half of the 132 trees down between Miles 170.5-175.5 have finally been cleared by work undertaken mainly in October 2024. A concentration of large downed trees still make for slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock). A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

The Trail Report has largely completed trimming the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail in the past two months. Although only a short trail, it forms a major part of a well-traveled route to/from the high country peaks. It was last trimmed in 2020, also by the Trail Report, as sadly the State Park shows little interest in maintaining most trails in their jurisdiction.

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section, the two major trunks at about Mile 190.1, present for about three years, were cut by USFS on 5th November.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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).

Willow Creek Trail is nearing its 2020 condition, the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable. Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms earlier in 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June, with two further trees recently removed in October. This brings to at least 122 the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While another round of brush trimming work is required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition for more than a year. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks (photo below), but Antsell Rock Creek adjacent to the trailhead has been dry for a couple of months.

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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

Temperatures in the first few days of November have been near or below seasonal. They are now forecast to be above seasonal (for November) starting Friday 8th for at least a week. The extremely light dusting of snow in the high country on 29th October was gone by Thursday 31st. The minor storm system tentatively forecast for 2nd-3rd November failed to materialize, with Idyllwild recording only 0.01 inch of drizzle and the high country staying above the cloud.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak currently 2-4 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Despite a failed monsoon this year and below-average winter precipitation last season, major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below). Ephemeral water sources have been dry for months. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 3rd November. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is dry, however the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. The creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to trickle where it is crossed by the meadow trail. Tahquitz Creek is flowing gently at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177 (photos below). Two tiny springs at Strawberry Cienega are now barely trickling and not useful for filtering. Hidden Lake was 25% full in mid October (by surface area, not volume). Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point.

Forest Service campgrounds at Boulder Basin and Dark Canyon are now closed for the season, Marion Mountain and Fern Basin campgrounds close after Tuesday 12th November. The State Park Stone Creek campground is also now closed for the season.

WEATHER

Although temperatures had initially been forecast to be near or below seasonal throughout the first third of November – and this has indeed been true of the first few days of the month – they will rise to above seasonal on 9th-14th before dropping rapidly again. The very light drizzle tentatively forecast on the evening of Monday 11th at mid elevations is now looking unlikely. Currently there is no significant new precipitation in the forecasts.

The weather for this week – including the possibility of some critical fire weather associated with Santa Ana winds – are described in more detail in the latest NWS San Diego video forecast (linked here). Santa Ana winds are expected to affect the San Jacinto mountains on 4th and 7th November.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 8th November 2024 at 0830 the air temperature was 32.1°F (0°C), with a windchill temperature of 17.1°F (-8°C), 52% relative humidity, and a moderate NNE wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 19.7 mph.

At the Peak on Wednesday 6th November 2024 at 0810 the air temperature was 27.9°F (-2°C), with a windchill temperature of 10.9°F (-12°C), 56% relative humidity, and a stiff WNW wind sustained at 15 mph gusting to 22.2 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 4th November 2024 at 0805 the air temperature was 30.5°F (-1°C), with a windchill temperature of 12.8°F (-11°C), 24% relative humidity, and a variable due North wind sustained at 10 mph gusting to 19.5 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

According to the State Park Facebook page (linked here) the Skyline Trail reopened on 4th November. It is frankly unsurprising to note in the text that the State Park doesn’t appear to understand the difference between the Skyline Trail and Cactus-to-Clouds (C2C) route.

Treefall hazards remain a problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the five years prior to this summer was simply unconscionable. The good news is that at least half of the 132 trees down between Miles 170.5-175.5 have finally been cleared by work mainly in October 2024. A concentration of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock), with the other formerly challenging area (Miles 174-175, east and south of Red Tahquitz) now cleared. A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

The Trail Report has largely completed trimming the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail in the past two months. Although only a short trail, it forms a major part of a well-traveled route to/from the high country peaks. It was last trimmed in 2020, also by the Trail Report, as sadly the State Park shows little interest in maintaining most trails in their jurisdiction.

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section, the two major trunks at about Mile 190.1, present for about three years, were cut by USFS on 5th November.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade now. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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).

Willow Creek Trail is significantly improved and nearing its 2020 condition (the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable). Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms earlier in 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June, with two further trees recently removed in October. This brings to at least 122 the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While another round of brush trimming work is required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition for more than a year. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks (photo below), but Antsell Rock Creek adjacent to the trailhead has been dry for a couple of months.

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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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 mild October largely dominated by warm, dry weather, temperatures abruptly dropped to below seasonal on Monday 28th. The passage of a minor storm system that night produced a light dusting of snow above 9000 ft, the first widespread snow of the season, although barely measuring 0.25 inch at its deepest on San Jacinto Peak. My short video report from the Peak on the morning of Tuesday 29th is linked here. Idyllwild recorded only 0.02 inch of drizzle, but damp trails and cold temperatures made for a very welcome change. Most snow below 10,000 ft had already melted by late morning on 29th, and was gone around the highest peaks by Thursday 31st.

Another minor storm system was tentatively forecast for the weekend on 2nd-3rd November, but now appears most likely to largely pass to the north and east of our region, with very little precipitation now expected. Nevertheless, hikers heading to the high country on 2nd-3rd November should be prepared for air temperatures below freezing, and windchills well below freezing. The next forecast precipitation events are possible minor storms around 6th-7th and 12th-13th November.

Survey hikes by the Trail Report every day of the year in the San Jacinto mountains include varied and often circuitous routes to San Jacinto Peak currently 2-4 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Despite a failed monsoon this year and below-average winter precipitation last season, major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below). Ephemeral water sources have been dry for months. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 31st October. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is dry, however the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. The creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to trickle where it is crossed by the meadow trail. Tahquitz Creek is flowing gently at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177 (photos below). Two tiny springs at Strawberry Cienega are now barely trickling and not useful for filtering. Hidden Lake was 25% full in mid October (by surface area, not volume). Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point.

WEATHER

The shift from (too) many months of hot, dry, summer weather into wintery temperatures has been rapid, with a token autumn lasting no more than a week or two. Temperatures are forecast to be near or below seasonal for the remaining days of October and throughout the first third of November (at least). Some days may feel even cooler, as they will be partly or mostly cloudy.

The next minor storm system is expected on 2nd-3rd November, but may now pass largely to the north of the San Jacinto mountains. Light rain (at mid elevations) is possible at anytime from late morning Saturday into Sunday, most likely on Saturday evening, with less than 0.1 inch forecast in Idyllwild. Very light snowfall (in the high country) is possible, also most likely on Saturday evening, but is not now expected to total more than 0.5 inch at most around the highest peaks. Further minor storm systems are tentatively forecast around 7th and 12th November.

The weather patterns for the next week – including the possibility of some critical fire weather associated with Santa Ana winds between the minor storm systems – are described in more detail in the latest NWS San Diego video forecast (linked here).

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Friday 1st November 2024 at 0820 the air temperature was 36.8°F (3°C), with a windchill temperature of 25.5°F (-4°C), 13% relative humidity, and a steady due West wind sustained at 11 mph gusting to 14.8 mph.

At the Peak on Thursday 31st October 2024 at 0840 the air temperature was 32.8°F (0°C), with a windchill temperature of 19.9°F (-6°C), 17% relative humidity, and a fresh due West wind sustained at 9 mph gusting to 14.3 mph.

At the Peak on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at 0900 the air temperature was 22.4°F (-5°C), with a windchill temperature of 2.8°F (-16°C), 35% relative humidity, and a chilly WNW wind sustained at 8 mph gusting to 18.8 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

According to the State Park Facebook page (linked here) the Skyline Trail remains closed in the section under their jurisdiction (from about 5800 ft to Grubb’s Notch). No reason has been given, and at this time of year it is clearly neither because of hot weather nor snow/ice conditions. In the absence of an explanation there has been speculation that the State Park is trying to permanently shut the trail.

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the five years prior to this summer was simply unconscionable. The good news is that nearly half of the 132 trees down between Miles 170.5-175.5 have finally been cleared by work in the middle two weeks of October 2024. The remainder are scheduled for removal in early November. A concentration of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock), with the other formerly challenging area (Miles 174-175, east and south of Red Tahquitz) now largely cleared. A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

The Trail Report has largely completed trimming the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail in the past two months. Although only a short trail, it forms a major part of a well-traveled route to/from the high country peaks. It was last trimmed in 2020, also by the Trail Report, as sadly the State Park shows little interest in maintaining this trail (and too many other trails) in their jurisdiction.

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section, the only treefall hazard is two massive trunks at about Mile 190.1 that has been present for about three years.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade now. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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).

Willow Creek Trail is significantly improved and nearing its 2020 condition (the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable). Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms earlier in 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June, with two further trees recently removed in October. This brings to about 122 the total number of downed trees removed by the Report from this trail in recent years. While another round of brush trimming work is required, in general the trail is currently in its best condition for more than a year. Spitler Creek continues to flow gently at its various crossings in the upper switchbacks (photo below), but Antsell Rock Creek adjacent to the trailhead has been dry for a couple of months.

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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

UPDATE Tuesday 29th October 2024: a light dusting of snow above 9000 ft overnight is described in more detail in a short video report linked here. A further update and photos to follow this afternoon.

____________________________

Temperatures remain well above seasonal for late October until Monday 28th. While an air temperature of 52.0°F (11°C) at San Jacinto Peak in the early morning of Wednesday 23rd may not sound especially warm, it is about 15-20°F above normal (based on my decade of past data), and it was remarkable to be completely comfortable in just a t-shirt and shorts at 10,800 ft elevation in late October. Thankfully next week temperatures drop dramatically to truly autumnal temperatures, hopefully this time staying that way until winter (details under Weather below).

With a failed monsoon season in most of Southern California, fire risk remains severe everywhere, at least until temperatures drop markedly and humidity rises. 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.

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 typically 2-4 times per week, Tahquitz Peak weekly, plus a wide variety of other trails on intervening days.

Major springs, creeks, and pipes largely continue to flow at this time (example photos below). Flow rates continue to drop steadily at all elevations and ephemeral water sources have been dry for months. The Round Valley faucet continued to flow well as of 25th October. In the Tahquitz area meadows, the ephemeral creek in Tahquitz Valley is dry, however the Tahquitz Valley pipe (for those who know where it is) continues to flow well. The creek in Skunk Cabbage Meadow continues to trickle where it is crossed by the meadow trail. Tahquitz Creek is flowing gently at the northern end of Little Tahquitz Meadow, and near its source where it crosses the PCT at Mile 177 (photos below). Two tiny springs at Strawberry Cienega are now barely trickling and not useful for filtering. Hidden Lake was 25% full in mid October (by surface area, not volume). Stone Creek is no longer flowing where it crosses Deer Springs Trail at about PCT Mile 183.6, and has dried downstream of that point.

WEATHER

A major cooling trend starts Monday 28th October, replacing above average temperatures that have prevailed in recent days with temperatures that may be well below seasonal into the first few days of November. From 29th October to at least 2nd November temperatures will be below seasonal at mid elevations (but about average in the high country), with a slim chance of light precipitation tentatively forecast for 29th-30th. Throughout next week, air temperatures in the high country will be near freezing, with windchill temperatures around the high peaks below freezing.

At San Jacinto Peak (3295m/10,810ft) on Wednesday 23rd October 2024 at 0800 the air temperature was 52.0°F (11°C), with a “windchill” temperature of 51.6°F (11°C), 13% relative humidity, and a hint of a NE breeze sustained at 1 mph gusting to 2.0 mph.

At the Peak on Monday 21st October 2024 at 0825 the air temperature was 43.6°F (6°C), with a windchill temperature of 41.2°F (5°C), 26% relative humidity, and a very gentle due West breeze sustained at 1 mph gusting to 2.7 mph.

TRAIL CONDITIONS

According to the State Park Facebook page (linked here) the Skyline Trail remains closed in the section under their jurisdiction (from about 5800 ft to Grubb’s Notch), although no reason is given.

Treefall hazards remain a significant problem along parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, most notably between Antsell Rock and South Peak. The disinterest of Forest Service and PCTA in maintaining this section of a world-famous trail for the five years prior to this summer was simply unconscionable. The good news is that nearly half of the 132 trees down between Miles 170.5-175.5 have finally been cleared by work in the middle two weeks of October 2024. A concentration of large downed trees make for especially slow-going around Miles 170.5-172 (east side of Antsell Rock), with the other formerly challenging area (Miles 174-175, east and south of Red Tahquitz) now largely cleared. A further 15 smaller trees are down from Miles 168.5-170.5 (Spitler Peak Trail to Zen Center Trail).

The Trail Report has been trimming the formerly overgrown Wellman Trail since August. Although only a short trail, it forms a major part of a well-traveled route to/from the high country peaks. It was last trimmed in 2020, also by the Trail Report, as sadly the State Park shows little interest in maintaining this trail (and too many other trails) in their jurisdiction.

On the Fuller Ridge Trail section of the PCT there are 12 trees down on the State Park section of the trail (Miles 185.5-189), which has not been maintained by that agency for many years. Several of these pose quite significant hazards for hikers. On the Forest Service section, the only treefall hazard is two massive trunks at about Mile 190.1 that has been present for about three years.

Trees down on the Strawberry Trail section of the PCT (Miles 180.8-183, Annie’s Junction to Strawberry Junction) have remained uncut by the Forest Service for nearly a decade now. About six hazards on this section are thankfully all relatively easy for hikers to negotiate.

About 12 treefall hazards on Deer Springs Trail include 8-9 in the upper trail that have been down and reported repeatedly for nearly a decade but with no action from the State Park. All but two 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).

Willow Creek Trail is significantly improved and nearing its 2020 condition (the last time the original trail route was fully cleared and passable). Almost all significant treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut by mid August (several uncut trees remain that need to be removed to fully restore the original trail route). Whitethorn trimming was largely completed, mainly by volunteers, on the Forest Service side in August and early September. On the State Park side some localized whitethorn trimming of the worst patches was undertaken in September, and the minor treefall hazards new in 2023/24 were removed, leaving just two major long term downed trees (both have simple workarounds for hikers).

The 34 treefall hazards that came down across Spitler Peak Trail during ice storms in February 2024 were cleared by the Trail Report in June. 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 September 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 serious 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 thirds 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.

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