Outdoor Adventure USA

For one of our conditioning hikes for Langley, we wanted to do Baldy yesterday. However, after called the Baldy Visitor Center, it was decided that the conditions weren't ideal up there unless you are an experienced ice climber. So we made a last minute decision to try the Marion approach to San Jacinto Mountain. Our plan was just to get as far up the trail as we could by a certain time then head back down and head home. I must say that this trail was quite a grind to climb. We wanted an opportunity to try out our crampons and we got it. From the 8000 ft mark all the way up was socked in snow. There were really no breaks to this trail. Just a steady climb that has you gaining elevation quickly, and with only a few switchbacks it really worked us out good. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was cold in the shade and warm in the sun. The snow up top made for some very neat little waterfalls and streams. It was a great day with views to Baldy and Gorgonio. The snow packed peaks of these two mountains was quite obvious.

The numbers for the day were as follows:
Total Round Trip Mileage: 5.25
Starting Elevation: 6350
Maximum Elevation: 8860
Time: 6.7 hours

Here are some of the pictures from the day...

This first one gives you an idea of the incline of the trail. There were a lot of people out there for the weekend.


Small Falls


Baldy in the Distance


Nice Views




Lemmo (Left) and Skytrax (Right)






Rangers above 8000 ft carrying a little back down that was left up there from a rescue during the week.


Crampons were definitely used and necessary after 8000 feet.


Gorgonio in the distance. Lots of snow still up there.

Ollie:

Great trip report and photos. I am amazed at how much snow is still on the ground. I hadn't followed the weather reports very closely this year - was there an unusually large amount of snow? Or, have the temps just not been hot enough to clear things yet?

I had forgotten how scenic that area really is. Proof, once again, that it takes shoe leather sometimes, to gain a full appreciation of the real treasures that these areas offer. Thanks for the pictures.

Great pictures, Ollie. If I didn't have other obligations I would have made it. I was able to make it up Iron Mountain this weekend though. Thanks for the report.

Fantastic pics, Ollie - now, if I could only get my knees to cooperate...

The moisture, both rain and snow, are nearly 150% above average for this time of year. The Sierras got another foot of snow last week. Baldy and Gorgonio got another 6 inches last week. The only thing that is stopping the governor from declaring the drought over is that he is waiting for some of the lakes to fill up a bit more. Once all the snow in the mountains melts we should see him declare that it is officially over. We actually have concerns about whether or not the snow will be melted enough to to take the pass we want up to Langley the first week of August. We have a back up plan just in case. We will certainly be in the snow for our San Jacinto summit during SummerFest. I'm looking forward to it. I'll be able to get my son into some of it this weekend up at Big Bear too.