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Post by johntpenca on Oct 25, 2019 16:55:41 GMT -8
Do you know of any good trails in the San Jacinto wilderness? I imagine the snow season will be starting up soon. Are you familiar with the weather there this time of year? The book linked earlier will give all the details. The two main accss points are the tram and Humber Park out of Idylwild. A good trail is Devils Slide out of Humber Park to Saddle Junction. From there, there are numerous alternatives. There are places to set up a tent all over once you get to Saddle Junction if you are ready to set up there, but you'll have to make a hike for water. Willow Creek is good. Depending on how much mileage you want to do, a great loop is Devils Slide-Willow Creek-Round Valley-Wellman's Divide-Back to Saddle Junction and Devil's Slide. Weather should be great for the next several weeks. Just find out the water situation is from the rangers. Here's the link to the ranger station in Idylwild. You'll need a permit. www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev7_007800General edit: 10/29/19
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Oct 25, 2019 17:31:53 GMT -8
Good idea to keep in mind the temperature differences as you go higher as well in terms of clothing etc. San Jacinto was where, one Thanksgiving break, I learned that “why yes below 32 degrees f a pure butane canister (Bluet) WILL refuse to vaporize and when you unscrew the “dead” canister you will be able to pour out the liquified gas....”
Especially in SoCal the high peak areas can be a chilly surprise. Big Bear ski resort is much the same elevation....
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Post by johntpenca on Oct 25, 2019 18:09:12 GMT -8
^^^ Yes, the elevation is high, so it can get chilly. But nothing to worry about. Any normal canister stove will be fine; just make sure the fuel is iso-butane, which is the norm these days. Geeze HSF, trying to scare her? sdkrissi: it would be helpful if you would give us more information on your experience and goals as far as mileage, planned nights out, etc. If you are familiar with temps at 8k-10k elevation, there shouldn't be any surprises. If you are a beginner or experienced would make a difference in my recommendations.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Oct 25, 2019 19:00:38 GMT -8
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Post by sdkrissi on Oct 25, 2019 21:58:11 GMT -8
You both have such relevant info! I'm thinking Idylwild sounds perfect this time of year. As far as experience, I'm still on the novice side. All of my backpacking trips have been between spring and fall, never winter. I'd like to get out in the next month or so and ease into winter backpacking, if that's even possible.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Oct 26, 2019 9:58:07 GMT -8
With all the elevation difference SoCal offers backpacking year round, just lower and lower as the heights go white. Winter in Anza Borrego is wonderful If by winter camping you mean snow camping I found my way into that by simply car camping in snowy car campgrounds. Yosemite keeps some of theirs open year round for instance. Just use the gear you’d backpack with. Hodgdon Meadow st 4900 feet will get snowed on for some of the year. www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hodgdoncamp.htm
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Post by sdkrissi on Nov 7, 2019 20:01:24 GMT -8
Does anyone have any thoughts or experience in Lake Elsinor this time of year? I'm leaning towards that area.
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Post by johntpenca on Nov 8, 2019 7:57:31 GMT -8
No experience personally. The PCT passes through Lake Elsinor. You could section The PCT from Big Bear to I15 or from I15 to Wrightwood. There's the Deep Creek hot springs along the way between BB and I15, but that gets mixed reviews from the people that go there on their PCT hike. It's a clothing optional backcountry hot springs about 3 miles(?) from a road. Can attract a weird crowd from what I've read, but if you are not alone it should be fine. Check out sections C and D on Halfmile's website: www.pctmap.net/maps/
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Post by johntpenca on Nov 8, 2019 8:20:45 GMT -8
Closer to SD, you might look at a PCT section near Mt. Laguna (setion A on Halfway's website). Great views of the Anza Borrego. But it is pretty dry, so water might be a concern. ETA: if you are thinking of doing any PCT sections, a great resource is trailjournals to read what past hikers experienced: www.trailjournals.com/journals/pacific_crest_trail
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Post by greg1062 on Nov 8, 2019 13:30:01 GMT -8
No experience personally. The PCT passes through Lake Elsinor. Not quite. It is many miles east of there.
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Post by johntpenca on Nov 10, 2019 18:22:32 GMT -8
Not quite. It is many miles east of there. My mistake, you are correct. I was thinking of Lake Silverwood.
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Post by johntpenca on Nov 14, 2019 19:39:43 GMT -8
So, sdkrissi: what did you end up doing? Got a trip report?
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