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San Jacinto Peak via Devils Slide - 2 members in 2 triplogs have rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
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Jul 28 2024
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 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 863
 Triplogs 356

42 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
San Jacinto Peak via Devils SlideBig Bear - Jacinto, CA
Big Bear - Jacinto, CA
Run/Jog avatar Jul 28 2024
ShatteredArmTriplogs 356
Run/Jog15.15 Miles 4,281 AEG
Run/Jog15.15 Miles   5 Hrs   58 Mns   31 Secs2.77 mph
4,281 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
The last-second "main event" for the weekend; San Jacinto was the last of the three major So Cal summits I hadn't tagged, after an aborted attempt at Cactus-to-Clouds several years back. Decided I wanted to do something more reasonable, but also didn't want to deal with the tramway, so I figured a start near Idyllwild would fit the bill. Humber Park looked like the ideal starting point, so I showed up at the ranger station 15 minutes before they opened and the person working there handed me a permit form. Easy-peasy.

Of course, parking requires a separate permit, and there is the San Jacinto State Park wilderness permit, which I think is probably a separate permit from the one I got, but I didn't think about that until I got to the sign ~4.2 miles in.

The trek up Devil's Slide was steady climbing, but in the shade and not too steep, so it was pleasant. Once on the PCT, there was another climb, and at the top of this, over half of the climbing was already in the rear view. After leaving the PCT, the trail got a lot rougher, but the views opened up more. Wellman Cienega area has flowing water, which would prove timely on the trip back down.

Once to Wellman Divide, and on the main trail from the tramway, the hordes started appearing. I don't think I went more than a few minutes without seeing someone from the divide to the peak. Nearing the peak I was feeling pretty rough. I should mention at this point that, due to the spur-of-the-moment nature of this outing, I didn't actually bother to procure any nutritional products, so I did really want a nap up there. Hung out for 15-20 minutes, then started down.

Felt better on the way down, but due to my fasting, I couldn't really muster more than a jog. But I fortunately could rely on gravity to do the real work. Stopped to refill water at the spring above Wellman Cienega.

It was significantly warmer by the time I got back to the top of Devil's Slide, but it was the perfect downhill grade for effortless cruising.

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Middle Spring Dripping Dripping

water 1 out of 5water less than maxwater less than maxwater less than max Powderbox Spring Dripping Dripping
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Jul 07 2013
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 Guides 2
 Routes 16
 Photos 219
 Triplogs 355

64 male
 Joined Dec 22 2009
 Vista, CA
San Jacinto Peak via Devils SlideBig Bear - Jacinto, CA
Big Bear - Jacinto, CA
Hiking avatar Jul 07 2013
PLC92084Triplogs 355
Hiking15.15 Miles 5,854 AEG
Hiking15.15 Miles   9 Hrs      1.68 mph
5,854 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Felt the need to get out and about so decided to visit San Jacinto Peak (elevation 10834 feet). Been up that way numerous times but never went to the top of SJ. Weather was warm below 7500 feet but that only affected the afternoon's return trip. Most of the day I just had to contend with little or no oxygen... Did this as a solo hike, which was kind of a novelty for me; usually do this area with other hikers. Kind of nice to be by oneself (quieter too!!). Wouldn't have gotten as close to the herd of deer if I'd been with the usual gang. Of course, the deer wouldn't cooperate and let me get any decent pictures of them.

Left the parking lot around 0800 and made it to the peak around 1300. Had to make frequent stops above 9500 feet to gather what air I could find; that slowed progress a bit... Wasn't any need to rush so I just enjoyed the scenery and the views. Figured since it was Sunday, on the tail end of a Holiday, I'd have the place to myself. True, until I reached Wellman Divide... From there to the peak , it was a veritable freeway!

Wellman Divide marks the point where the trail from the Palm Springs Aerial Tram connects to the Deer Springs Trail (which leads to SJ Peak). When I reached the peak, there were probably 20-30 people crammed up there. Glad I didn't go when the place was crowded!!

After a few obligatory pictures and a quick lunch, I bid adieu to the hill-top hoard and returned to the relative solitude of the trails leading back to my car. Arrived right around 1700. All in all, it was a great day to be out and about.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
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average hiking speed 2.23 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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