Mount San Jacinto backpack - W/E of July 4th

[hikeaz]

I have a couple of extra permits available for this trip.....
This is a wonderful opportunity to escape the summer heat and travel to Mt. San Jacinto, which is at 10,804 feet. The plan is to skip the 'Cactus-to-Clouds' trail and ascend the mountain the easy way, via the Tramway; rising 6000' over its 2.5 mile length. Upon reaching the top, we will set out for Friday's camp, Little Round Valley (7 miles, 1300' gain). The meadows and views along this section are awesome. For those interested in peak-bagging, we can hike the 'cherry stem' up to Mt. San Jacinto along the way. Saturday morning, we will make our way over to Saturday's camp, Strawberry Junction (only 4 miles), traveling on a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. There are various side-trips available along this section for those who'd like to increase the mileage. Sunday is an 8 mile hike (loss of 1000') back to the tramway. The hiking is mostly flat with only a few short ascents from time to time. The tram fee is just $22.00 R/T. We will also be camping or more likely “hotelling” in/near Palm Springs on Thursday night, so as to get a relatively early start on Friday morning. Although Palm Springs seems far away, it is but 265 miles from Phoenix - and all of it freeway, avoiding the I-17 or Beeline holiday weekend traffic SNAFUS!

If you would like to join the trip, let me know.

[azbackpackr]

Sounds fun. I can't go, but did the same trip in mid-winter one time, years ago, on snowshoes. Camped right exactly on the summit with about 12 feet of snow underneath our tent!

Permits? Wow, times have sure changed. $22? Wow, I think it was about 5 bucks in the 70's. I'm sure it's still nice up there, though. Have fun!