2010-06-25 thru 26: SummerFest San Jacinto Summit Hike

[OAUSA Board Members]

The Humber Park/Devil's Slide Route is the second most used and popular trail to San Jacinto Peak. It is only surpassed by those hiking from the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. So techinically, this is the most used "non cheating way" to access the peak. It is probobaly one of the best maintained trails within Mt. San Jacinto State Park as well. The trail begins at Humber Park, which is heavily used to access Suicde Rock, Tahquitz Peak and Tahquitz Rock (Lily Rock). This actual Devil's Slide Trail is only 2.5 miles long and then joins the PCT. It then leaves the PCT and follows the Wellman Cienega Trail to Wellman's Divide. So the name sake for this trail is Devil's Slide/Humber Park simply because of its starting points.
-Reference from SummitPost.org

San Jacinto via Devil's Slide / Humber Park

Near: Idyllwild, CA
Distance: 16 miles (Round Trip)
Elevation Gain: 4384 ft
Hike Time: 8 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
HikeType: 2 Day, Out and Back

Summary: This hike will be a significant and spectacular all day adventure. From Humber Park, we head up Devil's Slide (and we will find how it got its name). This part of the trail is 2.5 miles long. We will then reach Saddle Junction and then from here, continue towards Wellman's Divide. This part is around 1.9 miles. From here, we then continue the last part to Wellman's Divide. This stretch is 1 mile long. After reaching Wellman's Divide, take the San Jacinto Peak Trail (you can't miss it). Follow this till we reach the last junction for San Jacinto Peak. We will take a right and head towards the peak. The last part involves mile boulder hoping. This route is around 16 miles long with around 4,384' in elevation gain. Taken from SummitPost.org

We will hike in about 5 miles and set up a base camp near the top of Devil's Slide. We will spend Friday night at this base camp then head out with day packs Saturday morning to get to the summit. After summiting we will turn back and return to base camp where we will pack up all our gear and return to the trailhead that same day. We want to be to the SummerFest campground in time for the potluck on Saturday.

ROSTER:
OLLIE
Skytrax and son
Topdogsix
Lemmo
Ricardo
Ed
Cameron
BruisedFJ

[socal_rubi]

I've done this summit, a long time ago. It's quite the climb. Anyone attempting this climb should be in good physical shape.

There are a few different trailheads you can summit from, but any of them makes for a long trail with a significant gain in elevation.

When I did it, we packed in, camped, did the summit on day two, camped, and packed out on the third day.

The trailhead we departed from was at 6800' elv. It was 6.9 miles to camp at Dollar lake at roughly 9200' elv. The trail from Dollar Lake to summit was another 4.7 miles plus 2300' gain in elv.

That's 11.6 miles and 4700' elv gain one way, and that was from one of the closer aproaches.

The Vivian Creek aproach is the shortest, but it's still 8.6 miles and 5500' elv gain one way. Which actualy makes the trail harder in my opinion. shorter but steeper.

I was 18 years old and in peak physical condition and it kicked my ass.

It's doable in a day, but I would never do it.

[OLLIE]

I've done this summit, a long time ago. It's quite the climb. Anyone attempting this climb should be in good physical shape.

There are a few different trailheads you can summit from, but any of them makes for a long trail with a significant gain in elevation.

When I did it, we packed in, camped, did the summit on day two, camped, and packed out on the third day.

The trailhead we departed from was at 6800' elv. It was 6.9 miles to camp at Dollar lake at roughly 9200' elv. The trail from Dollar Lake to summit was another 4.7 miles plus 2300' gain in elv.

That's 11.6 miles and 4700' elv gain one way, and that was from one of the closer aproaches.

The Vivian Creek aproach is the shortest, but it's still 8.6 miles and 5500' elv gain one way. Which actualy makes the trail harder in my opinion. shorter but steeper.

I was 18 years old and in peak physical condition and it kicked my ass.

It's doable in a day, but I would never do it.

Check out the first post. We're going up via Fish Creek and making a two day trip of it. It's total distance of about 19.2 miles.

[AmoJohnny]

I might be interested in this. Anyone know what kind of weather is to be expected at the end of june? I know some 8000 foot peaks here still have a good amount of snow now, will there still be snow then? (Just thinking about what kind of shoes/boots/gear might be needed).

[jgorm]

I might be interested in this. Anyone know what kind of weather is to be expected at the end of june? I know some 8000 foot peaks here still have a good amount of snow now, will there still be snow then? (Just thinking about what kind of shoes/boots/gear might be needed).

I'm pretty sure there is some snow all year at the top, but mostly in little patches. I did it in June (6th 2004), it was blazing hot on the top with no shade ANYWHERE. I'd be surprised if there is any snow on the trail at all. Our party had over a gallon of water each and we all ran out at least twice. That is a gallon to get to the stream at about ~9K' and another gallon to get to the top and back. There is only the one spot for water, so bring a TON. I'd advise to bring some shade tarps if you camp at the top just in case its warm. People have built some cool wind shelter things at the top too. When you get past the tree line the sun can be brutal. Also, anytime you go over 8000' feet you need to be ready for cold. I had a down coat on at night with a beanie. I mostly hiked in boots, shorts, and a hat. There is a fun little rock climb too.

[OLLIE]

Due to some feedback I've received, we are changing summits. We are now going to do San Jacinto in place of Gorgonio. I will be updating the first post. It will still be a two day'r stepping off Friday morning then coming back down Saturday afternoon. We will then drive to Big Bear to join the festivities there.

[sdnative]

Saw you up there today "prerunning". How was it?

[OLLIE]

Saw you up there today "prerunning". How was it?

Saw me??? Were you up there?

We were heading up a different route. Check out the run report section for the report.

[sdnative]

APRS

[OLLIE]

APRS

Ahhhhhhhh!!!! That makes sense.