Got an early taste of Winter on this trek; the water faucet and pipe at the Round Valley Campground were showing signs of icicles, even later in the afternoon.  It was face-freezing cold for most of the hike – definitely bracing, and a welcome change from this week's So Cal heat.  Decided to do the alternate route, through Tamarack Valley to go up Miller Peak, then on to San Jacinto, and back to the Tramway via the Round Valley Trail.  Pay no attention to the All Trails App where it says that the “Back Trail” is closed – The Park Ranger I chatted with at their office said that the route is open.  It's a cool, less travelled alternative to the regular trail that most hikers use, and you can easily meet up with the Peak Trail to San Jacinto along your way.