San Jacinto Peak

April 20th, 2019

3 take aways from this hike; and then some:

1. I got lost quiet a few times haha thank goodness for all trails app, but even so, I was off the trail a bit, as you can see in my picture. The snow just makes it tricky to figure out the direction you are suppose to be going, so make sure you have a way to guide yourself.
2. Thank goodness for my rented ice axe and crampons. When I hiked up I didn't need crampons, I was using my ice axe to guide me to the top. On the way down though, crampons or microspikes are a necessity. I ran into a couple who stopped at 9k feet, so close to sumit, but they did not have the right gear to make it to the top. So, yes it is April, but there is still a lot of snow on the mountains.
3. Incline! Gets me every time! When i was at the summit, my breaths felt short. Personally, this was tougher than my 14-mile Santiago Peak hike only because elevation sickness can get you. Going to nap good tonight, major headache!

Extra notes:

• Trailhead was clear of snow. (I took my very low FRS Scion car and got there with no problem *see picture with car).
• Bring lots of water or water filter, it is getting really hot.
• Don't mistake the PCT trail for the Deer Spring Trail. I went the wrong way for a bit. Make a right, up the switch backs (or straight up into the snow in my case).
• I saw 5 people summit and lots of hikers just doing the PCT.
• Access from the 10-freeway is closed because of the mudslide.
• It took me 8 hours and 15 mins! Get to the trailhead early, I got there late, around 7:30, sunrise was at 6:10.