Always be prepared for the unexpected when you’re in the mountains. My pack is heavy when I hike about 15-20 lbs. I’m used to the weight. In my pack are always at least 3L of fluids, The 10 Essentials, including rain gear.
I woke up pretty early today and decided to do a solo hike to Mount San Jacinto via Palm Springs Tram. I checked the weather (as I always do with every single hike) before I went—cloudy and warm. Nothing significant.
I checked in Ranger Station to get my hike permit. I was informed 30% chance thunderstorm expected at the summit by 1130. Temps at summit 75°. I have 3 hours to hike up the 5 miles to the summit . I will monitor weather for thunder and lightning and turn around when that happens.
I did not stop at Wellman’s Divide, where I would normally eat a snack. I kept going as well as the other hikers I met. Two minutes later, it started raining. Guess what, I have my rain gear. I stopped and put them on and temp was getting cold too. The other hikers saw me and asked if I knew it was going to rain. I said no, I just have it in my pack ALL. THE. TIME. They replied, well that’s so smart.
I continued hiking towards the summit, so far no thunder or lighting. I made it to the summit. No one was there. But not 5 minutes later, 3 young guys showed up. They took my picture. Then not even a minute, the sky cleared up and sun showed up.
I left the summit right after my pics taken…I ate my food while I hiked down. There were bursts of heavy rain on my way down. So glad I had my rain gear.
Grateful for today’s cloudy and rainy skies, temps around 60°—Much better than the Heat Advisory.
*Bonus: When I got back to the Tram station, I bumped into my favorite Park Ranger, Ranger Nick. He recognized me and chatted a bit. If you follow @mountsanjacintosp on Instagram, you will see some of the educational videos he posted.
Total 11 miles, 2650’ total elevation gained, burned total 1776 kcal.