First attempt on San Jacinto.  This was planned to be my replaced peak, but became the last option with the closure of San Gorgonio Closed for the remainder of the year.  The trailhead was easy enough to find, and with being in December, only one other car at the trailhead.   After review of recent hike descriptions, we brought the micro-spikes, and very glad we did is they were requirement.  This trail is much steeper in parts than anticipated.  After the mixture of Oak/Pine, is wasn't long until the oak was behind us.  Another interesting note on this hike is the amount of enormous boulders – not something I have seen in the Angeles or San Bernardinos.   There were minor ice patches the first 1-2 miles, but the spikes were needed just after 2 miles in.  In my first use of these, it is amazing how well they work.  The weather was clear, and a day after major winds and we only encountered breezy conditions on the way up.  Temp at the start was about 36 and probably was in the low to mid 40's at the top.   This trail is not as defined or maintained as well as many of the other popular trails with a few downed tree detours, but overall it was in good shape.

Now the unfortunate part – made a decision to turnback at the junction with the trail from the East/aerial tram in efforts to get back to the car before dark.   This turnaround was 0.3 miles from the top.  We did walk the 50 yards on the other trail to be rewarded with unbelievable views over the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and much beyond.   In retrospect, we would have made it as we picked up more time than expected on the way down.   Will do my best to not dwell on this decision the rest of Winter!

A great hike – and he best part is we only saw 3 people – 1 guy coming down who was presumably the other car, and 2 at the top who came from the tram route.  If you are going before the end of the year, bring spikes, and start early as the days are getting longer.