[Jeff]

I was going to say “be sure to check the hike logs” but when I did, I saw that no one has logged San Jacinto yet in 2023. For a time, the backcountry was closed, but that order has been lifted. It’s still got lots of snow, so even taking the tram up and starting there will require extra winter mountaineering gear and expertise.

I summited San Jacinto in the snow from the tram a few years back, and wished I had brought my snowshoes. I don’t as postholing for hours.

Here’s a link to the San Jacinto hike logs:

https://socialhiker.net/six-pack-peaks-challenge/southern-california/hike-logs/mount-san-jacinto/

Mount San Jacinto Hike Logs

[Jeff]

According to CalTrans, Highway 58 is closed from 7 Mile Rd to Reward Rd.

It is still possible to reach Soda Lake Rd from Highway 58, if you start from San Luis Obispo and head east (rather than heading west from I-5).

[Jeff]

“The Carrizo Plain has two major sources of access. From the north, the access is via Soda Lake Road off of State Route 58”

The north entrance is paved for quite a while, but once you turn on Selby Rd it gets rough.

[Jeff]

For finding people to hike with, that’s actually the subject of our next online Happy Hour on March 9th. Check the events calendar for details.

As for the sequence, Shana shared some great advice. The higher peaks will likely be unhikeable until the snow melts (June?).

[Jeff]

Hey Caroline! Wow! You picked a heckuva time to hit Cuyamaca. Yes, it’s getting a lot of snow. I don’t think snowshoes will be required on March 4th. The utility access road is paved and in addition to being boring, could be slick after multiple thaw/freeze cycles, so micro spikes might be handy.

I’ve attached the 10-day forecast for Cuyamaca Peak from Opensnow. Keep an eye on things over the next week.

[Jeff]

@pancanman you interested?

[Jeff]

Thanks for the recommendations, Andy!

We are looking at expanding the peak lineup to give challengers and opportunity to pick their six peaks. We are planning a challenger survey for past and current AZ summer and winter challengers sometime in early March.

A few of the criteria we look for:

• Should allow following a trail (not an off-trail route)
• Physically challenging (highly variable due to individual fitness levels)
• Mainly Class 1, but can include some Class 2 or even Class 3
• Bonus points for unique features (geology, history, etc.)
• Trailhead does not require 4WD

We also try to incorporate a mix of the hikes that are on everyone's “must hike” list and some obscure hikes that people may not have heard.

If you or anyone else has additional suggestions, let us know!

[Jeff]

Thanks for the heads up. We have an Android phone for testing, but I use an iPhone. We will dig into the issue this week. Are you able to send a bug report via the Android app?

[Jeff]

First place to check is HERE! 😉

Go to Activity > All Hike Logs > Southern California > Ontario Peak

https://socialhiker.net/six-pack-peaks-challenge/southern-california/hike-logs/ontario-peak/

You can see hikes logged by other challengers and click to read more and see any additional photos.

Right now, the most recent hike up Ontario was on January 28th by challenger Linda, who reports that crampons, ice axe and mountaineering training is required beyond Icehouse Saddle.

https://socialhiker.net/hike_log/not-just-another-day-at-ontario-peak/

So I would wait. Often Ontario and Cucamonga hold on to snow into May. June is usually the earliest to avoid winter mountaineering there.

Ontario Peak Hike Logs

[Jeff]

Keep me posted. Our most recent hike log is from February, and there's been a lot of rain since then.

[Jeff]

Yes you can. A Jetboil stove is not considered an open flame, because it has an on/off knob. You will need to get an annual campfire permit (free and online here:

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/)

“With a CA Campfire Permit, you may use portable lanterns or stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.”

Of course, the governing agency can restrict that in time of high fire danger, so check with their website if in doubt.

[Jeff]

Absolutely!! I sometimes swap a ride on my Peloton. 😉

[Jeff]

Hi Margaret! You've got it now. You'll find it under your ‘Milestone' badges: https://socialhiker.net/members/hikermarg/achievements/milestone/

[Jeff]

I'm a big fan of my Peloton bike. I'm nearing my 400th ride… maybe this month.

[Jeff]

Wing suit?! 🤯 What's next? BASE jumping?