-San Jacinto Peak(2) and Jean Peak-

HPS: #16

Elevation: 10,834 ft. & 10,670 ft.

Date Hiked: 5-30-2010

Trip Report:
San Jacinto Peak is the highest point in the San Jacinto mountain range. It is also a very popular peak due to its proximity to large cities and the tram which one can take most of the way up the mountain. This was my second time hiking this peak and I also added Jean Peak. I was able to make this trip with a good friend Dave. There was still lots of snow above Saddle Junction to the peak. There is a full conditions report with pictures. If you want more info use the contact section and I can help you out.

San Jacinto Peak

We left Humber Park at 6AM and made our way quickly to Saddle Junction which only took an hour and 20 minutes. As we got higher we had great views of Tahquitz Peak which I had hiked two weeks before. The temperature was in the low 50s perfect for hiking. There was no snow all the to Saddle Junction.

Suicide Rock

Tahquitz Peak

Once above Saddle Junction there was intermittent snow until the 9000 foot junction when it became solid. There was only solid snow for about a half mile until it was clear. It was clear from this point until Wellman’s Divide. In the morning I used my crampons and Dave used his micro-spikes. The snow was still solid and without this gear it would have been difficult to pass this section. I this late morning and afternoon it would have been easier because the snow was much softer.

Beginning of the Snow

9000 Foot Junction

Looking Past the Junction toward Wellman’s Divide

Toro Peak

Trail to Wellman’s Divide

Tahquitz Peak

Once we passed Wellman’s Divide there was consistent snow to the summit. I wore crampons although I could have gone without, by late morning the snow was already getting soft. Wellman’s divide there were plenty of footprints to follow from others who had already made the trip. This was the case until the last switchback to the summit. Instead of taking this switchback and going up the standard route we decided to go directly up the ridge to the summit. This was a good decision we had amazing views down to the desert and it took less effort than the standard trail.

Me Along the Trail

Standard Snow Conditions Past Wellman’s Divide

I had decided to wear Tennis Shoes the night before because we were not sure how far we would be able to make it. Although toward the end of the day they were a little wet I am glad I wore them. My crampons worked flawlessly with them and I was glad I did not have heavy boots to drag to the top.

My Footwear

We had great views of Round Valley, the tram station and Cornell Peak along the way.

Cornell Peak

Jean Peak still had consistent snow covering the entire north face of the mountain. Judging from the depth on top it will be around for awhile to come.

Jean Peak

The Start of the Ridge to the Summit

Looking Back Along the Ridge

Same Area

The Summit is in Sight

Snow and Desert

Snow and Desert 2

Sign on the Summit

Benchmark

San Gorgonio

Palm Springs

Hemet and Mt. Baldy

Dave and I on the Summit

Its 95 Down There and 65 Up Here

The Tram Station and Palm Springs

Jean Peak Our Next Target

Looking Down Snow Creek

Santiago and Modjeska Peaks

Jean Peak and Marion Mountain

Myself Near the Summit

The Summit Hut

From the summit of San Jacinto we traveled along the ridge to Jean Peak. It only took 40 minutes to reach the summit of Jean Peak. The views from the top were not very good. There was lots of brush blocking the views from most directions. I was not able to find the summit register on Jean Peak, I assume its still buried under the feet of snow on the summit. Once we summited Jean we left on the southwest side of the mountain and made our way down the slope. It took awhile to navigate this untraveled area. We stayed on snow as much as possible. We eventually gained the trail near Wellman’s Divide.

San Jacinto from Jean Peak

The Summit of Jean Peak

Dave Negotiating the Slopes Below Jean Peak

Looking up Toward the Summit of Jean Peak

I filled my memory card after we reached the trail on our descent of Jean Peak. We got back to Humber Park at exactly 4PM 10 hours after we started. It only took us 2 hours to travel from Wellman’s Divide to Humber Park and the descent. This was a great day in the mountains, I felt great, moved quickly and had great company.

Near the Summit

Looking Toward the Summit

Summit Video Panorama

Summit Video Panorama 360

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