Frolicking Fool

We had taken a zero day in Idyllwild and were ready to climb Mt. San Jacinto. After breakfast at the Red Kettle (for the second time in two days), we packed our gear and began to figure out a way to the mountain. A kind trail angel gave us a ride to the trailhead, telling us about the area like only a longtime local can. We started up the mountain around noon. The first 2.5 miles flew by, fueled by carbs and caffeine. We stopped for lunch with sandwiches and strawberries from the Red Kettle, neatly packaged by the nice waitress. The lunch break was partially out of hunger but mainly to lighten our loads. Sitting in the shade of a pine forest we spoke with a local hiker as we ate. He described the trail ahead and exactly where we’d encounter snow and which sections might be slow going. From his detail it was obvious he had climbed this mountain countless times throughout his life. The passion that people have for these places is evident by the way they talk about them. We may just be passing through but interactions like this remind me how special these places are.

Shortly after lunch we ran into the snow, exactly where he said it would be. We put on our micro spikes and crunched through the snow following the foot prints of hikers that came before us. It felt good to use the spikes because they aren’t light and anything that is dead weight in your bag becomes something you want to get rid of. We moved through the snow a little awkward at first but it got easier. Then it got harder as the trail became less defined and we decided to go straight up. Usually, cutting switchbacks and going off trail is frowned upon because it destroys vegetation and causes erosion but in the snow it’s acceptable.

Around 6:15pm, we reached the peak. At 10,834’ we were at the highest point in our journey so far. We took some pictures with the signs then went back down the trail to a stone shelter we had decided to stay in for the night.

Other hikers began to show up at the shelter and soon we had a group of 7 snuggly packed into the small one room building.

After cooking dinner, we went back to the peak for sunset. There was a sea of clouds that the mountains were blocking from the desert, like rocks on a beach. We were standing on the divide with clouds on one side and desert on the other. The sun went down behind mountains in the distance that stuck up like islands in the clouds.

The first person stirred around 5am and one by one the rest of us woke up and got dressed. Getting out of the sleeping bag on a cold morning is always hard. It’s made even harder by putting on wet socks and shoes. I didn’t want to get my dry pair of socks wet so cold feet it was. Still waking up, we silently shuffled in a single file line back up the snow covered trail to the summit. The sun rose over the desert, it’s warmth bringing life back into our cold bodies. From shivering and quiet to warm and talkative, the power of the sun had its affect on us. We are all just solar powered creatures. Then we descended back to the shelter for breakfast.

At dark, we quickly hunkered down in the shelter for the night. It was a tight fit and reminded me of an AT shelter from my thru hike in 2021. It’s funny how such uncomfortable situations can bring up such good memories and feelings. Throughout the night when one person rolled over everyone else did the same creating bursts of shuffling followed by stillness, just like an AT shelter.

After we ate and packed up, we headed down the mountain. Our group of three had become seven. The trail was still covered in snow so we were following footsteps again. Some of the footprints converged and some diverged. Soon we were making our own route, using the map as guidance. Finding the best route down the mountain and avoiding icy, snow covered creeks. It was more engaging than following a path which made it fun and challenging. We knew this would be nothing compared to what lay ahead in the Sierra. A saying was starting to emerge when things got hairy: “it’s just training for the Sierra!”

Once we were off Mt. San Jacinto, we still had more snow to traverse. The group got spread out as everyone shuffled along trying not to slip and fall.

We stopped at a campsite for lunch and one by one the group reassembled. Soon there was a log covered in wet socks, shoes, gaiters and insoles. Everyone was trying to dry out and warm up from the snow. The group headed out at different times with different end points in mind. It had been fun moving as a larger group but the day would end with a dispersing of smaller groups. The natural ebb and flow of thru hiking.

Alex and I decided to push on another 10 miles, passing the 200 mile mark. We descended from the mountains back into the desert and observed the flora and fauna change again.

On the way to the campsite I caught a Rosy Coastal Boa, a beautiful and very friendly snake. It was a nice treat to end an already awesome day.

We arrived at camp for the night to find a large group we had met earlier on the trail. As we set up and cooked dinner we got to know them. Similar plans had us heading to the same place tomorrow. More new friends!