Details
July 12-13, 2025 – San Jacinto Wilderness one night backpack to San Jacinto Peak via Devil’s slide trail and North Rim zone.
14.5 miles total and 4,400′ gain over both days. The camp will be a remote site along the North Rim Trail. (Dry camp, but about 1 mile from water if needed.)
This is the second of four training hikes for the High Sierra Trail trek in September. (Giant Forest to Mount whitney, September 20th to October 4th. Hiking Days September 22nd to October 2nd or 3rd.) Priority will be given to those interested in the HST trip, but all training hikes are open to the general group if space permits.
The pace of the HST trip will be modest. The intent is to enjoy the experience rather than to race each other to Mount Whitney.
Meet at 7:00 am at Humber Park. (Devil’s slide trailhead.) Bring an adventure pass and campfire permit to use chemical stoves. (No campfires allowed.)
Add yourself to the waitlist and I will move you to going once I receive feedback on the High Sierra Trail participation. There is a 12-person limit for this backpack.
The plan. Hike the Devil’s slide trail to Saddle junction (8000ft) and take the North Rim trail, to our Saturday trail camp site (9000ft). This campsite is hard to find, so we need to stay close as we get near. This is a dry camp, but water can be found 1.1 miles and 400 feet elevation gain further up the trail at Wellman Cienega in the State wilderness. (No dogs allowed in the State wilderness.)
Sunday we will continue on past Wellman Cienega to San Jacinto peak. (10834ft). Lunch at the peak and then we will retrace our steps back to Saddle Junction and back down the Devil’s slide trail to the cars. (Probably about 3:00pm.)
Bring at least 3 liters of water and a water filter/Treatment pills, enough food (Backpacking Dinner in camp) and snacks to sustain you on this endeavor. Your ten essentials are always required. Know your limits if you are sensitive to altitude. Turn around if needed.
Hike description: GPX files for Day 1 and Day 2 will be sent to participants in advance.
All Trails link to this route, without the campsite info:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/san-jacinto-peak-middle-route-trail
DISCLAIMER: Hike at your own risk. Be responsible for yourself and your safety. Make good decisions. With any trip, things can change, reservations can get lost, the unexpected can happen. A go-with-the-flow attitude is always a good thing, and most importantly, let’s all have fun! Make sure you are in good enough physical shape for the distance, elevation changes, and terrain. The hike leaders in this group aren’t professional hike leaders. By signing up for these events, you agree not to hold the Meetup organizers responsible for whatever happens to you on these events. The hiking group does not certify the expertise of the organizers, the event or assistant organizers (hike leaders) and…We are NOT responsible for any possible losses, injuries, or death.
