Summit Attempt I

1/30/11  The first full attempt at summiting San Jacinto via the Cactus to Clouds route in the winter. Doing this route in one day is considered a pretty serious accomplishment in dry conditions. 11,000' of total gain in around 22 miles. I'm determined to do it in the snow. I just wasn't anticipating trying it in an actual snow storm...
IMG_1715 First light at the Desert Art Museum. This time I was determined to get closer to the summit, so I planend to be at the trailhead by sunrise. I lost about 15...
First light at the Desert Art Museum. This time I was determined to get closer to the summit, so I planend to be at the trailhead by sunrise. I lost about 15…
IMG_1718 Sunrise over Palm Springs. I didn't take too many pictures on this trip below Long Valley (8400'), since I already had a bunch from the previous trip. And...
Sunrise over Palm Springs. I didn't take too many pictures on this trip below Long Valley (8400'), since I already had a bunch from the previous trip. And…
IMG_1721 I always wonder how people stop long enough to make these elaborate trail markers.
I always wonder how people stop long enough to make these elaborate trail markers.
IMG_1723 Cool view of San Gorgnio above a sea of clouds.
Cool view of San Gorgnio above a sea of clouds.
IMG_1724 Nice hazy mountain shot. You can see the first signs of the incoming storm approaching from the right-hand side of the picture. There was a chance of snow for...
Nice hazy mountain shot. You can see the first signs of the incoming storm approaching from the right-hand side of the picture. There was a chance of snow for…
IMG_1726 Chapparal tunnel. There was snow at this point last time.
Chapparal tunnel. There was snow at this point last time.
IMG_1727 The first official snow patch. Somewhere around 7000'.
The first official snow patch. Somewhere around 7000'.
IMG_1728 I still love the rock formations up here.
I still love the rock formations up here.
IMG_1730 The sub-alpine zone starts at about 7500'. Into the pine trees now, but still with a view of the valley over 7000' below. Hard to believe I was just down there...
The sub-alpine zone starts at about 7500'. Into the pine trees now, but still with a view of the valley over 7000' below. Hard to believe I was just down there…
IMG_1732 Good view of the tram. You can see the support tower and the gondola just to the left of it.
Good view of the tram. You can see the support tower and the gondola just to the left of it.
IMG_1733 This was a pretty risky snow traverse last time, but it's only patchy snow now.
This was a pretty risky snow traverse last time, but it's only patchy snow now.
IMG_1734 The snow starts to become more consistent as I reach Long Valley. The last mile or so would be pretty solid, and quite icy.
The snow starts to become more consistent as I reach Long Valley. The last mile or so would be pretty solid, and quite icy.
IMG_1735 Another pic of the granite rock that looks like it belongs in Yosemite. I think it's called Coffman's Crag.
Another pic of the granite rock that looks like it belongs in Yosemite. I think it's called Coffman's Crag.
IMG_1736 Made it to Long Valley, and in excellent time. It's barely noon. I don't remember seeing this sign last time. Not that it would have mattered.
Made it to Long Valley, and in excellent time. It's barely noon. I don't remember seeing this sign last time. Not that it would have mattered.
IMG_1737 The path up to the tram lodge at Long Valley. There is no chance I'm going in there this time. Once you get in that nice warm lodge, with hot food waiting for...
The path up to the tram lodge at Long Valley. There is no chance I'm going in there this time. Once you get in that nice warm lodge, with hot food waiting for…
IMG_1738 This is the official Long Valley ranger station. I guess the little room in the lodge is just a sattelite station. You have to get your day-use permit here to...
This is the official Long Valley ranger station. I guess the little room in the lodge is just a sattelite station. You have to get your day-use permit here to…
IMG_1739 Long Valley Creek winding through through the snow. It's in the 30s at this point, but the sun is out and it's perfect snow trekking weather. Conditions are...
Long Valley Creek winding through through the snow. It's in the 30s at this point, but the sun is out and it's perfect snow trekking weather. Conditions are…
IMG_1740 Another creek view.
Another creek view.
IMG_1742 The cascades are half frozen into iceicle waterfalls with the water flowing at the same time. The water must be barely above freezing.
The cascades are half frozen into iceicle waterfalls with the water flowing at the same time. The water must be barely above freezing.
IMG_1743 I make it to the meadows at Round Valley, a popular backpacking camp site. This snowman would be a very welcome sight on the way back.
I make it to the meadows at Round Valley, a popular backpacking camp site. This snowman would be a very welcome sight on the way back.