11/1/21 First trip back to the Holy Jim trail after it had been closed for over 2 years due to fire. Dad and I made it up to the fireroad enjoying perfect trail conditions and only 1 human sighting over almost 13 miles and 2,500' of gain.
1 It looks like the trail is open out to the falls but closed above that. I guess we'll just head to the falls and then play it by ear.
2 Most of the creek crossings were dry, but there was still a bit of water flowing as we got closer to the falls.
3 The trail past the junction out to the falls is a lot more defined than it used to be, but still involves some fun creek crossings.
4 Glad to see at least a little water flowing in the falls in such a dry year!
5 Then we headed up above the junction on trail that was technically still closed. After 2 years of being closed, the trail foliage was much tighter than usual, making for awesome conditions.
6 Crossing one of the few open areas as we approach the saddle.
7 One of the lush sections as we get into higher elevation.
8 A rare bit of downhill on the way up.
9 Just about up to the road.
10 Definitely one of the best sections of trail in the area.
11 Oops, sorry we didn't know! Though it's odd they didn't have one of these signs at the other end of the trail.
12 Who says SoCal doesn't have Fall colors!?
13 Heading back down in beautiful sunset conditions.
14 Back down to the falls junction and time to put on the headlamps. Whew, it ended-up being a longer day than anticipated. Then we had a nice night hike down the canyon to end another great day in the Santa Anas.
