[pct-l] San Jacinto Fire Closes PCT

[mctrob at yahoo.com (Rob Langsdorf)]

The firefighters objectives with regard to this fire are:
"Keep Fire west of Palm Springs and South of Highway 111.
Keep fire from crossing Tramway Road. Keep fire out of Snow
Creek Housing Development and east of Snow Creek Road." 

This sounds like the fire might threaten the trail from
Fuller Ridge down to Snow Creek. Currently the fire is
burning in the canyon (Blaisdell) and on the steep slopes
between Snow Creek and the Palm Springs Tram. If they
contain it there it should be no problem to the PCT. But it
might be wise to stay south of Fuller Ridge for the next
few days.

AsABat asked:
"Has anyone been up Blaisdell Canyon? It looks like it
could be an interesting route up San Jacinto, although very
rugged. I'd suspect better for a long day climb rather than
an overnighter given the steepness."

I don't know of anyone who has climbed that route. It looks
like you could go up the west branch of the creek from
Section 25 through the NW corner of section 36 to the ridge
in Section 35 at about 4000' and continue up this ridge to
the main ridge in Section 34 at about 5200. This ridge
looks like it might have a flat spot on it between 5972 and
the 6000' contour where one could spend the night.

The bad thing about this route is the lack of water. At
least the Snow Creek route has water in the lower part of
the canyon early in the season. It also takes you directly
to the summit of San Jack if you navigate the canyon
divisions correctly. Great climb if you can negotiate the
permits.

        Rob



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