[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

[pct-l] San Bernardino (West) Trail Condition

Hikers,

Friends and I just returned from day-hiking the PCT from Coxley Truck Trail
(out of Fawnskin) to Mojave River Forks Reservoir near Highway 173. For this
part of the PCT through the San Bernardino Mountains, there was "zero snow."
(For other section hikers, the access roads from Fawnskin and the one through
Cedar Glenn to Deep Creek were also free of snow.) 

Water levels were higher this year as one might expect. The water level at the
3-4 fords of Holcom Creek were "knee to mid-thigh" on a tall person. Side
streams flowing into Holcomb Creek could be rock-hopped. 

For anyone following the progress of Jason and Joann (originally from Canada,
but now from northern CA), we met them at the final wet ford of Holcomb
Creek.) They are doing great; looking healty and happy.

For hikers accessing the PCT from Cedar Glenn, there is a wet ford of Bear
Creek (as the guide says, but perhaps it's really Hooks Creek) to reach the
PCT at the arched bridge. 

We also met Brian S. at the arched bridge over Deep Creek. (We "lost him"
later at the Hot Springs when he joined the crowds of 'locals" enjoying the
hot water.) I think Brian was from New England (Maine or Vermont?). He shared
a few stories of thru-hikers waiting in Idyllwild for better conditions on San
Jacinto. He has adapted to the trail and is making "about 20 miles per day."

One side stream flowing into Deep Creek (south of the Hot Springs) was a safe,
wet ford with water above the knees.

To the north, at the Mojave River Forks Reservoir, the West Fork Mojave River
is "high." We didn't chance a crossing by the dam. Our decision was based on
having been there twice before and seeing the difference in the water level of
the river below us. 

We continued instead on the dam-top road across both the east AND west dams to
reach paved Arrowhead Lake road. (Thanks Joe for this "alternate route"
suggestion.) We hiked Arrowhead Lake Road to the south, reaching Highway 173
in ~ one mile and followed Highway 173 east for another mile, to return to the
PCT (and our waiting shuttle cars).

This 31-mile stretch of trail (and beyond to I-15 near Cajon Pass) should be a
welcome relief to anyone having hiked through the snows of the San
Bernardino's near Mission Creek and Onyx Peak.

Charlie Jones
San Diego
* From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *

==============================================================================