Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness Alpine/High Elevation Backpacking

Phone: (619) 594-6958

DESCRIPTION

Mt. San Jacinto offers an abundance of great weekend backpacking trails all no more than 6 to 8 miles in total length. This trip has it all. We will take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to 8,000’ and spend the weekend backpacking a total of 12 miles including a summit attempt of the 10,804’ San Jacinto Peak, the second tallest peak in southern California. This trip is excellent for first time wilderness backpackers.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Depart 2:00pm Friday and arrive at Tramway in Palm Springs by 6:00pm. Hike 2-3 miles into Round Valley, the last mile possibly with headlamps! Set up camp and enjoy the solitude. Saturday, hike 3-5 miles in and around Round Valley learning about the natural and cultural history of the area as well as practice Leave No Trace skills. Sunday, wake up an hour before dawn and get on trail to summit—hopefully arriving to see the sunrise! Enjoy a trail breakfast at summit and then slowly make our way back down to campsite to pack up and hike 2-3 miles back to Tramway. We should arrive back at SDSU by 6:00p.m.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FOOD

We provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. Participants are responsible for meals while on the road as well as SNACK FOOD. Please let your leader know if you have any dietary restrictions as we can usually accommodate.

EQUIPMENT/CLOTHING

Participants must have sturdy hiking boots and be able to provide clothing that will keep them warm and dry for temperatures ranging from 20 to 80 degrees. PICK UP A DETAILED BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT LIST AT TIME OF REGISTRATION.

PRE-TRIP MEETING

YOUR ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED! Check your receipt for the time and date. Meetings usually take place the Monday prior to you trip at Aztec Adventures from 6:00 to 7:30pm.

RISKS/HAZARDS

Altitude sickness (we will be hiking at elevations between 8,000' and 10,800'), drinking untreated water, rugged terrain, animals (squirrels, marmots), other hikers and campers, carrying a heavy backpack, cooking on backpack stoves, cold temperatures (freezing at night with possible wind chill), and mosquitoes.

RULES OF CONDUCT & SAFETY POLICIES

NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL WILL BE TOLERATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE TRIP (i.e. from the time the trip departs SDSU to the time it returns to SDSU). In addition, we ask that you respect and follow the safety instructions of the leaders. Please read our handout, “ABOUT OUR OUTINGS” carefully.

PHYSICAL ABILITY/PREREQUISITES

Participants should be in good physical condition and be capable of carrying a heavy backpack (35-55lbs.) up and down steep grades for a round trip total of eight to ten miles.

OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

Plan on being a contributing member of a group of 10 to 12. We will make decisions as one group, travel as one group, camp as one group, and share the work to be done equally as one group. Please note: If you are the independent type that prefers to do things alone then this trip is not appropriate for meeting your needs.

LODGING/FACILITIES

Toilet facilities will be available Thursday night/Friday morning only at USFS campground. There will be no facilities of any kind available in the backcountry on Friday and Saturday.

CREDITS

Enrollment in SDSU classes is not a requirement for any outing. Students enrolled in RTM 305, RTM 489 and ENS 138 will receive credit for this trip.

COST

ARC Members $275
Non-Members $295

Included in the Cost: Leadership, transportation, most food (except road meals & snacks), group camping gear (stoves, cook kits, safety gear, etc.), campground, entrance and/or shuttle fees, and all specialized equipment related to the activity.

TOP

(619) 594-6958
aztecadventures@ sdsu.edu