OCLB Goes to Palm Springs!
Mount San Jacinto Day Hike
Pride Weekend!
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 7:30 AM
IMPORTANT! It is highly recommended to purchase your Tram Tickets on-line NOW as there are a limited number for each trip to the top.
Tickets have a tendency to sell out about 2 weeks ahead of time, especially the first tram up the mountain!
The first tram goes up @ 8 AM and I can not stress the importance of getting the Tram Tickets NOW on-line! The second tram up is not until 9 AM, and we will be long gone by the time the 2nd load arrives at the top.
There is a REMOTE possibility that tickets may be available @ the Tram Station if the on-line sales are no longer available, but you should be there early to ensure you are one of the first in line to purchase a tram ticket.
We will be on that first tram up San Jacinto!
One of the most delightful hikes in Southern California due to the variety of landscapes that a hiker experiences while traversing San Jacinto!
And with Pride Weekend occurring in Palm Springs during this time, a double whammy of fun! Make it a weekend of adventure!
Hike Saturday, Party Saturday night, March in the Palm Springs Great Outdoors Pride Parade and then Party some more! Let your freak flag fly!
If you are interested in participating in the Palm Springs Pride Parade with the Palm Springs Great Outdoor Chapter - here is the link to register:
PS - Palm Springs Pride Parade
But back to the Hike!
We will take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the desert up into the San Jacinto Wilderness.
From the tram station, we will have a short descent down to reach the trail to the top of the mountain. For about the first two miles, we will hike through a beautiful evergreen forest, passing through Round Valley.
We then begin an ascent to the Wellman Divide, which is a good spot for a rest and snack because of its great views.
We begin a long uphill traverse toward the peak. Although we will still be in the forest, the trees thin out as we ascend. Thus, we will have increasingly great views of the desert beneath us. Just before the summit, we will come to a stone cabin. From there, we have about 100 yards of scrambling to reach the top. After lunch, we will return by the same route.
Special Note in regards to parking:
There is a parking fee of $12 per vehicle, but we will met at the Palm Springs Visitors Center (2901 N. Palm Canyon Drive) first about 7:00 AM and consolidate bodies into cars. The cars will be safe in the PSVC parking lot.
Plan to meet at the tram ticket counter by 7:30 am! Tickets are $29.95 for adults or $27.95 for 65+ (subject to change) plus a service charge of $2.00 per ticket for on-line orders. There MAY be a few tickets available in person but you have to be one of the first in line to get these tickets.
Getting to the tram:
From Interstate 10, take the Palm Springs Exit (Highway 111) and drive 9 miles to Tramway road. Turn right and follow the road 3.5 miles to its end at the Tramway parking lot. The tram takes us from Palm Springs to the 8,500 feet of altitude.
The summit is at 10,833 feet, giving us a gain/loss of 2,333 feet. The round trip is about 11 miles of hiking which will take 5-6 hours. This hike is rated moderate plus due to the change in elevation.
Trip Leader: Lance Whitmier and can be reached at:
PresidentOCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Special COVID Related Requirements:
Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:
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I will follow Federal, State and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the leader.
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I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.
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I will contact trip leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event
‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.
NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, please DO NOT show up for this hike unless you have completed a registration process here and have answered the required COVID questions. Also, do not bring any unregistered guests on this hike.
