San Jacinto Wilderness

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The San Jacinto Wilderness was designated by US Congress in 1964 and is managed by USFS. It covers peaks, high mountains, and canyons. The flora and fauna varies from alpine to desert. In the north part of San Jacinto Wilderness, the Pacific Crest Trail descends from the east of Black Mountain to the Cabazon area south of the I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad Yuma subdivision west.

Cabazon, named after the Native American Chief Cabazon, is 1776 ft. in elevation and was a small railroad town. After passing the San Gorgonio Pass, the railroad from Banning climbs up in a steep grade to Cabazon and drops to 1100 ft. in elevation at Whitewater in about ten miles. In the 1870s, Cabazon was built after the Union Pacific Railroad built a railroad depot.

Since the 1980s, Cabazon has become the home of wind turbines because the San Gorgonio Pass is one of the most established wind energy areas in the US. Shell's first commercial-scale wind project in California is a 41MW wind farm in Cabazon.

Time

September / October triennial

Activities

3 day, 2 night 20 miles hike.
- On the first day we drive out to Palm Springs, leaving cars at the bottom of the hike, where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the I-10 (need enough cars for whole group to get back to Irvine). We then go to Banning for Dinner and then drive up the mountain, taking an 11 mile dirt road to the trailhead. We sleep at trail head wherever we find a spot — cold at night. The drivers who take us up the mountain spend the night and return to Irvine with our gear. It is possible for drivers to get up at 5 AM on the second day and get to the Trailhead by our jumpoff.
- On the second day, light breakfast and on the trail by 8:00AM. Hike is 7500 ft. down in 16 miles. We have lunch on the trail. Only water is a fountain (Fountain Location: 33.878750, -116.677994) when we hit the desert floor. Then it’s 4 miles across a flat desert to the car. Should make it by 5:00PM -- then we drive to Irvine in the cars left at the bottom.
- Cooking, Camping, Camp Fire, Food, Leave No Trace related requirements.
[Hiking Merit Badge][Miles Hike] [Camping Merit Badge][Star Nights]

Locations

Reference

Maps

Permit

- Wilderness Permit is required

Adventure Pass for parking

Contact

Mt. San Jacinto State Park, P.O. Box 308, Idyllwild, CA 92549,
Idyllwild Ranger Station, 54270 Pine Crest, P.O. Box 518 Idyllwild, CA 92549. 909.382.2921

Pit Stop

Carl's Jr., 1888 W Ramsey St, Banning, CA ‎ (Saturday Dinner)
A & W All American Food, 49030 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA (Sunnday Dinner)

Cost

$ 15 -- Bring $ for Sunday dinners

Equipment

- Personal

Daypack (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, hiking boots). Pack light.
10 essentials
- Pocket knife
- First aid kit
- Extra clothing
- Rain gear
- Water bottle be sure to bring enough water for the hike. A couple liters per person might be a good start depending on how you consume water.
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Trail food
- Matches or fire starter
- Sun protection
- Map and compass
Light windbreaker or jacket — can be cold in the morning and overnight.
- Cup and lightweight spork (or spoon and fork)
Bring your own sack lunch

- Troop

- Food for breakfast
- Water bags and trash bags
- Lightweight stoves and fuels
- Walkie-talkie

Weather

We start at 7500 ft and end in the desert so you need to be ready for variety--you will need a windbreaker in the morning but it will be hot in the middle of the day. 5 years ago, we also had rain in the afternoon.

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