Off Trail Mountain Mystery Hike

Have you wondered what lies just beyond what is visible from the trail? Join this hike for an opportunity to visit some of those just-out-of-sight areas.

Join us for a meander and scramble through seldom visited areas of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. This is a "Mystery" hike, though it won't be if we reveal to you too much information. Right? All we can tell you is to trust us to take you to areas where you almost certainly have never been. The route may seem familiar from time-to-time, but even in those moments when you are in familiar surroundings, new adventures will soon arise. Even if you walked every step before, this area has all the features that anyone could want to experience on this mountain, short of going to the peak, so going back would be just fine!

This hike will be predominately off-trail. The terrain is variable as you might expect: rocky and steep, steep and not rocky, not rocky and not steep, and boulders! The hike demands good navigation and balance around obstacles expected and unexpected. We will see great views horizontally and semi vertically, off the beaten track areas, maybe some bushwhacking, and opportunities for Class 2 scrambling (with hands) while climbing over and around boulders. And not least of all, great guides for this almost free (more or less) adventure. There is no place quite like our very special sky-island park.

Don't forget to wonder and think on how all this came about over eons of time.

This hike will be led by Spencer Ballard, a veteran guide for the Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association. Your preparedness and safety are of paramount importance.

DETAILS:

• Event Date and Time: https://msjnha.org/eventsSunday June 14, departure at 8:45 a.m. with return to Ranger Station by 1:30 p.m.
• Meet at: The Long Valley Ranger Station. Proceed from the ground floor of the Mountain Station down the ramp to Long Valley. At the bottom turn right and follow the trail to the Ranger Station.
• Difficulty level: Moderately strenuous
• Distance: 5 miles round trip, uneven terrain, off trail in the backcountry
• Cost: Parking and tram (see our website for instructions on purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time). Remember, NHA Members receive a 20% discount on Tram tickets. msjnha.org/members

REQUIREMENTS:

• Registration: Each individual attending must be registered with their own name. A registered name occuring more than once will be considered an error and cancelled. Each qualified individual must register. Qualified means you have carefully accessed your own fitness taking in to account hiking at altitude means there is less available oxygen thus requiring more effort.The hike leader may refuse participation by anyone whose experience, physical condition, hiking clothing and supplies preparedness seem incompatible with the hike. Of course, each hiker must be confident in their skills before registering.
• Important: You may read the Release of Liability online at your leisure before the hike. The hike leader will have a copy which you must sign before departing on the hike. This liability waiver is required for all NHA hiking events.
• Arrival: Take the 8 a.m. or 8:12 a.m. tram to arrive at the meeting location on time. Please click here for important information you need to know in order to arrive on time.
• Energy and hydration: Bring water, we recommend a minimum 3 liters of water per person, trail snacks can ,ake the difference!, lunch and a backpack carrying what is normal on a day hike—ideally, the ten essentials.
• Age Limit: Anyone under the age of 18 (minimum age 14) must be accompanied by a legal guardian
• Proper hiking attire: e.g., hiking clothes, hiking boots, hat, sun screen, sunglasses. NO TENNIS SHOES!
• Hiking poles are strongly advised, but not mandatory.
• Cancellation: Please cancel using your event ticket at least 2 days in advance if possible or email your hike leader.

If you have any questions please contact leader Spencer Ballard at: [email protected] or [email protected]

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