San Jacinto and Frank Miller Peaks

Since we had recently had a small storm, with some snow up on the mountains, I decided to go up and take a look. This was an early storm for us and I was wondering if I would need to be changing over to snow sports soon. Well, it was on the cooler side, but there was very little snow until I was above Tamarack Valley. Even then the snow was very limited, it was just covering the ground and only in shaded areas.

Conditions in vicinity of Tamarack Valley

Light snow above Tamarack Valley

It was nice not to have to wear the heavier gear that full snow coverage would have required. I continued on and thought that I had things all to myself, when I heard a noise and saw some movement. Up ahead I saw a good size deer, it always makes it a good day to see wildlife.

Deer in the headlights look, not for long!

As I climbed higher towards the benches I had a great view of Cornell Peak and the desert beyond.

Cornell Peak

 Time passed by quickly and pleasantly and soon I was nearing the summit of San Jacinto. The views on top were awesome as usual and while the snow was very limited, the ice on trees was very beautiful, unless you were standing under the trees, because with the mild temperatures the ice was falling off. I was able to have lunch and spend most of my time on top in solitude, until just before I was leaving, when a group of marines showed up. I took their picture for them, thanked them for their service and then headed down.

Nearing the summit

Looking north, Grayback on the left

Looking towards Baldy, note ice on trees

 View of the Palm Springs area

More ice on the trees

Looking west

For benchmark fans, you know who you are

I then headed back down and since I had the time, I decided to take a little detour and visit Frank Miller Peak, I walk by it so often but it seems as if I rarely stop.

Flat area just below Miller

Plaques on Miller

Great views from Miller

Looking down Leatherneck ridge

View towards tram and Palm Springs

Looking south from Miller

Looking back towards San Jacinto Peak

After enjoying the views from the top of Miller, I then had an enjoyable but uneventful hike back to the tram. Another great day in the San Jacinto wilderness.

A little climbing in Joshua Tree, along with a hike.

My friends Steve and Patti go climbing with me from time to time and Steve wanted to take his son Jesse out to experience climbing. We agreed to go to Joshua Tree and on December 10, 2012, off we went. Since the weather was on the cool side, we opted for Indian Cove and much to our surprise, we were the only people at the Short Wall when we arrived. Very unusual for there not to be a climbing class there on a weekend during the "season".

The Short Wall, Right Side

We did a few climbs and then a large group showed up and changed our desert solitude into more of a inner city experience. I decided that Jesse wasn't really enamored with the rock climbing and maybe he'd enjoy a hike. So I talked everyone into changing gears and heading up Rattlesnake Canyon, always one of my favorites.

The beginning of the hike is confusing for many folks, because you walk out into a wide open wash and it really doesn't look very interesting. Since the hike goes up the wash, it's the best way to start, but it appears you're going the wrong direction and not to where it looks as if it will be interesting. Soon you find yourself in the wash and it gets much better.

In the lower canyon

Once in the wash, it quickly gets rocky and in no time at all you find yourself in the canyon. All doubt is removed, you have reached the interesting place and it just gets better. After a a short distance and around a few corners, you come across the most amazing feature. The water has eroded a channel through the granitic rock and in the process created a must amazing series of natural sculpture of pools, cascades and waterfalls.

Checking out the nature's sculptures

The canyon soon opens up, straightens out and has a sandy bottom. In a short distance there is a notch off to the north that leads to the "Gunsight". This notch has some nice views towards the campgrounds and the desert, including 29 Palms Marine Base.

The wash opens up and straightens out

In that notch is a great viewpoint known as the "Gunsight"

As we continued up the canyon we stopped to check out what appears to be some pictographs, but they are so faint that it's difficult to make them out.

Possible pictographs

After checking out the rock art and little more exploring, it's time to head back. But as we are headed down the wash, the boys notice a boulder that while not too big, presents a challenge in that there is no easy way to get on top. Of course that quickly becomes a competition and soon everyone makes it to the top.

Conqueror's spying the next challenge

 We then proceeded to hike back out the canyon enjoying the many sights along the way.

Beautiful clouds

More of nature's sculptures

Some flowers

Natures rock paint, lichen

 All too soon we were back at the car and headed home, but everyone agreed, we had a great time.