Joshua Tree, Ryan Mountain

This was turning out to be one of the best winters we've had in terms of precipitation in a long time. I guess after a while you get used to the drought. With one of the recent January storms, we had snow on the mountains and hills surrounding Palm Springs on all sides. I decided it was time to take a hike and check out the conditions in Joshua Tree National Park.

For this little adventure, my partner was Calvin, always fun to have him along. As we left home we could see that the snow from a storm two days before was still down low on the San Bernardino Mountains.

After about an hour we were up in the park and started of hiking. Our goal for the day was the top of Ryan Mountain. We have just started up the trail in this picture. The parking lot is off to the left, behind the rock formations.

I wasn't too surprised to see so much snow on the north face of the mountain, but down on the flats, well that's unusual.

Since the storm had been a few days before, it was starting to melt, fortunately it was a mild day, almost warm. Very pleasant conditions for hiking.

As we gained altitude, the views were fantastic. The rock formations to the left of center include the Hall of Horrors area and in the background is Mt. San Gorgonio.

It was like walking through a winter wonderland and soon we had reached the top. The snow conditions were just right so that our regular hiking boots were adequate for the hike up. Here you can see me on the summit. Calvin took the picture while standing on the stack of rocks that people have been placing in a large pile on the summit for many many years.

Here is a view looking back down the trail leading to the summit. Queen Mountain is in the background.

This view is looking to the west, Mt. San Gorgonio is in the background and Cap Rock is just left of center.

Here is the view looking toward the east and the Pinto Basin.

Looking toward the south is a small volcano, it has been dormant for about 800 years. You can just make out the Geology Tour road in upper left corner of this picture.

Looking to the southwest we could see the most snow. The hiker in the bottom of the picture was brewing up a hot drink and was planning to stay on the summit for a while.

Looking at Mt. San Jacinto

Looking out towards Hidden Valley

Our illustrious photographer

Soon we were observing what appeared to be a never ending stream of hikers headed for the top and we made our way back down. With the warm temperatures, the footing became less secure and Calvin ended up taking a dive, with red badge of courage on his hand to show for it. I wondered what all the hikers heading up thought, that is if they noticed.

Snow along the road on the drive home, the Hall of Horrors is on the right.

Looking back up at Ryan Mountain, the trail goes up through the notch. The large rock formation on the right is Saddle Rocks.

Even as we passed through Morongo Valley there was till lots of snow on the mountains around us. It was a beautiful day and a great hike with great company.