On the trail to Mt. San Jacinto is Wellman's Divide at 9,720 feet with a view far to the South to Palomar Mountain in San Diego County. On a clear day one can even see the white dot which is the Mt. Palomar Telescope dome. From Wellman's Divide it's just 1100 vertical feet and 2.7 miles to the summit. That's half way to Mt. San Jacinto Peak, for future reference! But back to Wellman's Cienega, a spring and wetlands which is often host to a wildflower bonanza including the most showy bloom on the mountain, the treasured and once very abundant Lemon Lily, pictured above. Colin will tell you it's story. By the way, take a short walk up the trail for a great view down to Long Valley and Tram Mountain Station.
DETAILS
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Hike Leader: Colin Barrows is a Coachella Valley naturalist and desert advocate who works to promote restoring relationships between people and their environment. He engages with local agencies to advance habitat conservation, recreational trails planning, and promote community science to grow public understanding and appreciation of desert ecosystems. Colin is Environmental Programs Coordinator at the UCR Palm Desert Center, and serves on the boards of the Mt San Jacinto Natural History Association and CactusToCloud Institute.
- Event Date and Time: Sunday July 28 at 8:45 am. ( see NHA Website instructions on purchasing tram tickets and arriving on time. Remember MEMBERS receive a 20% discoun on tram tickets)
- Meet at: The Long Valley Ranger Station, at the bottom of the ramp to Long Valley, turn right and continue to the Ranger Station building.
- Difficulty level: Moderately strenuous . Hike will take place at high elevation and may involve areas with uneven terrain.
- Distance: 6 miles round trip.
- Cost: Registration is free. ( see WEBSITE INSTRUCTIONS for Parking and Tram Costs)
REQUIREMENTS
- Everyone must register online in advance to participate. Each individual must register separately with their own name and contact information.
- Take the 8 am Tram car to arrive at the meeting location on time (see our website for instructions on purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time).
- Each person must bring their own water (We recommend a minimum of 3 liters of water per person). Snacks, lunch, and day hiking gear are recommended.
- Practice Leave No Trace on the mountain.
- Anyone under the age of 18 (minimum age 14) must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
- Proper hiking attire, i.e. hiking clothes, hiking boots (no tennis shoes), hat, sunglasses.
- Hiking poles are suggested, but not mandatory.
- We will depart at 9 am and will return in the midafternoon.
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