Snowy Santiago

3/11/11  A rare chance to be in snow on top of local Santiago Peak. I had to take advantage of the opportunity! A spontaneous change of plans meant I ended-up having to take the Joplin trail to the top rather than Holy Jim. Over 24 miles and almost 6000' of total elevation gain. A grueling day, but well worth it in the end.
IMG_0251 The original plan was to take Holy Jim to the top. But, as I start to head-up Trabuco Creek
The original plan was to take Holy Jim to the top. But, as I start to head-up Trabuco Creek "road", I start to see scenes like this. A random cascade alongside…
IMG_0253 By the time I get close to the first wash about half way to the Holy Jim trailhead, I pass a
By the time I get close to the first wash about half way to the Holy Jim trailhead, I pass a "Road Closed" sign and barricade. I drive around it thinking "ya…
IMG_0254 Almost back to the main road, dissapointed for having driven all the way out here and being turned back. I've never seen a drop of water here, and there's a...
Almost back to the main road, dissapointed for having driven all the way out here and being turned back. I've never seen a drop of water here, and there's a…
IMG_0255 After driving around for a while trying to find the trailhead, I finally park on the main road and start hiking up. I find the Santiago Truck Trail, which is...
After driving around for a while trying to find the trailhead, I finally park on the main road and start hiking up. I find the Santiago Truck Trail, which is…
IMG_0256 A good look at the Joplin trail winding up through the hills. Everything is nice and green.
A good look at the Joplin trail winding up through the hills. Everything is nice and green.
IMG_0258 More green valleys.
More green valleys.
IMG_0262 I'm not sure what peak this is, but it's complete with a summit flag and sign-in box. It's not much of a climb to this point though.
I'm not sure what peak this is, but it's complete with a summit flag and sign-in box. It's not much of a climb to this point though.
IMG_0263 There is actually some pretty interesting terrain in this area.
There is actually some pretty interesting terrain in this area.
IMG_0264 Deep, green canyons. At this point, I'm about 8 miles into the run, and I've only gained around 1500'. That's respectable, but I start doing the math and...
Deep, green canyons. At this point, I'm about 8 miles into the run, and I've only gained around 1500'. That's respectable, but I start doing the math and…
IMG_0265 A good size waterfall in the distance. You can hear it througout the valley. It's probably not this big all too often.
A good size waterfall in the distance. You can hear it througout the valley. It's probably not this big all too often.
IMG_0268 The trail drops a few hundred feet down into Santiago Canyon (not fun on the way back). I think this is a hangout spot for mountain bikers. This is a really...
The trail drops a few hundred feet down into Santiago Canyon (not fun on the way back). I think this is a hangout spot for mountain bikers. This is a really…
IMG_0269 Santiago Creek is loud and moving fast. It's absolutely beautiful down here.
Santiago Creek is loud and moving fast. It's absolutely beautiful down here.
IMG_0271 The first of many creek crossings over the next couple of miles.
The first of many creek crossings over the next couple of miles.
IMG_0273 Looking up Santiago Creek from the bottom of the canyon.
Looking up Santiago Creek from the bottom of the canyon.
IMG_0275 Video of the creek.
Video of the creek.
IMG_0277 The trail continues alongside the creek, crossing back and forth over the main creek and several little tributaries.
The trail continues alongside the creek, crossing back and forth over the main creek and several little tributaries.
IMG_0280 There are some amazing little cascades along the way. There are a couple miles in this area that are around 1200' per mile, which is almost Catctus Clouds...
There are some amazing little cascades along the way. There are a couple miles in this area that are around 1200' per mile, which is almost Catctus Clouds…
IMG_0281 The first official patch of snow. And I'm only at 3500 feet!
The first official patch of snow. And I'm only at 3500 feet!
IMG_0288 Before long the snow becomes larger patches and then consistent stretches. It's odd seeing snow in the chapparal on an otherwise warm day.
Before long the snow becomes larger patches and then consistent stretches. It's odd seeing snow in the chapparal on an otherwise warm day.
IMG_0290 Top of the Joplin trail. Here the trails merges with the Harding Truck Trail exactly at the base of the saddle between Santiago and Modjeska peaks.
Top of the Joplin trail. Here the trails merges with the Harding Truck Trail exactly at the base of the saddle between Santiago and Modjeska peaks.