In winter, Mt. San Jacinto looks very appealing from down in the desert.
original – flickr – bossco
I’ve always loved mountain gondolas.
Instead of slogging hours up the hill, in just a few minutes, you can get to altitude.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the premiere tourist attractions of Southern California. A great experience for all. Tickets about $20.
If you have any kind of fear of heights, do not read this paragraph:
In October 2003, a steel cable broke and caused a mechanical failure that left more than fifty tram customers hanging in mid-air … During the crisis, tram officials sought a rescue helicopter but could not locate one. The obstruction was finally removed by a tram operator with no training in maintenance, utilizing a borrowed Leatherman utility knife. …
My thinking was to make the first winter ascent of Mt. San Jacinto. By “first”, I mean “my first” as it’s highly likely people have been up there in the snow before me. And by “Mt. San Jacinto” I mean the lower peak on which I stand:
As you can see, the actually summit behind was not worthy of me. I ignored it, instead wandering around the sub-summit snapping photos of weird ice features sculpted by wind and sun:
My best fun that day was running and glissading down the steep sections:
On returning to the top of the tramway, I learned I had missed the San Jacinto summit completely. Zigged when I should have zagged.
Cannot imagine how I made this error. I tried to follow the signage:
more photos from this hike / scramble – flickr
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is recommended for all. Serious hikers (with 2 vehicles) should ascend by Tram, then overnight hike, exiting via Idyllwild.
That’s the home of Rambling Roger and his wife Eileen. They are super experienced hiking guides. Or they can set you up with the best guidebook and maps for your independent hiking.
I don’t want to downplay the co-Author’s contribution:
Warren Macdonald became trapped beneath a one tonne slab of rock while climbing Queensland’s 
besthike.com 