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 Reporter |
Summary: The topo and elevation profile for this trip are inaccurate. For some reason the trail does not appear on the topo map, I had to use an educated guess for most of it. This is an interesting trail, you begin amongst desert chapparal and even cactus, then you gradually enter an oak and maple forest, and eventually reach a pine forest near the top. However, the neat thing is that the whole area is transitional, and you'll see parts of each climate system everywhere you go. The trail is a steady cardio workout for the first 3 1/2 miles, then the real workout starts. You come into a series of steep switchbacks for the last mile and a half, but it evens out near the PCT whcih is 5 miles from the start. The last mile to the top is normal peak mounting dificulty, but well worth the effort. You get a far reaching 360' view, desert to ocean. Trailhead: Take the 74 or the 243 to Mountain Center, then travel East on the 74 for about 3 miles. You will see the turn for Apple Canyon Road and Hurkey Creek Park. Turn left and follow the road for 2-3 miles. You will see a turnout and a sign for the trail on your right. Park in the large area on your right just south of the trailhead. The trail is well maintained for the first couple of miles, but later on it is a little overgrown - wear pants. To get to Spitler Peak, you must take a side peak trail, just look for the cairn in the middle of the PCT when you get close and head up the mountain. (Lat:33.7022 Lon:-116.6223) Trail Guides for Spitler Peak Trail: San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: San Bernardino National Forest (909)382-2922 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by David O. on 8/8/2006 Nice views most of the way up. Lot's of knats half way up though. Lots of overgrowth last half of the way which prevented us from finding either of the side trails that are supposed to lead to Spitler Peak and Apache Peak. The view of Palm Springs is nice. Bring plenty of water because there is none to speak of for filtering. 
Reviewed by mike on 6/18/2006 I did the peak today, but I went a different way - I started at Fobes trailhead, hiked to the saddle, then did the peak from that direction. It if wasn't so dang hot, I would have enjoyed it more. I think this is more of a fall or winter hike. Like I said, it was a very hot day - mid-80s when I started, with little breeze. As a result, the bugs were brutal! Great views at the top, but couldn't stay long because of the bugs. I wanted to do Apache Peak, too, but just too hot. Next time. 
Reviewed by lt on 1/1/2005 This is one of my favorite running trails. I usually don't make it all the way to the top during the first couple of weeks of the season. But, during the summer it's about 1 hour up and about 45 minutes down. I have yet to run (no pun intended) into anyone on this trail -- very secluded.
Reviewed by scott on 3/14/2004 wow, if ever you can be offered it all, and all within a few thousand feet of elevation change. heading up you come across beautiful waterfalls falling from the snow fields above, once atop and cooling down from the switchbacks, the PCT runs either way, to your right is spitler peak, a quick side trip up the snowy peak, back at the saddle continue north just before the side trail up to apache peak, you can take a trail down to the springs, back up and on to the peak one can relax and enjoy the views from its 2 peaks. to make this a loop trip continue north on the PCT, you will come across some vertical carved out sections, that as i found out, is very sketchy with snow on it, continue down to the saddle where a trail leads to zen center Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||