PCT on the Desert Divide

[JerryN]

We had never done the northern part of the Desert Divide (or Apache Ridge) and decided to hike it Thursday. Our hike began at Humber Park in Idyllwild. From there we ascended 2.6 miles to Saddle Junction to pick up the PCT. South on the PCT to Chinquapin Flat, Little Tahquitz Valley, around Red Tahquitz and onto the ridge. The ridge consists of a series of rocky peaks with views of Garner Valley and beyond on the west and the Coachella Valley to the east. Eastward you are looking down 8,000' onto Palm Springs in places and west out to Catalina on a clear day. We have hiked the ridge from Fobes Ranch before, so at the Fobes Ranch trail we headed down to pick up a car we left. The day was beautiful with uncharacteristically light winds. The trail is in moderate shape. There are lots of downed trees that do not present a problem, rocky and sandy in places and a good bit of steep up-and-down. There is a rockfall at PCT mile 172.5 that requires navigation. We did not know the condition so we carried climbing gear with us. Someone placed a rope around the outside. It can be used as a hand-line, and if you are not freaked by exposure, it is actually easy. That is the best way through the rockslide. We had our climbing gear so we clipped in for redundant safety, because, why not? we humped it all the way there. 18.25 miles 3,400' of gain, 4,700' of loss

first look at the ridge from South Peak

cool borders litter the South Peak area

Just about to jump on the ridge proper

This friend was not happy about having to share the trail -- we social distanced

The Rockfall, The drop is about 100' but the rope provides good protection. I heard about folks going over the top, but I think with the rope it is a worse option
This is in the Antsell Rock area PCT mile 172.5

Looking back between Antsell Rock and Apache Peak
There are lots of named bumps to go over and around on the ridge

Approaching Apache Peak

Just north of Spitler Peak

[Girl Hiker]

Nice pics. Apache peak is on my yo do list

[Sean]

Thanks for the report! That's a cool-looking snake.