The South Fork Trail was a gap in my San Gabes experience so I went to check it out yesterday. After the long drive in, I parked at the trailhead just below the South Fork campground and set off for Islip Saddle which signage told me was 5.8 miles away (it's not 5.8 miles - Tom Harrison says its 5.2 which felt about right to me). Temps driving in were in the mid to high 80s, but when at the campground my thermometer said 80. This place would be hot in the summer, but this day it wasn't bad.
After initially meandering a bit through the rocky plain of the river-bed, the path crosses the creek and then begins climbing. Water was still flowing nicely in the channel, although query how much longer that will continue.
Out of the canyon, the trail climbs along the steep western slope high above the South Fork. The path is narrow and rocky here and exposed in spots. Nothing unmanageable, but you need to watch your step in places. Taggers have defaced rocks for the first mile or so. Disappointing. And those pesky, little black flies were out in force. Annoying.
Beyond where the graffiti disappears, the trail levels out and travel is surprisingly easy. I was making good time, but wasn't getting closer to the saddle as quickly as I thought I should because the trail dives in and out of every little side canyon and drainage. It seemed like I traveled 3 miles east and west to go 2 miles south. No big, it's nice, rugged country (although it doesn't possess the same "wow" factor as other, more popular places) and I had exclusive run of the place.
Closer to the top, Reed Spring was flowing enough to pump if you had to. At the saddle, the parking lot was full. I snapped a couple of pics, had a snack, and then backtracked the way I came. Back at Sourth Fork, I ascended the creek a ways, found a nice pool, and then hung out for a bit before making my way back to the trailhead. Folks were camping at both South Fork and Sycamore Flat, although neither campground appeared full.
Here's a couple of pics:
South Fork Trail to Islip Saddle
-
Uncle Rico
- Posts: 1439
- Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:48 pm
I'm pretty certain spirits reside in this canyon. I was hearing strange sounds over my shoulder and disembodied voices all day long.
Did it sound like a sasquatch? I'm pretty sure that side of the range is home to many prehistoric man ghosts.Uncle Rico wrote:I'm pretty certain spirits reside in this canyon. I was hearing strange sounds over my shoulder and disembodied voices all day long.