Typically I do not backpack in the San Diego area from June to late October because:
1) The Sierras are available: The amount of time for this trip does not allow for a Sierra trip.
2) The heat in San Diego area.
3) This year the dryness/lack of reliable water.
However, my son has been assigned to be a lead for a weekend trip Oct 4 and 5 (either leaving late Friday or early Saturday).
Here are some of my thoughts:
– Barker Valley: Concern: is there good/reliable water. Is there enough to entertain the boys? Does anyone know the water situation?
– Vivian High camp San Bernadino Mountains: Concern: not my favorite trail. For the boys not wanting to summit is there enough to do? Positive: chance to summit San G.
– San Jacinto mountains such as Round Valley: My son is already planning on leading a 2 tier hike to Caramba Falls in Spring (one using the tram (assuming cross over is open) the other using Devil's Slide). Concerns: 2 trips to same area about 5 months apart. Is there enough to keep the boys entertained in Round Valley?
So I am looking for:
– Does anyone know if Barker Valley has good/reliable water currently in its stream? How old is your information (i.e. when where you there)?
– Any suggestions on places to go? Must have fairly short drive from Poway (near San Diego), have water, not be too hot (i.e. nothing in ABSP or the desert), and ideally has lots to entertain the boys.
Thanks for any assistance.
