This was another ODC day hike up to the tram station and then on to the top of Mt. San Jacinto (10,834').  It was done with Mark and his boy Nolan and Garrett.  At 13 and 9 respectively, they still give the best of hikers a run for their money - rabbits on the trail and mountain goats on the rocks.  We all carpooled over to the tram station and took the 0800 Palm Springs Tram to take the to the top.  It was a gorgeous day and I have to say I have never seen the sky more blue.

This tram ride was a lot smoother than the last one O took a couple of months earlier.  We wasted no time and started the hike as soon as we got to the top.  This would be good since later that day it would get crowded as can be on the trail. 

All junctions are well marked.  From here the trail now starts up a series of steeper switchbacks continuing under the canopy until you get to Wellman Divide.  This is a  good resting spot as well as a major junction for other trails.  There is a large rock outcropping or boulders.  Expect it to be windy at this point.  A  From Long Valley the trail is 3.1 miles to Wellman Divide.  The group took a good break here and fueled up for the final 2.7 miles to the peak.

We turned almost due north and headed up the trail.  The steep switchbacks were replaced by a more gradual incline.  I When you get to Miller Peak, the trail now cuts back to the southwest.  There are a lot of "social trails" here to various overlooks and if you do not have a map or are familiar with the main trail, can lead you into the wrong direction.  Fortunately, most of the overlook trails are quick dead ends.

The trail now cuts back to the south west where and climbs over a ridge with a view of Newton Drury Peak.  Here there is another trail junction with Little Round Valley and more social trails.  Head almost due north and you will go up some short switchbacks until you reach the stone shelter.  Once at the stone shelter the peak is to the west with a rock scramble.  Many side trails leading to the peak - so we just picked one and headed up. 

After spending lunch at the top, we all hiked back down and enjoyed some cold ones at the bar at the tram station.  There were a lot more people on the trail.  The hike up the sidewalk is the toughest part - your tired and you now have a steep series of little switchbacks!