Inland Empire: 256 Spectacular Outings in Southern California by David Harris

Author:David Harris
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780899978161
Publisher: Wilderness Press
Published: 2018-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

The Fobes Saddle and Palm View Peak offer a gentler hike to sample the pleasures of the Desert Divide. This southern region is lower in elevation, and is a good place to visit in the winter when the high country is buried under snow. Enjoy this hike for the journey more than for the destination. Palm View Peak itself is the least attractive part of the entire hike; the summit is lost in dense woods and offers neither palms nor views. This hike was lightly affected by the 2013 Mountain Fire.

From the trailhead, follow the seemingly never-ending switchbacks through the chaparral toward Fobes Saddle. This section of the trail passes through large stands of aptly named ribbonwoods (the bark hangs in shreds), also called red shanks (Adenostoma sparsifolium). In 0.5 mile, the trail forks; take the right fork. In another mile, reach the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) junction at the Fobes Saddle on the crest of the divide.

Turn right and follow the PCT southeast, first on the east side of the ridge, then on the west, and finally switchbacking up the crest. The trail levels out and passes a small outcrop, then enters a clearing 2.4 miles from the saddle. Turn left and leave the trail, making a short cross-country excursion through white firs and black oaks to the summit of Palm View Peak. The proper departure point from the PCT can be difficult to identify because the summit is heavily wooded. If the trail starts to go downhill, you’ve gone too far. A small pile of rocks and a summit register mark the high point. Unfortunately, the peak is hemmed in by trees, so there are no views. Return to the clearing because the other sides of the summit are blocked by dense brush.

After enjoying the summit, retrace your steps to the car. There are many other peaks and trailheads along the Desert Divide, so numerous variations are possible if you bring a shuttle.

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