Mt San Jacinto State Park hike

 The goal of this hike in Mt San Jacinto State Park is to explore off-trail areas in Shangri-La and Tamarack Valley.  This is a moderate hike with a total distance of 5-6 miles going from an altitude of 8400 ft (Long Valley) to 9300 ft (above Tamarack Valley).  It's designed for those you have done the trails and would like to do additional exploring.  About 75% of the hike will be off-trail.  There will be a very small amount of boulder climbing but generally we will hike around and between boulders.  The boulders are sharp and easily scratch.  I wear shorts and generally end up with a scratch or two.  We will avoid areas of dense bushes.  There will be small isolated patches of snow remaining.  Temperature should be in the high 60's.  The hike requires the purchase of a Palm Springs Tramway ticket.  Current prices:  Adult day - $23.25, Senior day (60+) - $21, Summer Pass - $60, Annual Pass - $150.  Palm Springs Tramway information is at: http://www.pstramway.com/.  Mt San Jacinto State Park information is at: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25176 .