Apache Peak

 We hiked up to Apache Peak on the PCT in the San Jacinto Wilderness today. We started at the Spitler Peak Trailhead. The was an 11 mile round trip hike with about 2,600' of gain.
We did not see any other hikers on our way up and at Apache Peak, we would see 8 hikers on our way down.

 This trail wonders around towards the base of Spitler Peak.

 Lots of ceanothus in bloom along the lower trail.

 Watching the sun rise above the mountains as we hiked through the boulder fields.

 Lots of wildflowers along the trail.

 I love the smell of Grape Soda Lupine

 Some of the manzita were taller than me.

 We saw a dead rattlesnake on the trail.

 We were happy to have four small water crossings as the trail continued around Spitler Peak. Nice and cold, to help us cool off.

 Part way up the trail, Lake Hemet in the distance.

 There was a fire here in the summer of 2013, which closed the trail for several years.

 Waterfall in the distance

 The trail joined the PCT, view to the north

 view to the south, Spitler Peak

 We headed north towards Apache Peak, love the bright paintbrush.

















Apache Peak to the north

 On top of Apache Peak at 7,567'

















Pano to the north: San Jacinto Peak among others

 Pano to the south

 We saw lots of lizards along the trail, here are two:

 We hiked back down the trail, I turned around near the trailhead to see where we had hiked up to today.










Some of the wildflowers we saw in bloom along the trail