[Bloated Chipmunk]

@ long last I was finally able to do this hike, as the trail had been closed for a few yrs. due to wildfire recovery. This pk. is located on the Desert Divide in the San Jacinto Mtns. & offers panoramic views & tons of lizards. Yep, no shortage of lizards in this area. It was a lizard extravaganza. We began our hike from the Fobes Ranch TH, which was unmarked @ the time we went. Near the end of the long dirt rd. approach is a split - if you go left you get to a gate & pvt property, right is the correct choice. It's just a dirt lot w/no signs indicating that it's the Fobes Trail.

TH

We started up the trail & soon started spotting the plethora of lizards, mostly very dark in color.

Lizard

As we climbed toward the saddle, the views really opened up.

More lizards along the way...

Lizard

Secret Pklt.? Nope, just looks like it.

We reached the PCT @ Fobes Saddle & took a break.

Junction of Fobes Trail & PCT

View east

From there we turned north to walk along the ridge.

On the PCT north of Fobes Saddle

San Jacinto wilderness

View east between trees

I had read that there was a good use trail that left the PCT & climbed up to the pk. I finally spotted something that could pass for that & climbed steeply up the slope. Further in, the path became more obvious. I had to go super slow & take lots of mini breather breaks as the higher altitude was making me more winded than usual. We reached the top & took a break, soaking up the views. It was a nice temp & not windy like it had been further down the slope.

Summit register

View west

View north

Summit pano

Summit pano

Summit pano

Lk. Hemet

Toro Pk.

Martinez Mtn.

Zoom of Palm Springs

& of course, lizards were up there too.

Lizard

Lizard

Lizard

Lizard

Lizard

After a thorough rest we headed back down.

Almost back down to the PCT

Steep slope

Phallic rock

Looks like the Secret Pklt, but isn't

Heading south on the PCT

Stats

Rt.

Afterward, we stopped @ a Mexican restaurant in Temecula for dinner/drinks.

Post-hike margs