In June 9 2024, I was going back to the junction between pvt and san jacinto peak trail (mile 185.7). I was descending around .5 mole to the junction (I was in the san jacinto peak trail) The trail was not very clear and I ended in a false trail. It was a steepy and bushy descent. It didnt looks very dangerous but not safe either so I continued to the pct during around 20/30 minutes. I ended safe but wanted to report this, because I heard recently that a hiker fell to his death in the san jacinto area because of a false trail too. Not the same that mine from.what I know. But it seemed legit to report my story.
Southern California
False trail
There are reports on Farout, saying there is a false trail near mm 202. Below here is where Robert Budinski was found in a ravine. Hikers are either trying to cut the large switchback or it could have been made when hikers had to come off the trail due to brush on the trail and come back up. Either way, this could be very dangerous for future hikers. The ravine is very steep in areas.
Trees down
Three trees are down on the PCT near mm 191, not far from Black Mountain Road and past Fuller Ridge Campground heading north.
Damaged trail – mile 449 – to underpass
I was there in early May. It was a terrible part of the trail from mile 449 just after the top going down to the underpass to Vasquez Rocks.
The trail was the worst I have seen on the desert section. Totally damaged with big holes made by horses right on trail and erosion on the sides of the trail, also from horses. Really really bad. These holes could break an ankle on hikers. Especially if they hike in the dark.
Worst blowdowns on the trail are in SoCal Section B
Nearly 100 blowdown obstacles on a few miles of trail. Last trail work seems to have been decades ago.
Unsafe for horses
After coming out of tunnel under 14 freeway heading north bound there is a dangerous rock cropping shortly after that requires a horse to go up a slanted rock cropping at an angle and several horses have fallen there and riders injured. It is being looked at but will be some time before repairs will be done. There is another traIL FOR HORSES TO USE TO GO AROUND BUT IT HAS BEEN TOTALLY OVER GROWN DUE TO EXCESSIVE RAIN.
Novel problem bear activity in Silverwood Lake State Park
Silverwood Lake State Park authorities are notifying visitors of heightened bear activity in areas of the park where such sightings are unusual, such as the New Mesa and Old Mesa campgrounds (including the hiker/biker campground used by long-distance hikers).
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/increased-bear-sightings-prompt-alert-at-san-bernardino-campground/
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24829
Problem bear activity here has included stolen backpacks and broken tents. Campers are requested to store food inside cars or other metal containers overnight. A temporary metal container has been installed at the hiker/biker site for users to store their food in, with permanent storage ordered to arrive in 2-3 weeks.
Mile 497.6 – trees
There are two fallen trees blocking the trail at mile 497.6. Also severely rutted conditions about 100 yards north of these downed trees, but not critical.