Yesterday morning my friends and I woke up insanely early, so we could make the two-hour drive to Idyllwild and attempt our 5th (and penultimate) of the #OG #SoCal 6-Pack of Peaks! We arrived to an understandably busy trailhead at 6:15am. Making our way through 4,500 feet of elevation gain, we were astounded by the Marion Mountain Trail’s beauty. John Muir was well-justified in his praise of this particular mountain. The trail itself offers a little bit of everything: trees, shade, streams, flowers, fields, rocky terrain and the same rice milk-smelling brush from San Bernardino. After seven miles of climbing, we reached the summit! Upon doing so, we immediately broke for lunch (because, of course haha). Since it was Saturday, the peak was just as busy as the trailhead parking lot, but everyone was very respectful and friendly. Social distancing was not overly difficult. We grabbed our pics, took in the vast scenery and then began our initial descent just as the thunder and lightning started. Best not to be standing on an exposed surface almost 11K feet up. Fortunately, we would only feel trickles of rain as we headed back. In fact, both the sun and blue sky would even make a return. Hiking Mt San Jacinto Peak has been our most rewarding experience yet. With only one summit left here in SoCal, we are beyond excited to complete this challenge (that we started back in June) once and for all!