“The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectable to be found anywhere on earth!” -John Muir

Today I completed my 6th peak of the 6 Pack of Peaks Challenge – San Jacinto at 10,843 ft. elevation! My highest elevation to date and the second tallest mountain in Southern California.

Today was grueling – I’m tired and cranky and sore. My feet are throbbing, my knees are buckling, my chest/lungs hurt, I’m sunburnt, & probably have a ton of mosquito bites.

I wanted to give up so many times. I knew I wasn’t going to, but the critic in my head would not let up.  It was intensely difficult and hot.

However, the reward is far worth the pain and so I push forward; one step at a time – one gasping breath at time – every single time.

FYI: Sign was missing, outhouse about a 3rd of the way up near Little Round Valley, bugs were annoying – even with bug spray. If you have a low profile car watch going into the parking lot – I scraped the bottom of my car going in but going out I went all the way to the right and was able to get out on an angle no problem. Trekking poles HIGHLY recommended. This hike is brutal coming down on the knees.

Peak 6/6

– San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mt. Trail
– San Bernardino National Forest • San Jacinto State Park
– 13.65 miles
– 4,653 elevation gain
– 10,843 max elevation