Hike Log

San Jacinto Peak

Trailhead:

Marion Mountain Trail

Miles:

Type of Hike:

Overnight

Trail Conditions:

Minor obstacles posing few problems

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

Bugs were not too bad

Snow:

Snow free

Link:

This is an absolutely beautiful trail. It has epic views, mature pine trees for shade, incredible boulders the size of a small house, and this time of year flowers and bubbling streams along most the trail. The trail climbs 4,455 ft. just over 6 miles. That's 742.5 ft. per mile. To put that in perspective Ontario Peak climbs 580 ft. per mile, San Gorgonio Peak via the Vivian Creek trail climbs 608 ft. per mile, and Mount Baden-Powell climbs 694 ft. per mile. If your'e doing a day hike and only carrying a small day pack it is a doable all day hike if you start early. If you are planning on camping a night at Little Round Valley and carrying a full pack (mine was just over 30 lbs) the trail is very hard. A large section of this trail is VERY rocky. Rocky trails are hard on your feet. My feet hurt for several days after the hike. But keep in mind that I was carrying a full pack. There are many exposed roots along the trail. This is a tripping hazard. You have to be careful when navigating the trail. The trail also has many places, especially on the lower half where you have to step up and over rocks that are 1 ft. to 2 ft. high or more. I felt like I was on a stair stepper at the gym. I needed to use my trekking poles or my hands to push myself up ascending and steady myself descending. So I would recommend this trail if you are in reasonable shape and ready for a challenge. The reward is worth it. FUN FACT: Near the peak you will pass an old cabin made of stone. The cabin is over 100 years old. It was built by and used by the founder of the Sierra Club. That person is . . . wait for it . . . John Muir.

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