Steep, quick climbs on Mount San Jacinto

Started at the Marion Mountain trailhead on a Saturday morning where there were some remaining parking slots left. We were also supposed to get a day pass from the ranger’s office, not sure if they checked but it’s better safe than sorry. This was possibly my toughest hike of the challenges so far because there’s such a drastic incline for the first 2.5 miles! It does flatten out after a while, but climbing up continuously had me taking breaks after just about a mile and a half in.  Once reaching the top however, you get the nicest view. There were several people just lying out at the top above rocks and just taking it in.  Altogether it took me a little over 7 hours and my watch clocked me at 12.6 miles. However the signs seem to be a bit different because the first sign claims that the peak is only 5.25 miles away.  Just make sure to bring enough water and snacks because it was quite exhausting!