I started around 7 am from the Marion Mountain Campground, opting to take the shorter/steeper trail, the section from the campground up to the connector with the Deer Spring trail did not disappoint, it was constant and steep with mile 2 having about 800 feet of gain and mile 3 just under 1,000 feet of gain. The weather was agreeable, cool, and perfect for climbing. I always start with a minimum of 3L of water in my hydro-pack, and on long or hot hikes will take an extra bottle or two. I do have a new Squeeze filtration system so I really didn't need to carry all that water as the streams along the route were running well, but part of my gig is carrying a full pack just for the training benefit.

I slipped my bug net on as soon as I got out of my truck, the mosquitos were pretty bad and the flies at the summit were crazy. The hike itself was very scenic, I love hiking through pine forests so I was in heaven 🙂 This was my first time hiking San Jacinto and I kept looking to see the Peak as I worked my way up, it wasn't until I approached the little cabin at the top that I finally ‘saw' the summit.

The views from the summit were simply breathtaking and conditions at the top were great – mild temperatures and little wind. I chatted with other hikers, had my lunch, and took the requisite pics and video before heading back down. As is often the case with trails that have lots of switchbacks, it was much easier to see the trail on the descent, especially through some of the more rocky areas.

This was number 17 on my quest for completing all 18 peaks on the challenge, my final peak is San Gorgonio which I have planned for this coming Thursday. I originally had a plan to finish all 18 as quickly as I could, but the whole COVID situation put a damper on that plan, the revised target was to finish by June 30th, which barring any unexpected complications, should be easily attained. 🙂