Hike Log

#6 of 6 – Snow Play on San J

Trailhead:

Marion Mountain Trail

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail difficult/impossible to navigate

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Snowfields to cross – could be difficult

What a perfect day to do a snow hike. San Jacinto Peak was my 6th peak of the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge and today was my 7th year completing the challenge. In addition, it was my 7th or 8th time summiting from Marion Mountain and my 21st San Jacinto Summit since 2015.

Weather today was perfect. A little chilly and windy to start. The first few miles had patches of snow on the trail, but easily traversed in “good” boots. I put on my micro-spikes right around the 2-mile mark and wore them with no issues all the way to the summit. The snow on the trail was hard packed and crunchy under feet. No real icy conditions that would make me think twice about crossing.

There were several areas where, if you're not paying attention, you could easily walk right off the trail. The main trail going up, in several areas, that has been establish by other hikes isn't the trail, but it does get you to the summit. There were only a handful of hikers on the trail today, that I saw. I was the only one at the summit and there were 4 hikers resting at the hut while waiting for the rest of their group.

My descent was great. I expected the snow would warm up some and become slushy, but that didn't happen until the last few miles and there really isn't a lot of snow at that point. Again, conditions were perfect for today. That could change tomorrow or the next. There is colder weather coming in that will make the trail, especially over 8,000 feet icier.

 

 

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