Finally got my chance at San Jacinto after being too intimidated to try it last year.  We had some permit issues with the rangers at the trailhead.  We read that you need a permit from Memorial Day to Labor Day and their interpretation of that is that you need the permit Memorial Day weekend.

You can only obtain said permit by mail or FAX prior to the hike OR you can get it at the ranger station promptly at 8am on the weekends.  These are the only options.

Other than that minor annoyance the hike is beautiful.  I haven't been that sore from a hike in a long time.  I think due to the many rock step ups that you have to climb up.  The top was a little sketchy scramble for me but still doable.