This was the last hike of the challenge that I hadn’t already done before.  It was also my first big solo hike and one that I was a bit apprehensive about.  We all know about the infamous Cactus to Clouds hike so I was always associated this peak with that hike.  Marion Mountain wasn’t so bad aside from the fact that it was a continuous climb up.  I was out a bit late the night before and I had a few mishaps with renting a car, so I didn’t think I was going to make it this weekend.  However, I made it happen and I am glad I did.  I started around 6 AM and made good time to the summit.  The last bit is a difficult boulder scramble to the top and there isn’t much room to stand.  Any navigation device is pretty much useless so you just have to work your way to the top the best you can.  The views were incredible and I definitely said “Oh wow” aloud at one point.  It was an uneventful hike back down and I made it back to the car by 12 PM.  A great hike that is mostly shaded, lots of birds, and outstanding views.  I will complete Cactus to Clouds the next time I want to summit Mt. San Jacinto.