Mount San Jacinto via Marion Mountain 2022 – Solo Hike

June 7, 2022

Day 0 – Suicide Rock & Marion Campground

Suicide Rock is a good pre-game-day conditioning hike with great views of Tahquitz Peak and of Idyllwild down below.  Thinking of switching it up next year and trying Tahquitz peak instead.

• Trailhead: Deer Springs off CA-243
• Distance: ~7.1 miles w/ 1860 ft of elevation gain

Like last year, I decided to arrive a day early and do an overnight at the Marion Campground.  It definitely helps a lot with the altitude acclimation to come up the day before.  It was the first week that the Marion campground was open for the season but there was no running water available this time (check the FS website before you go).  It wasn't busy and I found a really nice secluded spot (first-come-first-serve). But the bugs… oh the bugs. As I started setting up my tent, swarms of mosquitos started forming around my face and, for good measure, invited their extended family to dinner. Amateur! I had left my headnet and repellent at home thinking it was too early in the season for bugs… After all, there weren't any last year.  The little blood suckers had a feast and laughed at my untreated long sleeve shirt and hoody – good times. I looked like I had been in a fight with the dozens of swollen welts on my face and body.  🙂  I still very much enjoyed the location in spite of the ravenous beasts. The sunset was breathtaking.

Skeeters – 42, Human – 0

Mount San Jacinto

Thankfully, the bugs weren't too bad on the trail the next day and all but disappeared after the state park boundary. This is still my favorite route so far although I haven't tried the Deer Springs route yet (2023?).  Early June temperatures felt like July already and the the water levels of all the streams were extremely low considering how early this was in the season.

Hike Log: 2021 (w/ map and track info)