Wow, oh wow! We finished our (6) pack of peaks challenge by saving this peak to be our glorious finisher and she did not disappoint! To put this lightly, for us at our level, Mt. San Jacinto Peak has always been the “peak” on our to do list! But, we honestly were a little intimated by the length of the routes up to the peak, in addition to the major elevation gains. It was at the recommendation from an old school friend though that I tackle this peak by taking the Marion Mountain Trail. After a few weeks of trying to build my walking skills (10+ miles), we finally set out this last Saturday and took on the 14 mile out/back trek, climbing almost 4,600 feet in elevation. We started our hike at 7am and didn't get back to the car until 5pm — but what a feeling of accomplishment that was! I will add, with the Palm Springs Tramway temporarily closed due to Covid-19, this is the perfect time to tackle this hike! There were still a fair amount of hikers up at the peak, but not nearly as many, if the tram was running (because taking the tram is a MUCH shorter route). So get out there and do it!

These peak challenges for me have been more than just bragging rights, but opportunities to grow as an outdoor enthusiast. I truly appreciate the effort that goes into hiking long, strenuous routes and have a better understanding of the right gear that I need to invest in. Though I have completed the challenge for this year, I'm going to keep going by exploring (safely) other peaks when feasible.

As with anyone who has fallen in love with the outdoors, let's continue to use our social media platforms to not only share our love and enjoyment of the outdoors but the need to protect them as well. I hope to get more involved in nonprofit work and will also work on helping amplify the voices of others in an effort to create a more diverse, inclusive outdoor community. Love to my fellow hikers!