What a great hike. Started on the trail at 7:30am, looked for a place to pay for parking but didn't see one, luckily no ticket. The lot only had about 20 cars and plenty of room for more.

Our ascent was pretty mellow to start, at the saddle we had the option for a ton of different trails but our sites were set on San Jacinto. From here, the pitch started to get a bit more intense, but not bad at all. When we hit the next portion of the trail with all the tall trees, that's where the snow was. As long as you stay on the frozen area where most people walk, you're fine. But if you step off, you could end up to your hip in snow! We had long-sleeved shirts on, not very cold and no need for microspikes since the snowy areas were mostly flat.

As we hit the last part of the trail up to the peak, first you are on the mountainside with amazing views. Then you'll turn in for the final climb. The last part requires a bit of scrambling but not hard. The peak isn't very large, but is oh-so-worth-it. Amazing views, not too windy if you're on the Eastern side. Great area to enjoy lunch.

Overall took us about 9 hours with an average 30-minute mile, we take our time. Worth the effort and not as hard as Mount Wilson, but just as epic.