I needed one final training hike before my big trip to Japan and hike Mount Fuji. The obvious candidates would either have been the Eastern Sierra Peaks, or Humphrey's Peak, or San Gorgonio Mountain due to many of the peaks (especially the Eastern Sierras and Arizona's High Point Humphrey's Peak) being taller than Mount Fuji. (Humphrey's Peak in particular was taller than Fuji by 300 feet). However due to scheduling challenges, I had to settle for a peak lower than the other peaks and still get the altitude and mileage training. San Jacinto Peak fitted the bill for this final training hike to Mount Fuji (and also the 5th peak for this year's SoCal Challenge).

The weather was good. Unlike back in June when I hiked it and snow covered much of the trail, this time, the trail was snow free. On the way up, I met a few friends who were heading down from the summit. They also mentioned that one of our mutual friends had also been at the summit that day but had begun his hike from Marion Mountain Trail. We talked for a while, took pictures, and I told them about this hike being my last prior to Mount Fuji before they continued going back to the Tram and I resumed my hike to the summit.  I made it to the summit, stopping by the stone shelter below to sign the register. There were fewer hikers at the summit. I took a long break there. Then I headed back down. I made it to the tram before sundown.