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 Reporter |
Summary: Even though I have never seen a ranger on any trail in Southern California, you need to get a permit to enter the San Jacinto Wilderness. Get it from the station in Idyllwild. This trail is a butt-blaster. It feels longer than it is, it takes longer than suggested, and it will make you work for your summit the entire way. This is the shortest route to San Jacinto without cheating, but it is by no means the easiest. You get it all - the range of San Jacinto plant life, great views and a killer workout, however the way down is almost as bad as up. I rate this a ten on the toejam scale. It feels like 18 miles not 12. Even my usual stellar 3.2 mph trail average slipped to a dismal 2.3 mph on this one. It is a tough go, and I will probably never take this trail again, although the views are worth it - I'll take Fuller Ridge or better yet - cheat. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is kind of cheap. Trailhead: Drive north on the 243 from Idyllwild a few miles to the San Jacinto State Park Entrance. Turn right and follow the signs for Marion Mountain Campground. or Drive south on the 243 from Banning 19 miles to the turnout for San Jacinto State Park. Turn left and follow the signs for Marion Mountain Campground. Park at the locked gate, follow the road to the trail, or continue on the road to the campground where you can also begin the trail. Follow this trail to the PCT, turn left, and follow the PCT until it intersects with the Fuller Ridge Trail, stay right and ascend the Deer Springs Trail past Little Round Valley to the intersection of the Peak Trail. Clamber up the rocks to the summit. (Lat:33.81454 Lon:-116.67948) Trail Guides for San Jacinto Via Marion Mountain Trail: San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: San Jacinto State Park (909) 659-2607 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 8 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Chenendez on 12/6/2009 Just the facts. Harder than Half Dome. Not easy. Very steep up to PCT.
Reviewed by LaQuintaMike on 11/24/2009 As experienced hikers, my wife and I are baffled by many of the previous comments. The entire trail is moderate and in good shape. There are no steep sections and maintenance was good. There are not many viewpoints, but the high Sierra forest is beautiful. 8 hours roundtrip with 30 min. on the summit, and we kept the pace slow.
Reviewed by Vikas on 10/11/2009 Hiked yesterday. First half is very strenuous. You need to be fit to hike this one. Excellent views.
Reviewed by JoeytheQ on 9/22/2009 Didn't make Whitney 2 weeks ago, so Baby Steps. This trail is "baby whitney". The first two miles are an absolute killer. I hiked by myself and made good time to the Summit and back (6:30) and that includes lunch at the top. It was a weekday and I was the only one there. I really felt the last 1 1/2 miles are the easiest. Great trail, but take your time going down. Lots of rocks and branches.
Reviewed by JoeytheQ on 8/23/2009 Absolutely Beautiful scenery. I have never hiked a trail like this. It was extremely steep, but we took lots of breaks for lunch, snacks and water. Used three liters of water up and back. Going up is a blast, going down is very difficult because your legs are tired and you can trip over many of the broken and cut sticks on the trail. I highly recommend this trail, but it is steep and it is very hard and slow at times. Took us 10 hours!
Reviewed by BL on 8/18/2009 It's a easy hike if you have done the half dome. will definitely hike this trail again, however, the hike down can be boring. 
Reviewed by WPS on 8/17/2009 The first 2 miles is a slog, very steep and poor trail maintenance. The terrain is interesting with unique rock formations, old growth conifers, mountain hummingbirds, occasional streams and occasional wildflowers. The trail however has been ravaged by the Forest Disservice and/or logging operations. This route is relatively easy once you reach the 3.2 mile marker. The descent is relatively pleasant except for the last 2 miles. Be prepared to tough it out but it is well worth it.
Reviewed by steve e on 8/2/2009 hiked up this trail for 1st time yesterday 8-1-09. was much harder than i expected. very steep from the start of trail. word shorts and had a little problem with prickly bushes near top. climbing rocks before peak were challenging.summit was very crowded. vews were spectacular. descending was easier but hard on the knees. overall good hike and great weather. lots of friendly faces. will do this one again. but not too soon. :-) Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||