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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 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JR on 6/17/2009 Hiked on Saturday, 6/13/09 with girlfriend. Started at 10:30 am and reached San Jacinto peak about 2:35 pm. Saw very few hikers on the Marion trail portion. Most of the encounters with other hikers occured along the Little Round Valley trail and the push toward the peak. Spent about 30 mins at the peak, with a good portion of the time waiting in line to take pictures of the elevation marker. Very crowded at the peak, was happy to leave to get back to the trail. Left the summit around 3:15 pm and returned to the Marion trailhead at 6:00 pm. I thought the Marion portion was tougher on the way down, especially on the knees, than on the way up.
Reviewed by dn on 6/8/2009 Hiked on 6/7/09- very enjoyable hike. Although not easy, I do not think it was as difficult as described on 5/31 review. I thought the last 1.5 miles were the most difficult due to the altitude. I would highly recommend this trail to anyone in fit condition.
Reviewed by Kevin on 5/31/2009 Hiked on 5/30/09 the trail is a butt blaster. Traveled with a group guys that are not hikers and it took 6 hours to reach the summit. Also bring a water purifier if you have one. The hike is is gem to have here in Southern California looking forward to doing it again.
Reviewed by Bartman on 5/25/2009 Hiked on 5/24/09. An absolutely beautiful day! The Summary above is dead-on: the first two miles are relentlessly uphill. You start to wonder if you're really that much out of shape since the last time you hiked! Left the trailhead at 8:06 am, back down at 4:16 pm with numerous 3-5 minute rest stops. The last two miles are brutal on the toes, feet, ankles, and knees. It's a great hike! 
Reviewed by Bob on 5/17/2009 Hiked on 5/16/2009 No significant snow on trail to summit. Trail is a bit sketchy in parts of first two miles due to logging. As usual this is a grinder. Started at 8:45am returned 4:57PM total 8 hrs 15 mins. took about one hour and 15 mins of breaks and lunch descent time was just over three hours even with cutting major switchbacks above Little Round Valley. You will see less than a dozen people until you reach the summit saddle where it turns into a party. 
Reviewed by Daniel on 12/28/2008 Just wanted to post the conditions, My friend and I try to get to the trail head on 12/26/08 and unless you have a high rise vehicle with chains your not going to make it there. We drove to the deer springs trail instead which was fine.
Reviewed by Dan P on 8/11/2008 I hiked this on 8/10/08 from the Marion Mountain campground, so my round trip was a little shorter - only 11 miles. Started at 6:30 AM, which worked out well. The air was cool for this pretty strenuous hike. The view from the top was as great as others said. Got back at 2:00, including plenty of rest stops. The celebratory beer never tasted so good.
Reviewed by JimmyS on 8/2/2008 We hiked this 8/1/08 and, until the peak, saw NOBODY! Which is one reason I would do this again. Another reason is we crossed no less than 5 FLOWING streams(which in itself is amazing in these mtns. in August). It is very steep, esp. the 1st 2.5 mi. but does pass through some gorgeous areas. For those who desire to make it an overnighter, there is a camp (Little Round Valley, w/water)approx. 2 mi. from the top as well. 5 hrs. up, 2.5 down. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||