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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 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.
Reviewed by RL on 7/24/2008 I hiked this route on 7/24/08. It is pretty steep the first two miles. Not as steep as the first mile of Vivian Creek or the last mile of Baldy, but it just keeps going and going steep. Anyways I enjoyed this hike I saw 8 other people on the trail. It took me just over 4 hours to summit and 3.5 hours back. Pretty neat hut to eat lunch in at the top.
Reviewed by urankjj on 7/19/2008 Hiked on 7-19-2008. Agree with the prior posts,this is a very steep,and challenging accent. Almost a climb as opposed to a hike. Yet a very rewarding accent.The forests and vista`s are second to none (execpt mabey Gorgonio), here in So-Cal. Keep your eye on the trail,but don`t miss the views!! Happy Trails, John U, Forest Falls, C.A.
Reviewed by Joe on 7/7/2008 Hiked this route on 7/6/08. The reviews are correct - this is a very tough hike. The first two miles are very steep as others indicate, but the rest of the trail is still not easy. It seems much longer than the posted distance but I think it must be the altitude gain. We ascended in about 3.5 hours and descended in about 2.5 hours. This included only a few short breaks. The views are spectacular as are the trees and wildflowers along the way. It is strange that so few people take advantage of this great tract of wilderness. We saw fewer than 10 people on the trail.
Reviewed by Josh on 7/7/2008 This trail is tough. The first half mile made me mad because the trail actually started higher up at Marion Mtn. Campground. Then it's 2.5 miles of very steep trail. Then it levels out for half a mile with the first source of good water half way through that section. Then, you lose the shade after passing the Fuller Ridge trail and walk through a narrow trail lined with pointy chapparel. Zip on pant legs here if wearing convertible pants to avoid cuts. After that, you near Little Round Valley where it was raining ticks when I got there. A bug head net is a good idea. After L.R.V., it's 1.6 miles to the top according to the sign after the valley. Maps say 1.3. After summiting, don't run down the trail. You'll get clotheslined by trees.
Reviewed by johnnyb on 6/30/2008 all the warning about this trail are true! steep, steep, steep, good training. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||