Mt.San Jacinto Hike via Marion Mt. trail
At this point you are 0.3 miles from the San Jacinto peak and this is the last trail junction. There is a shack close to this point, with some emergency supplies and food. If I have extra food I usually leave it here for anyone else who might need it. The trail from the tram joins here. As you get very close to the peak you have to climb some boulders to get to the peak. The trail isn't defined and you need to look for cairns (stacks of stones). Watch the video above to see what I am talking about. And checkout the gallery below, enjoy your hike and leave a comment.
Location : San Jacinto Mountains
Total distance : 12.5 miles round-trip (out-and-back)
Elevation gain : 4,500 ft
Peak elevation : 10,834 ft
Tree Cover : Plenty of shade. Sunscreen recommended.
Parking : Parking at the trailhead.
Trailhead : Click here
Landmark : Look for the trailhead sign as shown below.
Map :
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Satellite map :
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topo map picture
Note : Read here for information about hiking permits that you need for hiking San Jacinto mountain. You need a permit even for a day hike. Call the visitor center (951) 659-2607 to find out about current weather. It is a peak at high altitude so it is advisable to reach the peak before noon to avoid any possible storms and lightning.
Detailed directions : The hike starts at this sign, click here for the location. Checkout hiking tips page if this is your first hike to a 10,000 ft peak. We will be taking Marion Mt. trail, PCT, Deer springs trail and Mt.San Jacinto summit trail.
At this point you are still on Marion Mt. trail, you will stay on this trail for about 2.5 miles and another 2,100 ft. This is where there is a very very high chance of losing your way while going up and especially while coming back in the dark. Pay attention to the 'Trail' sign at the far end, there is a similar sign right next to where you are standing, there are two more trails one going right and the other left. Take a selfie if it helps. I highly recommend carrying a flashlight on this hike. When the sun starts setting it gets really dark due to the thick forest.
At this point take the left trail to continue onto Marion Mt. trail.
At the next trail junction keep left to go onto PCT( pacific crest trail), and right at the next fork in 20 ft (yes, you read that right its only 20 ft) to stay on PCT for half a mile. This half a mile is a gentle climb.
Stay on the Deer springs trail for little more than 2.5 mile. Oh and there is a chance you will see deer on this hike, not sure if it has anything to do with the name of this trail. If you see green poop on PCT chances are it is horse poop, so don't panic. But carry a bear spray, don't know what it is? Read about it on the hiking gear page.
We are NOT going to Fuller ridge, so keep right to continue onto Deer springs trail. Keep left at the next fork to continue onto San Jacinto summit trail.
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