San Jacinto Marion Trail to Summit, September 2025

Some Beta on San Jacinto

There is some debate about the distance, but it's ~12 miles round trip, with ~4200 ft climbing, from 6400 ft to 10,800. Relatively steep, but no terrible sections and no real scrambling until the end.


No dogs! They are allowed on part of the trail but not the whole trail.


Timing


Total est hiking time 9-10 hours


It's a ~3 hr drive. First light at 6am, sunrise at 6:30am. Target leaving Ventura 3:30am. Gets us home ~8pm


I'll drive. My car seats 4 comfortably, and 5 if we are friendly. We will stop for a bathroom break, breakfast & coffee in Banning(?) 2 hours out.


Packing


Take 2 liters of water. There should be water on the trail (at miles 3 and 4.4, and back). I'll bring a filter.


Food. Bring plenty of food for yourself. It's 10 hours! Electrolytes are good. Salt and carbs are your friends this day. And also anything you want for the drive there and back. We can eat dinner after in Idyllwild. 


Clothing. Weather is expected to be sunny, 70F at trailhead going down to 40-45 at summit. I'm wearing shorts but layering up with down jacket and tights. There will not be any snow, so no gear necessary. There will be some mud from Thursday's inch of rain. Hat and sunglasses recommended, but there is a lot of shade on the trail. Some trail guides said pants for overgrown brush. I'm also bringing a change of clothes for after. Bring wet wipes if desired.


I have 2 extra pairs of hiking poles besides my own.


Always plan for emergencies! You never know what happens on mountains, so I pack more clothes and food than I think I need. I have a satellite pager for communications - my wife also tracks my location. I have a small 1st aid kit and one emergency blanket. I'll also have a light and spare battery. And TP. 


Altitude


It's normal to be be out of breath more than usual, but watch for signs of headaches, dizziness and nausea. If we have to stop, then so be it.  

Summit

There is a campground at mile 4.4, 9800 ft with a bathroom(!) and water. It's a mile and half to the summit, but also the slowest part. 3 miles with no water. We could potentially split up here - one group waits while the rest summits. 


Packing List

  • Clothes
    • shorts
    • tights or pants
    • socks (a second pair in a ziplock is always good)
    • shirt, short sleeve or tank
    • shirt, long sleeve layer
    • windbreaker (opt)
    • down jacket (recommended)
    • hat and/or beanie
    • sunglasses
    • gloves, 3 season (opt) 
    • change of clothes (and shoes) for after
  • Food
    • ~2 liters of fluids
    • electrolytes (i'll have salt tabs)
    • high energy snacks: trail mix, jerky, fruit bars, etc
    • lunch: sandwich, wrap, etc
    • it's 10 hours(!), and bring a little extra in case
  • Other
    • hiking poles (opt)
    • wet wipes (or your favorite post-hike cleaning method) & towel
    • sunscreen
    • lip balm
    • personal medications
    • phone


Resources 


The map and GPX are here: https://www.gaiagps.com/hike/223897/san-jacinto-peak-via-deer-springs-trail-and-marion-mountain-trail/ and here https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/marion-mountain-to-san-jacinto 


Directions to trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MnQNCWrvk6DtYJmcA


Trail report: https://sanjacjon.com/


Weather at summit: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-San-Jacinto-Peak/forecasts/3293

Comments

Post a Comment