Question about routes to San J

[hvydrt]

Thinking about heading up to san j next weekend. I have never hiked this area. Besides C2C and the tram, what are the other day hike routes to the peak? How long are the route and what is the vertical gain of each? we are also thinking about car camping somewhere in the area after the hike, any suggestions?

thanks
mark

[phydeux]

Thinking about heading up to san j next weekend. I have never hiked this area. Besides C2C and the tram, what are the other day hike routes to the peak? How long are the route and what is the vertical gain of each? we are also thinking about car camping somewhere in the area after the hike, any suggestions?

thanks
mark

Here's a link to descriptions of the main trails:

http://www.etreking.com/eTreking/Pages/ ... toMts.html

You can also find information on the California State Parks website, including descriptive brochures and maps.

While the cost of the PS Tram might seem steep (@ $21, 10% less with AAA card), it does provide easy access to the higher elevations, and to the peak. Its probably your best bet if you've never been to the SJ Mountains before. IF you do take the tram, I'd suggest getting on one of the first cars up (it opens at 8AM weekends) to avoid the crowds.

[Perry]

Here are a couple trails on the west side:
http://www.summitpost.org/route/204108/ ... trail.html
http://www.summitpost.org/route/155918/ ... ntain.html

[TerraElise]

For the record: I LOVED Marion. It's a pretty steady climb, but the views are fabulous, including a large bit of granite outcrop close to 1/2 way up. I prefer the West/south side of the mountain for hiking personally.