San Jacinto newbie seeking advice

[kristo5747]

Greetings.

When the snow clears, I am planning to hike San Jacinto via the Marion trail.

I read a trail report (http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/SanJaci ... n_4472.asp) that suggested it was a scenic and challenging trail.

My experience (I am sure it'll make a lot of you guys chuckle)

Mt Baldy via bowl (day hike): 5 times
Mt Baldy via Bear Flat (day hike): 2 times
Mt Baldy via Devils Backbone (day hike): 7 times
Gorgonio via South Fork (day hike):3 times
Gorgonio via Vivian Creek (day hike): 2 times

Do you agree that Marion trail is the most challenging? Would you suggest another trail that's more challenging?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Al.

[Ellen]

Howdy Al

For me, Bear Flat and Vivian Creek (without snow) are harder than Marion. Friends of mine who've gone up Marion recently needed snowshoes. In the summer, I enjoy doing a car shuttle -- go up Marion and come down Devil's Slide.

The most challenging trail/route on San Jacinto is Skyline to the tram -- 8 K gain in ~10 miles. The advantage of Skyline compared to the other trails is the beer at the tram bar and the ride down

Big Iron in the San Gabriel's is supposed to be harder than Skyline. It's on my bucket list.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[kristo5747]

Howdy Al

For me, Bear Flat and Vivian Creek (without snow) are harder than Marion. Friends of mine who've gone up Marion recently needed snowshoes. In the summer, I enjoy doing a car shuttle -- go up Marion and come down Devil's Slide.

The most challenging trail/route on San Jacinto is Skyline to the tram -- 8 K gain in ~10 miles. The advantage of Skyline compared to the other trails is the beer at the tram bar and the ride down

Big Iron in the San Gabriel's is supposed to be harder than Skyline. It's on my bucket list.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

Hi Ellen, thanks for the reply. It seems that there is so much more to discover in that area. I am going to hit my local bookstore for a guide book.

Where is Big Iron?? I never heard of it....

[bluerail]

Iron has some stuff that makes it a little tough (rocky, steep scree sections and pokey yuccas) but as for a sustained uphill, I consider skyline a harder uphill....bad thing is, you have to hike back down Iron.

Like Ellen mentioned, theres beer at the top of the Sam Adams trail and then you get to be carried down.