San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mt. Trail - 8.17.13

[greatshaitan]

Just getting in some more training before heading up to Whitney next weekend. Decided to go up Marion Mt. trail to the peak. I forgot how much I dislike this trail. Slept in and hit the trail at 8:50am, (Normally i like to start before first light).

Trail heading up, steep, could feel the burn, yum!


PCT closed due to the Silver fire heading towards Fuller Ridge.


Lots of water at Bed Springs crossing.


And of course, the obligatory peak/sign shot


Looks like the sign has been replaced. Here is the sign 3 months ago.


6 hours round trip, and of course I had to hit up Cafe Aroma for a nice Hop Head Read IPA from Green Flash.

[Ulysses]

Thanks for the report. I have been wondering about the water situation at Bed Spring. This is very helpful.

I went up Deer Springs yesterday but only had time to go to Strawberry Jct. Beautiful day on the mountain. It was warm but there was a nice breeze and it was pleasant in the high country. It heard that it rained for a few minutes later in the afternoon.

The big Ponderosa and Jeffery pines along Deer Springs look healthy. I look at those big trees differently after the mountain fire. They truly are a very precious resource.

[Hikin_Jim]

Definitely a new sign. Wonder what happened to the old one.

They could use better signage on the PCT where the Fuller Ridge Trail cuts off from the Deer Springs Trail. Locals know that the Fuller Ridge Trail is the PCT, but a PCT through hiker wouldn't necessarily. I think the signage their could be made more clear.

At several places in the San Jacintos, I've seen "PCT" written by hand on trail signs. Weird how lacking the trail signs are in some spots and how good in others in the San Jacs.

HJ

[Ulysses]

I think the signage their could be made more clear.

At several places in the San Jacintos, I've seen "PCT" written by hand on trail signs. Weird how lacking the trail signs are in some spots and how good in others in the San Jacs.HJ

I think John Donovan would have agreed with you on that.

[Hikin_Jim]

Here's where the Fuller Ridge Trail cuts off of the Deer Springs Trail. There is nothing (official) that designates that the PCT heads this way. A few people have penciled in "PCT" on the sign. Gee, hope it isn't raining and the sign all dark when you pass through.


Here's the PCT junction in Little Tahquitz Valley. There is nothing that designates the northbound PCT (except a penciled in "N"). Um, north bound? Gosh, isn't that the direction 90+ percent of the hikers go? Why, yes it is, and there is nothing that designates which way the PCT heads on its way north. Hunh?



Those two points in particular cry out for better signage.

HJ

[Backwoods]

At least 75% of the PCT has no sign's if Thru hiker's were getting lost here then it might be a good idea for them to study up and try again next year. The San Jacinto's are by far one of the easy spots on the PCT as far as route finding is concerned.

[Hikin_Jim]

Yeah, I guess. Still, it seems silly. If you're going to have signs, at least make them decent ones.

HJ

[Jill G]

Went in with a small group Sat 8/24. Marion Mtn Trail to San Jac. Beautiful green all along the trail, great flow at Bed Springs. Two deer at Deer Springs. Pics here: http://www.meetup.com/SoCal-Hikers-and- ... d=16916192

Oh- I'm pretty sure we saw Bluerail Steve in the switchbacks above LRV. We were coming down, he was heading up.

[zippetydude]

If he was going uphill faster than you were going downhill it was probably Steve.

z

[bluerail]

we did do Deer Springs to the peak on sat., wasnt moving that fast but i was there! I dont go over to that side of the hill that often, its nice to be reminded how nice it is.