Seven Pines Trail

[Bartman]

I am considering hiking up the Seven Pines Trail in 2 weeks, just for a change of pace from Deer Springs and Marion Mtn. I have never done Seven Pines before, but the descriptions sound great (opportunities to lose the trail, etc!).

Does anyone know when the gate to the trailhead is locked for the season? I'm assume it's the same gate to Marion Mtn trailhead and camping area.

Thanks!

[Ulysses]

Don't know for sure if the road is open. They usually don't close it until closer to Thanksgiving. The Forest Service station in Idyllwild should have the latest info 909-382-2922. Yes it's the same road you would take to Marion Mountain TH (4S02) but you take a left at a fork before Marion Mountain toward Dark Canyon campground. The pavement ends at Dark Canyon CG and the trail head is about a half mile further. It's a great trail. Enjoy.

[Hikin_Jim]

I guess I found the Marion Mountain Trail easier to lose (or get off on a "braid" of).

If it's of interest, I wrote a trip report. I did the Seven Pines Trail as part of my Seven Summits of San Jacinto trip this past July.

HJ

[Bartman]

Thanks to Hikin' Jim and Ulysses for the info.

We're going to hike Seven Pines on Mon 11 Nov if anyone would like to join us. Post a reply or send a PM so we don't leave without you. We're early starters and coming from San Diego.

[guest]

Hi,
I hiked this trail this summer, there's a decent dirt rd. that seemed like over a mile, my Prius did fine.
Pay attention at several areas, as the trail was very vague in areas, not sure if the CCC or Forest service has made any improvements since Aug. 1 or 2 areas had large drainage's that you need to pay attention to, as well as a couple spots where it's fairly flat & minimally obvious.

Have fun, if your going on to the peak, the area past Little Round Valley got some major damage from summer flash floods.

ss

[RichMcG]

I'm already doing Deer Springs on Saturday, but have always skipped Seven Pines in favor of Marion Mountain or Fuller Ridge and want to go sometime. You said Monday the 12th, did you mean the 11th or Tuesday? I live in Carlsbad and have a commitment Veterans Day morning, but I could look for a replacement in favor of the hike.

[Bartman]

Sorry, Rich McG, I fixed my post. I meant Monday the 11th. I've done Marion and Deer Springs a bunch as well and was just looking to get a different view of a great mountain!

Let me know if you're interested - there's room in the car!

[Bartman]

We did Seven Pines on Veteran's Day - awesome trail and a gorgeous day! It is everything that Hikin' Jim and Ulysses promised: challenging to follow in places, meandering, but beautiful. We saw two humans the entire day (trailhead to summit and back to trailhead) but none on Seven Pines.