Marion Mountain to Summit Overnighter 6/27/08

[alleyehave]

Well...One thing we didn't realize(although properly displayed on our topo map)...the trailhead where you must park with an adventure pass is approx. .25mi west of the actual Marion Campground. We were pretty confused as we didn't wanna pay $10/night for our truck to be there while we werent. This also made it a little difficult finding the trail but it wasn't too bad. We underestimated the steepness of the trail and packed as we always do, heavy(leisures like whiskey IS a necessity )...And due to mixed water reports up to LRV Campground we each packed about 4 or so liters. Needless to say this made the first 2.5 miles of Marion Mtn trail pretty...interesting? Well after the junction with the Fuller Ridge Trail we came across probably 4 or so streams with clear running water, a couple with really good flow, that made us a little bummed! Good water flow right at LRV as well. Perfect weather, could have slept on the footprint alone if it weren't for the pesky bugs...From LRV to the summit was as expected...a breeze compared to the first half.


*EXTRA*
We actually descended by going around to Wellman Divide, then to Strawberry Junction then back down Marion Mtn. There is filterable water at the Wellman Cinega and the Strawberry Cinega and I believe we saw one stream between Strawberry Junction and Marion/Seven Peaks junction.

Take care!

PS: Dont take 40lb packs up Marion Mountain if you can avoid it

[johnnyb]

Yep, we were worried about the water, but there is plenty. We carried 3 L each, but makes good practice anyway.
Beautiful weather, and not much of a crowd on Marion Mt. trail. Nice.

[Perry]

We carried 3 Leach.

Yummy!

[blakemiller]

I'm thinking of doing this very trip in the next week or two as a solo overnighter, or even a 2 night trip. I've day hiked the area, but never overnighted in this area. (I do yosemite, san gorgonio, etc. on occassion, however.)

I assumed you stayed at LRV for the one night. Did you stay a 2nd night at Strawberry Junction? Sounds like there will be water at LRV, but if I decide a 2nd night, i'm looking at options.

Forgive me, but what are "Cinegas" ?? Looking at map, maybe areas around Strawberry Junction camp?

I also may opt for the Tram option from the other side for an easier solo trip. . tbd.

EDIT: I just realized the post is titled "Overnighter" which may have answered my first question. That's about an 11.5 mi return, correct?

[alleyehave]

Hi Blake, im sure you're already aware, but if not just know this trail is pretty steep and often underestimated(nothing like c2c, but definitely mentionable). But if thats your gig, its perfect for you

We had originally planned to stay two nights, the 2nd being at Strawberry, but once we got there, we decided to keep going...something like 11 some odd miles from the summit to the TH..mostly downhill, but very blister prone due to the steepness. There was plenty of water at LRV in June...probably still some, talk with those who have more recently gone up and take what the rangers say with a grain of salt. The cinegas are springs more or less along the trail, there are probably 3-4 cinegas between the summit and SJ...but NONE of them were flowing well in June, so doubtful if any are flowing now. Might be a better idea to go back down the same way. Although the PCT from the summit to the Marion MTN Trail is not to be missed! Anyways, you can see a more detailed TR here:

http://web.mac.com/alleyehave/Alleyehav ... Trail.html

Take care,
Nate

I'm thinking of doing this very trip in the next week or two as a solo overnighter, or even a 2 night trip. I've day hiked the area, but never overnighted in this area. (I do yosemite, san gorgonio, etc. on occassion, however.)

I assumed you stayed at LRV for the one night. Did you stay a 2nd night at Strawberry Junction? Sounds like there will be water at LRV, but if I decide a 2nd night, i'm looking at options.

Forgive me, but what are "Cinegas" ?? Looking at map, maybe areas around Strawberry Junction camp?

I also may opt for the Tram option from the other side for an easier solo trip. . tbd.

EDIT: I just realized the post is titled "Overnighter" which may have answered my first question. That's about an 11.5 mi return, correct?