Marion Mountain Mileage Mystery - the simple answer

[zippetydude]

Okay, I think I've figured this out.

It seems like the Marion Mtn. trail takes forever, going both up and down (see previous thread). I was wondering if maybe it was gps. I don't think so now. I just did it Saturday morning, and I'm convinced it's simply the steepness.

Going up, well, you know how that is. Going down, it's so steep that it's smart to slow down and watch every step.

Here's what the math says:

If Marion is between 5.25 (sign's number) and 5.8 (my gps), it gains between 853 and 772 ft/mile.

If Skyline is between 11 miles long (rumor) and 9.6 (my gps reading), it gains between 735 and 843 ft/mile.

I haven't got perfect numbers for either trail, as you can see. But, given the range, I see two things:

1) It's definitely in the ballpark with Skyline, a trail known for being incredibly steep.

2) It starts at over 6000' altitude, which means it has much less oxygen available from the outset.

So, the truth is it's all in my perception. I have a very different set of mental expectations when I start Skyline than I do when I start, say, a 10 mile training run on a flat, sea level course. If I took 2 hours on an intense run, I'd figure I had gone at least a few miles. If I took 2 hours going up Skyline, I'd figure I'd be within shouting distance of the museum. Three's a difference there.

For me, I simply hadn't realized that the Marion Mountain trail was crazy steep. Now that I know, it makes much more sense, and 5.8 miles seems about right to me.

My two cents.

z

[tkestas]

I did Marion Mtn from the campground on Sat. June 28 and although steep for the first couple miles, I found it an infinitely more comfortable hike than Seven Pines Trail. I believe the campground start shortens the trail by about 1/4 mile. Nonetheless, Marion is a lot more honest and straightforward on the way up to the Deer Springs junction than Seven Pines. The descent on that lower section is arduous, but the use of poles with the proper technique makes it manageable. I was more preoccupied with previous reports of rattlers than with the steepness of the trail.

In my experience the steeper, more direct route makes for a more confident and satisfying hike. I might also add that proper nutrition and hydration before and during the hike makes a huge difference. I ate tons of pasta at camp the night before, drank copious water and made sure to eat carbo snacks every hour on the trail, avoiding fats and proteins until the hike was over. I am 40 lbs overweight and still made it to the summit in 4:15 elapsed. This included two pack-off breaks (in addition to short breathers/snacks): one to pump water and one for my partner to rest. After an hour on the summit we were back in camp in 8:26 elapsed. If I can pull that off then it ain't THAT hard a trail.

[KathyW]

To me, when I can't average 2 mph round-trip on a hike it is a strenuous hike. I also feel like a hike is strenuous when I can't gain 1000 feet or more per hour on the uphill. It's interesting how everyone looks at what constitutes a strenuous hike - we all have our own definitions.

It's been a long time since I've done the Marion Mountain trail, but as I recall it is a stenuous hike - especially the first two miles.

[zippetydude]

I'm with you Kathy, it's always interesting hearing the different perceptions that people have of a trail.

tkestas, you're pretty tough if you don't find Marion a challenge. You keep up that kind of hiking, and you won't be able to say you're out of shape for long! Good job on the hike.

I think I had simply underestimated the trail, expecting it to be more like the tram to peak trail. If it's in the same ballpark as Skyline, it's a pretty good challenge for me.

Of course, pace has a lot to do with the perception as well. I took my brother up Skyline, and since it was his first time, I slowed the pace to about 2 hours longer than I normally take. It felt very different. The next time I went, I kept my usual pace, and found the trail to be the tough challenge it usually is. He reported the same on his second and third visits.

When all is said and done, ain't it great to be out there?!


z