Marion Mtn Trail 10/19 question

[kjmc]

Any input is appreciated:

Are advance permits recommended for that time of year, or should we plan to go self-serve at the Idyllwild RS?

Should we expect to see water and if so where?

We have been wanting to hike San J via this route for some time and we look forward to a steep trail with great views.

Cheers

[Blooty]

You need an adventure pass for parking
Permits are available at the trailhead
I would bring at least 1.5-2L of water - there was some water in Little Round Valley, a trickle that you could most likely filter and purify, but if it were me, I'd bring my own.

[kjmc]

Looks like we can bypass the RS in Idyllwild then and go directly to the trailhead.

Thanks for the tip and also the AP reminder and water advice.

[Rob]

Permits are available at the trailhead

Looks like we can bypass the RS in Idyllwild then and go directly to the trailhead.

I don't remember seeing permits at the Marion TH itself.

[kjmc]

Well pass by the RS to be on the safe side.

My main concern was if in mid-late October there would be any reason to try to get a permit in advance.

Thanks for the reply.

[Blooty]

Permits are at the trailhead. Turn onto Azalea from the hwy and then just about a block ahead on the right is a "pay station". The permits are there. NOT at the actual trail trailhead. It's clearly marked, you can't miss it.

[kjmc]

Great, thanks for clarifying this. I take it that permits in advance are not likely to be necessary in mid-late October. We are looking forward to the hike.

[kjmc]

Great, thanks for clarifying this. I take it that permits in advance are not likely to be necessary in mid-late October. We are looking forward to the hike.

[Marknhj]

Great, thanks for clarifying this. I take it that permits in advance are not likely to be necessary in mid-late October. We are looking forward to the hike.

In addition to permits you can get a daily adventure pass at a pay station near the trail head. No need to go to the Ranger Station if you don't have an annual or daily one (I tried to get one from Palm Springs Big 5 on Friday, but they were out).

I went up yesterday, the first half of this trail is steep. I was still a little surprised despite reading the posts here before leaving.