For one of our conditioning hikes for Langley, we wanted to do Baldy yesterday. However, after called the Baldy Visitor Center, it was decided that the conditions weren't ideal up there unless you are an experienced ice climber. So we made a last minute decision to try the Marion approach to San Jacinto Mountain. Our plan was just to get as far up the trail as we could by a certain time then head back down and head home. I must say that this trail was quite a grind to climb. We wanted an opportunity to try out our crampons and we got it. From the 8000 ft mark all the way up was socked in snow. There were really no breaks to this trail. Just a steady climb that has you gaining elevation quickly, and with only a few switchbacks it really worked us out good. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was cold in the shade and warm in the sun. The snow up top made for some very neat little waterfalls and streams. It was a great day with views to Baldy and Gorgonio. The snow packed peaks of these two mountains was quite obvious.
The numbers for the day were as follows:
Total Round Trip Mileage: 5.25
Starting Elevation: 6350
Maximum Elevation: 8860
Time: 6.7 hours
Here are some of the pictures from the day...
This first one gives you an idea of the incline of the trail. There were a lot of people out there for the weekend.
Small Falls
Baldy in the Distance
Nice Views
Lemmo (Left) and Skytrax (Right)
Rangers above 8000 ft carrying a little back down that was left up there from a rescue during the week.
Crampons were definitely used and necessary after 8000 feet.
Gorgonio in the distance. Lots of snow still up there.
