San Jacinto

About the Hike: Strenuous hike with plenty of hiking in thinner air. Generally cool in summer and fall, though spring may require snow gear. Don't attempt the hike without proper training.

Time: Start: 8.45am, End: 8pm, total hiking time = 11hrs 15min

Distance: 17mi roudtrip, elevation gain: from 6280ft to 10804ft

Driving and other Info:
Follow I-15N to 79S, left at 371, left at 74 and right at 243 to Idyllwild, the ranger station is on Pine Crest Ave. Follow Pine Crest and Fern Valley to the end to the top of Humber Park, which is the trailhead.

Our Hike: We did this hike twice. First time was faster, around 7.5hrs. Second time was slower, around 11hrs, mainly due to additional weight and lack of sleep the previous day. We learnt some important lessons on the hike: sleep well before, have a light lunch during the hike and climb gradually after 8000ft. The views are fantastic, but you won't enjoy it if you feel the effects of altitude, so prepare well. The path goes steep-flat-steep, so the last section to the peak is the toughest. The path is rocky and has tree roots cutting across, so watch your step.