San Jacinto Peak & Off Trail to Jean Peak, Sublime and Serene.

Breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences await you to achieve two of the six peaks in the San Jacinto range over 10,000 feet

On trail and off trail hike to Mt. San Jacinto [10,834’] and Jean Peak [10,670]

Come join us for an epic day hike to two of the six peaks over 10,000 feet in the Mt. San Jacinto Range. If you have never hiked to the top before, this is a great opportunity to get there with a qualified guide. This will be a "hybrid" hike, meaning traveling both on trail and off trail.

We will begin from Long Valley Ranger Station on the Round Valley Trail. Very soon, depending on the wishes of the group, we will either remain on the main trail to the summit or veer off trail to alternate routes, potentially cutting two miles off the ascent.

There are two or three alernate routes within the alternate off trail routes. All these provide new perspectives of wilderness travel, heightening the excitement of your experience. Traveling with an experienced leader who knows the mountain like the proverbial "back of his hand" is the absolutely best way to fully appreciate this rewarding and learning experience.

Upon reaching the summit of San Jacinto Peak we will catch our breath upon taking in the indescribable 360 degree views and settle down for a much needed break and lunch while sharing the excitement of being there!. On a clear day you may see the Pacific Ocean to the west and Mt. Charleston in Nevada, elevation 11916 ft. on the horizon far to the northeast.

OPTIONAL READING:

Some fun facts about a few of these peaks:

Miller Peak A short scramble at the bend in the trail near the summit of San Jacinto Peak will bring you to a sharp precipice adorned with two plaques dedicated to the peak's name sake, Frank Miller- Boy Scout leader, "champion of boyhood” and founder of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside. When Miller Peak was dedicated shortly after his death in 1936, over twenty Boy Scout troops ascended Southern California's highest peaks and simultaneously lit bonfires. Imagine getting that ‘fire permit’ today!

Other famous names atop San Jacinto include Cornell Peak [one of the three Ivys along with Harvard and Yale]. U.S.G.S. geologist Robert Hill named the 9,750-footer for his alma mater, Cornell University. Apparently, he didn’t think Hill Peak sounded impressive enough.

U.S.G.S. topographer Edmund Perkins Jr. named Marion and Jean peaks — 10,362 and 10,670 feet, respectively — after girlfriends in his life during the late 1800s. Marion taught school on the Morongo Indian Reservation, but Jean, whom he met in Northern California, eventually won his heart and they married in 1903. Marion could theoretically claim the last laugh, however, because an entire ridge was named after her in 1967.

As for San Jacinto itself, it is the Spanish form of Saint Hyacinth, a Polish Doctor of Sacred Studies (1185-1257) known for reforming women’s monasteries in his native country.

DETAILS: Click on all blue highlighted text for important help and information.

• Event Date and Time: June 28 at 8:45 a.m. ( for instructions on purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time)
• Hike Leaders: Jack Pansegrau, Kathryn Burrows
• Meet at: The Long Valley Ranger Station. Proceed from the ground floor terrace of the Mountain Station down the ramp to Long Valley. At the bottom turn right and follow the trail to the picnic table at the Ranger Station.
• Difficulty level: Strenuous. 12-Miles out and back, 2,500 ' of total elevation gain. Base Elevation: 8,350’ – Peak Elevation: 10,834’, there is 10% less oxygen than sea level. If possible, you might consider spending some to acclimate at elevation before the hike, especially if you are unfamiliar with hiking at high altitude.
• Hiking Time: up to 8 hours including breaks
• Cost: ( for instructions on parking and purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time)
• Reminder, receive a 20% discount on Tram tickets.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Hike Fitness: Participants should have prior experience completing strenuous-rated hikes and must be approved by the hike leader for this demanding outing due primarily to the distance and high elevation
• Registration: Each individual attending must register using their own name. Duplicate names will be considered an error and deleted. Please do not use your name to register additional members of your group
• Liability Waiver: Please download this , read it carefully, print it out, sign it, and take it to the hike leader. If you have not done so in advance, copies will be available before departure on the hike. This liability waiver is required for all NHA hiking events.
• Tram departure: Take the 8 a.m. tram car to arrive at the meeting location on time. Please you need to know in order to arrive on time.
• Water and Food: We recommend a minimum 3 liters of water per person, trail snacks, lunch and a daypack carrying what is normal on a day hike , an extra layer and rain protection gear. Notice High energy snacks along the trail can make a huge difference helping you to get there! Tired? Eat protein and calories now!
• Age: Anyone under the age of 18 (minimum age 14) must be accompanied by a legal guardian
• Proper hiking attire i.e. hiking clothes with extra layer, hiking boots with good soles, rain protection, hat, sunglasses, sun screen. NO TENNIS SHOES PLEASE! Notice The off trail section of this hike may be through stiff and thorny schrubs called chinquapin. wear long pants!
• Hiking poles: are strongly advised
• Departure and return: Depart from the Long Valley Ranger Station at 8:45 am and return around 4:00 pm

If you have any questions please contact leader Jack Pensegrau at: [email protected] or [email protected]

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