The Last High Peak Bagging Adventure of The Season, Marion Peak

Don’t Miss This Adventure!

Marion Peak is one of the lesser-traveled 10,000-foot peaks within San Jacinto State Park, offering both challenge and reward for experienced hikers. The route is often off-trail, meaning there are no established paths particularly near the summit. While this may sound intimidating, it also promises an unforgettable experience of solitude, raw nature, and the sense of true exploration.

If you're unsure about what to expect, let us explain:

1. Off-Trail Exploration: Unlike well-marked trails, this hike is about navigating through the natural terrain. We’ll rely on map skills and team decision-making to find our way to the summit. You’ll learn to work with your fellow hikers to decide whether to go around, over, or through obstacles like dense shrubbery, adding a real sense of adventure and accomplishment.

2. Why This Is Rewarding: Climbing Marion Peak isn't just about reaching a physical destination. It’s about pushing your limits, problem-solving as a group, and experiencing a peak that few hikers ever visit. When you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views that are rarely seen by casual hikers. The peaceful isolation of this peak makes the experience feel exclusive and personal.

3. Camaraderie: This is not just a solo journey. Hiking with a group of experienced adventurers like Jack, Kathryn, and Ross means you’ll be in good company. Sharing stories, advice, and snacks along the way creates a bond that makes the journey even more memorable. Even if you’ve never hiked this kind of terrain before, the camaraderie and support will make it an easier, more enjoyable experience.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date & Time: October 19, 8:30 AM PST

• Meeting Point: 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 a short distance to the Ranger Station.
• Distance: 12 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,500+ feet
• Difficulty Level: Strenuous – This hike is for those who are fit and have experience with extended hikes. The off-trail aspect adds to the difficulty, but also to the sense of accomplishment.
• Estimated Hiking Time: About 7 hours, including rest stops for water, snacks, and to enjoy the views.
• Cost: ( for instructions on parking and purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time) Remember, receive a 20% discount on Tram tickets. AAA receive a 10% discount.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Terrain: Most of the hike will be off-trail. We will be bushwhacking through some dense vegetation (such as Chinquapin shrubs) and climbing across rugged terrain. You will get your boots dirty, and your endurance will be tested. But the challenges only make the reward sweeter!

Elevation: We will start at Long Valley at 8,300 feet and ascend to 10,362 feet at Marion Peak. The air will be thinner, and the climb will be steady. Make sure you're prepared for this elevation gain.

Group Dynamic: Don’t worry about navigating alone. Our leaders will guide you, and the group will stick together, helping each other through tricky spots, primarily due to dense shrubbery nearing the summit. You will have ample opportunities to learn from our experienced hikers, who will offer advice on techniques for tackling off-trail terrain.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Registration: Each qualified individual who wishes to participate must register in advance and have previous experience with strenuous hikes or have completed one of our 10 Essentials Classes. Alternatively, provide other experience and be approved by the hike leader.
• Liability Waiver: You are required to sign a liability waiver for all NHA hiking events. Please click read carefully, print, sign and take it to hike leader, Jack, upon arrival at the trail head. If you have not done that in advance, Jack will have a copy for you to sign before departure.
• Arrival Time: Please you need to know in order to arrive on time.Take the 8:00 AM tram car to arrive on time. We advise arriving at the Valley tram station no later that 7:30 AM. Being punctual is crucial to ensure the group departs as scheduled. Find detailed information about tram tickets and meeting points on the link above.
• Hydration & Nutrition: Bring a minimum 3 liters of water per person, trail snacks, a packed lunch and a daypack carrying what is normal on a day hike including the 10 essentials. Staying hydrated and fueled during the hike is crucial! If you feel you're running out of energy at any time eat an energy bar. It works!
• Age Limit: Participants must be 14 or older, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
• Gear & Clothing: Long pants are **required** to protect against dense vegetation. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good tread, and bring an extra layer in case of changing weather. Hiking poles are **highly recommended** for stability on uneven terrain. Don’t forget sunscreen and a sun hat. Even at high elevation, the sun can be intense, and we’ll be exposed for most of the hike.
• Contact & Additional Information If you need to cancel you will find a concellation option on the ticket you received following retistration. If you need to cancel less than 24 hours before the hike please text Jack at 954-931-6414 as soon as possible so the group's departure is not delayed.

For any other questions, feel free to reach out to hike leader Jack Pansegrau at [email protected] or [email protected]

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Marion Peak is one of the five 10,000’ peaks within the San Jacinto State Park. Very few go ‘off-trail’ to ascend this breathtaking peak – there are no established trails or routes to the summit. This will be an exploratory hike that will be an extraordinary opportunity to join experience hikers setting out to summit Marion Peak.

And as many of you know, reaching the summit of a peak is a truly special experience. The moment you stand at the top, surrounded by expansive views and fresh, cool air, you’ll feel a sense of exhilaration that’s hard to put into words.

Imagine sharing that breathtaking moment with like-minded adventurers, swapping stories, enjoying energy snacks, and basking in the joy of achievement. You’ll find it’s hard to pack up and leave when the time comes to descend.

This may sound like a stream of consciousness or a daydream, but it’s a real invitation to join a community of fellow explorers. Whether you’ve stood at the summit before or are eager to experience it for the first time, this adventure with our leaders, Jack, Kathryn and Ross, along with your fellow hikers will create lasting bonds and shared memories. \

Marion Peak

We warmly invite you to tackle Marion Peak, which promises to be a rewarding challenge. This strenuous hike covers about 12 miles round trip, taking you from Long Valley at 8,300 feet to Marion Peak at an impressive 10,362 feet. We will be off-trail most of the hike – some of the time on established routes and at other times bushwhacking with a general idea of our destination but without specific knowledge of the route we will take. This off-trail/off-route navigation will require some decision-making— “Shall we go through it, around it, or over it?” While the journey has its obstacles, including navigating through Chinquapin shrubs, the satisfaction of reaching the summit makes it all worthwhile. What may seem frustrating or daunting in the moment often transforms into a cherished adventure in hindsight.

The Twins: Marion (10,362’) and Jean Peaks (10,670’)

Marion and Jean Peaks share the same ridge, located just southwest of Mount San Jacinto (10,834’), making them the second and third highest peaks in the San Jacinto Wilderness. The names for both peaks were provided by Edmund Taylor Perkins, a member of the surveying team. Marion Peak was named after Marion Kelly, a young teacher at the Morongo Indian Reservation, who pursued Perkins, but he consistently claimed he was ‘married to his job.’ Despite this, Perkins held enough admiration for Ms. Kelly to honor her with the name of Marion Peak.

In contrast, it was another young woman, Jean Waters, who captured Perkins’ affection. He married Waters in 1903, and in her honor, Jean Peak was named after her. Since learning of this connection I have referred to these two peaks as The Twins.

• Date & Time: October 19, 8:30 a.m. – Boots on the Trail . ( for instructions on purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time)
• Location: 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 a short distance to the Ranger Station.
• Difficulty Level: Strenuous (12 miles out and back, total elevation gain will likely be in excess of 2,500 feet)
• Base Elevation: 8,350 feet
• Peak Elevation: 10,362 feet
• Estimated Hiking Time: About 7 hours, including breaks for rest, water, snacks, and awe of the views.
• Cost: ( for instructions on parking and purchasing Tram tickets and arriving on time) Remember, receive a 20% discount on Tram tickets. AAA receive a 10% discount.

• Each qualified individual must register. To qualify, you should have participated in other strenuous hikes or completed the one of our 10 Essentials Classes or, provide your ‘Hiking CV’ to be approved by the hike leader.
• Liability Waiver: You are required to sign a liability waiver for all NHA hiking events. Please click read carefully, print, sign and take it to hike leader, Jack, upon arrival at the trail head. If you have not done that in advance, Jack will have a copy for you to sign before departure.
• Arriving on time: 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.
• Bring water and energy snacks Bring a minimum 3 liters of water per person, trail snacks,a packed lunch and a daypack carrying what is normal on a day hike including the 10 essentials. We also recommend an extra layer and rain protection gear, just in case. Staying hydrated and fueled during the hike is crucial! If you feel you're running out of energy at any time eat an energy bar. It works!
• Age: Anyone under the age of 18 (minimum age 14) must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
• Proper hiking attire for this hike long pants are required due to travel through dense shruberry. Wear hiking clothes with an extra layer, sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good tread, and gaiters if you have them.

• Hiking backpack or knapsack that fits well hugging your back for stability.
• Hiking poles are strongly advised for safety! Definitely worth it!
• Sunscreen, Sun Hat even at elevation, our hike will be ‘warm’ and we will be exposed to the sun throughout the day.
• We depart from the Long Valley Ranger Station at 8:45 a.m. and return around 3:00 PM
• Dress appropriately: Long pants are strongly recommended due to dense shrubbery. Wear hiking clothes with an extra layer, sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good tread, and gaiters if you have them.
• Backpack or Knapsack: must be well-fitting for hiking stability and comfort.
• Hiking poles: highly recommended for safety and support on the trail.
• Sun protection: Don’t forget sunscreen and a sun hat, as we’ll be exposed to sunlight throughout the day.
• Departure: from the Long Valley Ranger Station at 8:30 a.m. and expect to return around 5:00 p.m. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance your hiking skills and revel in the breathtaking views from the summit.

If you’re unable to join us, please text me at 954.931.6414 as soon as possible, so so we don’t needlessly wait for you on Saturday morning. My cell is 954.931.6414.

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

OPTIONAL READING:

Some intersting facts about these five peaks: See photo below

Miller is a short scramble off a sharp bend in the trail and is thus usually past by unnoticed by most hikers on their way to San Jacinto Peak. It is also for this reason that it offers those looking for a refreshing diversion to the monotony of the trail, and a reprieve from the crowds that can gather on San Jacinto Peak.
A short scramble at the bend in the trail will bring you to a sharp precipice adorned with two plaques dedicated to the peak's name sake, Boy Scout Leader and "champion of boyhood” along with being the founder of the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside. When Miller Peak was dedicated shortly after his death, over twenty Boy Scout troops ascended the highest peaks in Southern California and simultaneously lit bonfires. Imagine getting that ‘fire permit’ today!

Other famous names atop San Jacinto include Cornell Peak [one of the three Iives 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 — for his girlfriends in 1897. Marion taught school on the Morongo Indian Reservation. But Jean, whom he met in Northern California, eventually won his heart. They married in 1903. Marion could theoretically claim the last laugh, however, because an entire ridge was named after her in 1967.

Drury Peak is named after Newton Drury, who led the fight in the 1940's and 1950's to prevent development in the San Jacinto Wilderness, including ski facilities, and on and around Mt. San Jacinto itself! Except for the Palm Springs Tram his efforts were successful. The San Jacinto Wilderness and all beauty exists today due to the efforts of Newton Drury according to many older Sierra Club members. Newton Bishop Drury (April 9, 1889 – December 14, 1978) was the fourth director of the American National Park Service.

Mt. San Jacinto Beginning around 1820, the Mission San Luis Rey (located in modern day Oceanside) established a cattle ranch in the Valley [Hemet], which they named for St. Hyacinth (San Jacinto in Spanish). St. Hyacinth ministered in Eastern Europe in the early 13th century; he was canonized in 1594 and his feast day is August 17th. Locally, the name San Jacinto was soon applied to the San Jacinto River and Mt. San Jacinto (elevation 10,804 ft.), one of the three tallest peaks in Southern California.

Photo by Jim Duvall south from Marion Peak to Mt. Palomar far right.

Miller Peak Plaques dedicated to Leader Frank Miller and Boy Scout Oath

Host or Publisher Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association