Conquering Mount San Jacinto
Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is a stunning 14,000-acre playground of natural beauty, offering jaw-dropping vistas and trails for everyone from beginner hikers to seasoned climbers. With over 50 miles of trails, visitors can take a leisurely stroll through pine-scented forests or push themselves on challenging ascents to some seriously epic viewpoints.
Recently, Troop 985 embarked on an unforgettable backpacking trip to Mount San Jacinto. The adventure began with a thrilling ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which whisked them up to the top of the mountain. From there, the scouts backpacked around 2.5 miles to the Monkey Flower campground and set up camp.
After settling in, a small group of scouts took on the challenge of hiking up to Wellman Divide at an elevation of 9,692 feet. This demanding hike rewarded them with incredible views and the opportunity to explore the area’s diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems.
Three scouts stepped up as camp chefs, each in charge of cooking for their respective groups. They made dinner on the trail, proving that camp food can be both tasty and fun—yes, even if it included boiling spam!
Whether you’re camping high up in the mountains or riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Mount San Jacinto offers something for everyone. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and the perfect spot for scouts to have an adventure.
Special thanks go to Mrs. Dorner for organizing this backpacking trip. Mrs. Dorner and Mr. Marucci, our High Adventure Trained (HAT) leaders, are specially trained to ensure that our scouts can safely embark on such incredible adventures.
Those who made the trip included scouts: Alston, Benjamin, Brent, Daniel, Jack, Nathan, Skyler, Vincent, and Zaiden. Adult leaders accompanying them were Mrs. Dorner, Mr. Marruci, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Denham, and Mr. Yue.