OverviewNestled in the San Jacinto Wilderness, one of the Ten-Thousand foot peaks that are in the here, Drury peak may not be the most popular peak to hit among the beautiful range, but the hike and scramble up are more that worth the extra effort. I was surprised to even find a older than most summit journal, and inside it was many signatures dating back to the late 1970's. The View from the top overlooks much of the valley and glimpses of San Gorgonio across the Cabazon Pass. The peak itself is granite, and requires some class 1 maybe class 2-3 scrambling to achieve the summit. There is no definite way up off the main train to get there(Merion Mountain trail) but the 460 foot vertical jump from the trail to peak is a half hour scramble that requires basic route finding.Getting ThereCalifornia-For the Merion Mountain trailhead, US Interstate 10 leads to Banning, and take Highway 243 from Banning up the mountain en route to Idlywild. Stop at the Alandale Ranger station for a permit, which is required to enter the wilderness. A $5 dollar day parking pass is needed or a Adventure pass will work.The first left after the station is the road to the trail head. Follow the signs which are posted.
Take the Marion Mountain trail for 2.8 miles, then jump on the famous Pacific Crest Trail and follow it for about half a mile until it turns left and goes with the Fuller Ridge trail. Follow the trail marked to go for Little Round Valley and continue for about 0.75 miles. On your Right will be Drury peak. Follow the class 2 Ridgeline up and find the summit book under a red coffee can at the top.
Red TapePermits are required and may be picked up at any of the Ranger stations on the mountain. The parking pass or adventure pass must be placed in car. For road and trail conditions, please call the San Bernardino National forest office at (909) 382-2600 or online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino.
When To ClimbDrury peak can be climbed all year, but recomended to climb when no snow is on the ground, which is between late June to early September. Call the hotline for Marion Mountain trail conditions.
CampingCamping is allowed at the Trailhead, at the Marion Mountain Campground and the fern basin camp ground, just before the trailhead. Follow the signs up the road. No huts, and for camping fees please call the San Bernardino National forest office at (909) 382-2600 or online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino.
Mountain ConditionsFor road and trail conditions, please call the San Bernardino National forest office at (909) 382-2600 or online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino.
External Links
Topo Link:http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=33.80823&lon=-116.68574&size=l&datum=nad27&layer=DRG Images
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