Drury Peak

Jean Peak with Drury Peak behind, taken from Marion Mountain, photo by Nahid Shirazi

Drury Peak, photo by Google Earth

Jean Peak with Drury Peak behind, taken from Marion Mountain, Photo by Nahid Shirazi.

Peak Name

Drury Peak

27K

Elevation

10160

feet

Status

active

Region

San Jacinto Area

Range

San Jacinto Mountains

Nearby peaks

Jean Peak, Marion Mountain

Location

33.808352,-116.6866836

Description

Drury Peak is named for Newton Drury, who fought to preserve the Mount San Jacinto area from development. It and Jean are San Jacinto’s nearest neighbors and thus are frequently hiked together in various combinations. Any route to San Jacinto can take a side trip to Jean and Drury. It has lovely views to the west and also of the entire San Jacinto crest to the east.

Route 1 follows the Marion Mountain Trail to the Deer Springs Trail, then ascending to the summit from Little Round Valley campground. It is also a short distance to or from San Jacinto on trail, and cross country to or from Jean.

Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission

Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides

Route 1- Marion Mountain Trail

Elevation Gain

3800′

Navigation Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

10 miles round trip on trail and cross-country

Estimated time

7 hours round trip

Route Rating

Class 1, strenuous

Leader Rating Required

“I”, normal conditions

Driving route

Take I-10 to Banning. Exit at 8th Street (SR 243 to Idyllwild). Turn right at end of off-ramp. Note odometer and go as follows:
At 0.2 mile, turn left.
At 0.7 mile, turn right on to San Gorgonio Avenue.
At 1.4 miles, keep left on SR 243.
Drive south on SR 243 for 19 miles to a junction with a paved road, Azalea Trail (NF-4S02).
Turn left and proceed 1.6 miles to a wide dirt parking area just before the Marion Mountain Campground entrance. Trailhead is signed “Marion Mtn Trail.” Park here.

Hiking route

From the parking area (6300′), proceed east up the very steep Marion Mountain Trail to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2 miles.
Turn left. In about 100 feet there is a junction with the Seven Pines Trail. Continue straight (east) toward the Deer Spring Camp.
In another 0.4 mile meet the junction with the Fuller Ridge Trail (PCT). Continue straight on the Deer Spring Trail.
Proceed 1 1/2 miles to Little Round Valley (9600′).
Upon entering the campground, head SSE and hike about 0.3 mile cross-country to the saddle just east of Drury peak.
Turn west and hike up a gentle rocky slope. The summit block is attained via an easy second-class scramble.

Route Notes

Printable Route

Road Type

Paved

Google Maps Link to Trailhead

Additional Peak Information

Special conditions: Wilderness permits are required under all circumstances. Permits are limited to 12 hikers. Permits may be obtained from the Idyllwild Ranger Station just off SR 243 at 54270 Pine Crest Road. There is a self-issue permit stand outside of the ranger station. Permits may be obtained in advance from:
San Jacinto Ranger District
54270 Pinecrest
P.O. Box 518
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Voice: (909) 382-2921
Fax: (951) 659-2107

Historical notes: Drury Peak is named for Newton Drury, who led the fight in the 1940’s and 1950’s to prevent extensive development, including ski facilities, on and around Mt. San Jacinto. Except for the Palm Springs Tram itself, his efforts were successful. Arguably, the San Jacinto Wilderness exists today due to the efforts of Newton Drury.

Natural science notes: The summit area is covered by an especially beautiful example of the high-altitude limber pine forest of the San Jacintos.
The summit yields a fine view of the San Jacinto crest from Folly to Marion from a unique western perspective.