Have you ever been around the CSUSB area and seen hand gliders flying above? Here's an opportunity to hike to Marshall Peak where these guys are launching from.  Marshall Peak is a rounded bump in the front country of the San Bernardino Mountains just north of the city of San Bernardino.

The good news is on clear days the views are incredible on the way to and from the summit. You can expect to see San Bernardino Peak, San Jacinto, the Santa Anas and Puente Hills, and the eastern end of the San Gabriels, notably the “Three T’s” and Cucamonga Peak. If we’re lucky, you may get a glimpse of the Palomar Mountains of north San Diego County–and even Catalina Island. The bad news is that the trail is almost completely exposed, so we need to hope for a cool day for hiking and get off to an early start. Although the steady grade will have you huffing and puffing by the time you reach the summit, navigation is easy, and it makes a great, convenient training hike for those wanting to pursue more ambitious peaks.

I've done this hike three times in the past and it's a great workout with great views of the surrounding peaks.  Our destination up to the peak will also be our spot for lunch where we may be able to witness the hand gliders pre-launch set-up while observing others go airborne over the San Bernardino Valley.

Two meeting points:

Meet at Ralphs Grocery store at 7:30a, 4444 University Parkway, San Bernardino, California 92407 where you have the choice of carpooling from there (I'll be driving my Silver Toyota 4Runner,[masked]),

Or,

Meet at Andy Jackson airpark at 7:45a: West Frontline Road, San Bernardino, California 92407. An Adventure Pass will not be required for this for hike.

The hike begins at 8a.m

Distance: 12.25 miles

Time: ~6 hours

Elevation gain: 2300ft over 6 miles

What to bring: at least 2-3 liters of water, lunch, snacks, a hat, layers of clothing, sunscreen, camera, hiking poles if you use them.

You can also refer to the following link regarding the 10 essentials to have when hiking:

http://www.backpacker.com/november-2010-ten-essentials/slideshows/138

Also, what you bring from this list of essentials will depend on the individual's preferences, knowledge, experience, climate and locations may/will require substitutions.

Warning: Please be in hiking shape for this activity.  If you cannot handle the distance of 12 miles, at least an elevation gain of 1600ft, and/or being at 4000ft altitude, please do not RSVP for this activity.  This is considered a semi-strenuous hike.

Disclaimer: The Organizer and Assistant Organizers in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/or outing is responsible for his or her own safety. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging you are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer and Assistant Organizers of the Palm Springs&Inland Empire Hiking Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities.