Jackson Groves’ 3D/2N Adventure on Mt. Rinjani: A Journey of Resilience and Reward

Jackson's Mt. Rinjani trek was a journey of grit and awe. From the challenging summit climb to the breathtaking crater views, he conquered the volcano and celebrated the beauty of Lombok.

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Few treks rival the raw beauty and physical demands of climbing Mt. Rinjani, and Jackson Groves, the Australian adventurer behind Journey Era, knows this better than most. Over three days and two nights, Jackson immersed himself in an expedition that tested his endurance, expanded his perspective, and reaffirmed his love for the natural world. Here’s a detailed account of his remarkable journey to the summit of Indonesia’s second-highest volcano.

Day 1: Into the Wilderness

The adventure began early, with Jackson and his companions crammed into the back of a truck, the roads of Senaru winding their way to the check-in station. The realization that 150 trekkers would be sharing the trails that day underscored the popularity of this iconic trek. Yet, the crowded start was quickly forgotten as Jackson stepped onto the trail and entered the wilderness.

The day’s journey started in the quiet farmland surrounding Senaru, where the morning sun blazed down with full force. There was no shade to provide relief, and within an hour, the group began to feel the weight of their mission. “Six hours left,” Jackson thought to himself, adjusting his pace to match the demanding climb ahead.

Lunch came as a welcome reprieve at a rustic shed, where guides prepared rice, chicken, and vegetables. Sprawled out on an orange tarp alongside other trekkers, Jackson was already beginning to feel the effects of the day’s heat and incline. “We looked more like we’d finished the trek than just started,” he later reflected, a smile creeping across his face.

As the afternoon wore on, the trail revealed its diversity. Dense forests gave way to rocky canyons, where curious monkeys watched from above. Jackson marveled at how unexpected and lush the terrain was—far from the barren volcanic landscape he had imagined. The final stretch led them to their campsite on the crater rim at 2,639 meters. While the area was marred by litter, the sweeping views of Segara Anak Lake and Gunung Barujari’s volcanic cone were breathtaking.

Day 2: A Summit at Sunrise

Day two began in darkness, the group stirring at 2 a.m. under a canopy of stars. Fueled by pancakes and coffee, they embarked on the final ascent to the summit of Mt. Rinjani. The path ahead was a punishing mix of loose volcanic sand and steep inclines. Each step felt like a battle of two steps forward and one step back.

The cold intensified as they climbed higher, the icy wind biting through thin layers. At one point, Jackson passed fellow trekkers huddled behind rocks for shelter, their resolve faltering. But the summit called, and he pushed forward.

After three grueling hours, the summit came into view just as the first light of day broke across the horizon. Jackson described the moment as “awe-inspiring,” a reward not just for the physical effort but for the mental determination it took to reach the top. From the peak, the landscape unfurled in all directions: Bali’s Mount Agung rising in the distance, the turquoise waters of Segara Anak far below, and the steep ridges of Rinjani itself casting dramatic shadows.

From Summit to Crater Lake

Descending the summit was a relief, though not without its challenges. The volcanic scree was slippery, and by the time Jackson reached camp, his legs were quivering from exertion. Breakfast revived the group, and they packed up to continue the trek down to the crater lake and hot springs.

The trail to the lake was steep and rocky, requiring careful navigation. The lake, however, was worth every step. Jackson described the view as “mind-blowing,” with the active volcanic cone rising dramatically from the center of Segara Anak. A short walk led the group to the natural hot springs, where they soaked their weary muscles. The combination of the hot water and the stunning surroundings was a rare moment of luxury in an otherwise rugged journey.

The day ended with a climb back up to the opposite rim of the crater, a physically taxing stretch after two full days of trekking. By the time they reached their campsite, exhaustion overtook the group, and they fell asleep almost immediately after dinner.

Day 3: The Final Descent


The final day of the trek was all downhill, but that didn’t mean it was easy. The descent through the forest tested Jackson’s knees and quads, the muscles burning with every step. Still, the shaded canopy provided relief from the sun, and the group’s spirits lifted as they neared the end of the trail.

Emerging from the forest, Jackson paused to take in one last view of Tiu Kelep Waterfall in the distance. “This trek,” he reflected, “was not just about reaching the summit. It was about experiencing every moment along the way, the highs and lows, the beauty and the challenge.”

Reflections on the Experience

For Jackson, the 3D/2N Summit and Lake Trek was more than a physical challenge—it was a journey of connection. Connection to nature, to his companions, and to himself. He spoke candidly about the litter issues at the campsites, urging better management and responsibility from both trekkers and local authorities. Yet, the experience remained transformative.

His advice to future trekkers is simple: come prepared, both physically and mentally. The trek demands respect but offers unparalleled rewards. From sunrise at the summit to the rejuvenating hot springs and every step in between, Mt. Rinjani delivers an adventure that lingers in memory long after the blisters have healed.

For those seeking a test of endurance coupled with jaw-dropping landscapes, trekking Mt. Rinjani stands as one of Indonesia’s most unforgettable experiences. Jackson’s journey is a testament to the mountain’s enduring allure and the resilience it inspires in those who dare to climb it.

Links

https://www.journeyera.com/mount-rinjani-trek/

https://www.journeyera.com/

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