Best trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park, California

Great view of Strawberry Valley, streams, and the lovely San Jacintos. This is a beautiful relatively easy (but very uphill) hike through the lush wonders of the San Jacintos. You will enjoy every minute. Suicide Rock is a great place to peer over the edge and contemplate life. You can also wonder what life might have been like for the Cahuilla version of Romeo and Juliet who legend says ended their lives here. The views are standard fare for the San Jacinto Wilderness - that is amazing. You get a great shot across Strawberry Valley at Lily Rock and Tahquitz Peak, and you can take in the heights looking up at Marion Mountain and Jean Peak. Don't miss the short trek to the peak, where there is a register in a smiley face can at the top. Feel free to explore all around the edge of Suicide Rock, there are plenty of viewing platforms, but do be careful near the edge.Show more

The trailhead is accessed via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is $25 per person. It is best to make reservations online in advance or there may be a wait for a tram. Check in at the ranger station before hiking. Bring microspikes when there is snow, as the hike is slippery and that aspect can be dangerous. Bring at least 3 liters of water and food. You will be at high elevation, so be aware of the potential for altitude sickness.Show more

Note: surrounding campgrounds have been reported closed (December 2020). Full day hike! Definitely separates the avid from the casual hikers, this is one hike you want to be acclimated for, or allow extra time to reach the peak. If there's a hint of bad weather, make sure you are prepared for it with at least a windbreaker. You need to get a permit to enter the San Jacinto Wilderness. Get it from the station in Idyllwild. Day permits are also available at the Stone Creek Campground for this hike. There is a kiosk to the right just before you enter the campground registration area. Permits are unlimited, and they are free for day hiking. There are several routes up San Jacinto. Most people take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up from the desert floor and begin their journey in Long Valley. The lesser-travelled Marion Mountain trail skips the tram, beginning a few miles north of Idyllwild. It's the shortest route up Mt. San Jacinto. It's also steep, climbing over 4,000 feet in under 6 miles.Show more

The Cactus to Clouds Trail from Palm Springs to San Jacinto Peak has the greatest elevation gain of any trail in the United States. Also known as the Skyline Trail, it climbs 8,000 feet from the desert to Long Valley, then joins with the main trail to gain another 2,600 feet to the summit. The good news is that you can take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway down the mountain! The Cactus to Clouds hike is long. You start on the desert floor and climb to 10,804 feet. You gain over 8,000 feet in the first 12 miles and much of this is hiking in dry arid desert conditions. This is a very difficult hike and people have died or been injured while hiking here. Use caution and you will have a challenging but rewarding hike. This trail is nearly always completed by returning from the peak to the upper station of the Aerial Tramway and taking it back into Palm Springs. Please note that there is a fee for using the tram. You will probably want to buy tram tickets in advance, or leave yourself ample time and be ready for a bit of a wait. There are snacks and drinks available while waiting for the tram. TRAMWAY INFO: https://pstramway.com/tickets/ Winter Hours (September 2 – May 23) Monday – Friday – First Tram up 10:00am Saturday, Sunday and Holidays – First Tram up 8:00am Daily – Last Tram up at 4:20 pm. Last Tram down at 6 pm. As of November 2020, the tram is leaving promptly at 6pm and they close half the gate to block incoming traffic to the tram but they leave the other half of the gate open for cars headed down from the tram. They also display on the electronic signs on the way up to the tram that the tram is closed. Summer Hours (May 24 – September 1) Monday – Thursday – First Tram up 10:00am Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays – First Tram up 8:00am Sunday – Thursday – Last Tram up at 8:00pm, Last Tram down 9:45pm Friday & Saturday – Last Tram up 9:00pm and last Tram down at 10:30pm Cars depart at least every half hour. *Prices and Hours Of Operation Are Subject to Change Without Notice. Sorry, pets are not allowed. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult of 21 years or older. Holiday Hours The first Tram up is at 8am on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day Weekend, President’s Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Independence Day, Labor Day Weekend, Thanksgiving Day Weekend, Christmas Week, and New Year’s Day.Show more

Timing for this hike is essential. In the winter months, the top of the hike can be icy and/or snowy and foot traction is necessary. After recent heavy snowfall, it may be very difficult to reach the reach the tram, so this hike becomes a much longer out and back. In the summer, temperatures will be very high, and the heat can be deadly. Use caution and you will have a challenging but rewarding hike. Read the reviews for more info on timing and the challenges you will face! Taking the tram down is $13 per person. Note that the tram typically closes 2-3 weeks in September for annual maintenance. Show more

Starting from the town of Idyllwild, this trail is ideal as either a long single day out and back, or a two day with overnight camping. Little Round Valley sits just below the summit, which makes a great spot to camp before a morning summit. As an alteration, take the eastern trail back down which crosses Wellman's Divide and then loops back to Strawberry Junction, making for a longer overall hike. While there is strong elevation gain and snow/ice in the colder months, this trail is very manageable, and great strength training for bigger climbs. Also shares a few miles with the PCT, be sure to say hello to the springtime thru-hikers! **Please note campsites, such as Little Round Valley, require a permit. These fill up fast in the summer so call ahead for availability. To request and obtain a permit, applications must be submitted 10-14 days in advance by mail. If you haven't done so, permits can also be obtained as a walk-in from the State Park Office in Idyllwild, but this is not a guarantee of availability.**Show more

A 1.5 mile (2 km) loop trail leads to a number of scenic overlooks and forest views. Short climbs, moderately strenuous. One of the handful of trails you can hike after getting off the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in Mt. San Jacinto State Park near Palm Springs. Tram is $25.Show more

Accessing the trailhead first requires a trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The ride is $25 for an adult. Permits are required and can be obtained for free at the Ranger station at the first junction past the Tram station. The Round Valley Loop is an excellent day hike encompassing much of the valley between the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Mount San Jacinto. Hiking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction takes one up a steady climb along side a seasonal creek to Round Valley. It then travels along the southern rim of the valley with great views of Mt. San Jacinto and other nearby peaks before dropping back into the valley and the Tram Station area. Many other trails, including the hike to San Jacinto peak itself, branch off from this loop.Show more