Best Trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park

No other trail like it in the world. A very unique and special trail. Love seeing the sun rise over the Coachella Valley part way in.

You need to pay $8 to park plus take the tram up, another $25ish

I hiked this once again on Wednesday January 16th, up to the five picnic tables,which is more than the official Museum trail loop, I had a total of 1.4 miles. Of the dozen or more trails I have done in the area, it is the steepest. I did not see anyone else using hiking poles, but I am 75 and would not want to try it without, especially coming down. I saw four bighorn sheep quite a ways below me and it looked like some other hikers were really close and the sheep acted curious. The view of Palm Springs is spectacular. You could easily loose the trail without the paint spots as there seem to be multiple choices in spots and in others you are rock hopping a little.

Hit this hike Sunday 1/13, with a group of 6, right between storms with absolutely PERFECT weather. 28 degrees at 7am when I arrived, still at or below freezing when we started at 8. Had to stop once or twice early to dial in the proper amount of layers, settled with regular wind/water resistant pants, quick dry T shirt and light weight pullover. Obligatory wool socks/water proof(ish)boots. Beanie for good measure on the way down.

What can I say, as soon as you get done taking in the spectacular views in one spot, just hike for about 20 more minutes to be blown away again. This continues all the way to Suicide Rock which does not disappoint! We started early and everything was covered in a fresh powder that packed nicely and just amplified the experience. On the way back(passed a few groups headed up) it was warming up and melting so it was almost a different hike coming down. All in all 7.5 miles, 1956ft gain 3hr 45 min and a kick ass time.

Great hike. The beginning had the most elevation gain and then flattened out a bit so if you can get through the first half hour, you will be fine. It started snowing hard on our way up but but we finished the hike. The snow made the hike just that much more spectacular. It felt like a winter wonderland. No views from the peak though due to the snow and clouds. Thankfully we brought a ton of layers because it got very very cold near the top with the heavy snow.

This is a strenuous hike and well worth it. Did this hike on January 11, 2019. Snow was 3ft or higher and temperatures in the very low degrees. We were equipped with the necessary things that we needed to finish the hike at night. Starting at 10:20 am and finished at 8:20 pm. Well worth it. One important thing is to have a map or download AllTrails.

Not for the unprepared or inexperienced due to weather!! Also, prepare for 1 hour + wait time for the tram if you do not arrive EARLY.

TRAIL DETAILS as of 1/6/2019

Went up yesterday to the summit. You will need snowshoes and crampons to get to the top safely and since the going is slow, plan your daylight time for an 8 hour round-trip just to be safe.

LOTS OF SNOW: there is about 3-4 ft of soft powder past Wellman’s Divide and you may or may not have a clear trail carved out for you. Pack for temps in the 10-15 degrees with strong gusts of wind. Reservoir tubes freeze quickly so know the steps to keep your water flowing as it’s a strenuous climb in the deep powder!

Otherwise, it’s a beautiful hike in near perfect winter/snow conditions but be smart and gear up to stay warm!!

Beautiful trail and not many people on it. It’s challenging and it’s close to 4 miles up with a 2,000ft elevation gain (according to my Apple Watch). There was snow/ice is many places so make sure to wear hiking shoes and not tennis shoes. Dress in layers. It’s chilly, especially if you go early in the morning like I did.

Great hike wind got a little blustery.

Tough first hike of the trip. Climb was pretty strenuous, scenery was beautiful. Do the hike in the morning before it gets too hot - very little shade if any.

Great work out if you keep the pace up. We made it up and down in 3 hours. Great views at the top!

Had to turn back about a mile and a half from the top due to a late start, but oh my, what an amazing hike. Awesome views, no crowds, perfect conditions. Temps were in the upper 40s at the trailhead when I parked at 9:30am. Parking lot was nearly empty. I stopped by the ranger station in town to pick up a permit just in case, but there were none available in the outdoor kiosk and the station itself was closed. Not sure anyone’s checking during the govt shutdown. Lots of snow and ice. I had on micro spikes for most of the hike. Snow was over the ankles for a good bit. Made for a fun trip.

Tough trail to follow in sections and steep in parts but fun with a beautiful view as a reward!

Absolutely stunning. A wonderful hike filled with beauty and spectacular views.

Completed this back in October of 2018. This was my wife and I first peak summit and enjoyed every minute of it! Overall the hike is closer to 15 miles, took us 7.5 hours. If you are into hiking and have decent fitness level you should be able to do this hike with no real issues. Make sure you have the proper attire and gear, plenty of water(we each brought 4.5L of water and had plenty) and a map for reference and you are in good shape. Well worth the effort! Strenuous but attainable!

Beautiful hike that’s the perfect mix just-strenuous-enough, sweeping vistas, beautiful trees, and hiker-friendly boulders (not slippery). Can take more slowly if you want less difficult.

Beautiful hike, very steep! Well marked trail

Hiked this trail on 1/1/19 - so beautiful with fresh snow on the ground! I Did not need micro spikes but hiking stick may help some on the way down! It was a little bit windy at the end, dress warmly! Trail is well marked.

Strenuous and a little difficult to find the trail among the rocks at the end but the views are great. No shade so go at a cool time. And be ready to scramble up and down boulders.

Beautiful hike! Was one of my first adventures back from Washington and it wasn't a dissapointment! Idyllwild is beautiful this time of the year and the scenery is gorgeous! I'm going again and I am hoping the Gov. is still shut down this week so I won't need a permit!!

Probably one of my favorite hikes of the year!

Amazing views, fresh air, steep but manageable inclines, scenery, nature...just beautiful! You must obtain a permit to hike to the top and be watchful of sunset times so you don’t get caught in the dark.

This is a great hike. Went up behind the museum and then at the picnic tables we veated left an d came down the trail that ends at Ramon. Much easier descent this way

Great hiking experience with the snow :)

If you know when you are going try to book your tram ticket up online before hand. I just went today December 28th and it was a 2 hour wait in the tram station once you got your ticket so by the time I got up it was nearing 12pm. Lots of people, busy busy -which I hate so I was very relieved once I got up and could get away from the tourist side of things. I quickly found the ranger station, got my permit, put on my spikes and headed out. I started following some foot prints in the snow and ended up going in one big circle so that wasted about 40 minutes. The sun goes down around 4:30 now in Palm Springs so I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to make it up and down in time but, I started out anyways after my set back at about 12:45. The trail after that was pretty noticeable (even through the snow) and I started making some good head way. I’m not a very experienced hiker and not super in shape (I like to say average) but I was determined and with some motivation I was able to reach the peak by 2:15. I didn’t take any breaks despite the last couple miles I think I could have used one but I was worried about timing and just powered through. I didn’t stay up too long but I ate a protein bar and enjoyed the view for a few minutes before heading back down. I also rushed past the ranger station although I would have liked to go inside and check it out. I ended up getting back down much quicker than coming up and made good time. I was back down by 3:30pm so I would have actually had more time to hang out and explore but, I wanted to be back before dark and better safe than sorry. I only seen a couple people out there. It was nice and quiet, no wildlife. A bit chilly on my walk down. It was about 5 degrees Celsius. The spikes on my shoes were much needed and I’d really recommend going with them as it was icy. I didn’t bring poles but I could see how those would help. I know people say to train for this and I don’t want to encourage those not ready for it to go but, I think with some common sense and knowing your limits you will be fine. I didn’t train, I am from the prairies in Canada so I’m not used to inclines or elevation and I did just fine. Just make sure however far you go you can get back. Quit if you need to, dress appropriately, enjoy the gorgeous views, buy your tickets online to avoid wait times, don’t leave trash and have fun!!

I did last week although it was awesome I wish I was more prepared. Make sure you have spikes as some parts of the trail are covered with ice. As for the peak make sure you take walking poles and gators so your feet won’t get wet.

great hike, lots of stops. beautiful view of suicide rock. highly recommend.

Nice little getaway trail in Idyllwild!

Unbelievably gorgeous sunset!

This was a really nice trail! We went at 4 A.M. to catch the sunrise. Obviously this is early but there was no one besides us! The trail was pretty easy to follow in the dark with flashlights, a few signs were posted every so often, and the view at the top was WELL worth it! Keep in mind that around this time of the year, there was snow at the highest point, which made it sort of difficult to get to Suicide rock, but once you get passed the snow, you're right at the peak! Me and my bros got to the top at about 6:30 A.M. so it took us 2 and a half hours. I would say our hiking speed was above average, it may take longer for other hikers. It was a steady incline but not too difficult since the weather was cold in the beginning (35-45°). The way back down took about 1 hour. Overall, excellent hike, way worth it!