Folly Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Folly Peak is northwestern continuation from Mount San Jacinto as it continues to descend as Fuller Ridge and shares its excellent views. It is hiked together with San Jacinto and its neighbors.
All routes to Folly converge on the final brushy and rocky segment; Route 1 from Round Valley, Route 2 from Idyllwild starting from the Devil’s Slide Trail, and Route 3 from the Marion Mountain Trail. When hiking Routes 1 or 2, resist the temptation to climb to the top of the ridge until reaching the final saddle.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
Take I-10 east past Banning to the junction with SR 111.
Take SR 111 southeast 8.5 miles to the Palm Springs Tramway Road. Turn right.
Go up this road 3.7 miles to its end at the tramway terminal. Park where indicated by the signs in this area.
Hiking route
Take the tram (fee required) to the upper station at 8560′.
Go downstairs and exit the building. Follow the concrete sidewalk as it descends to the valley below.
Continue straight ahead to a ranger station.
Continue about 1/4 mile to a trail junction with a sign “Round Valley – 2”. Keep right and continue to Round Valley Campground.
Keep left here at a junction and continue up to Wellman Divide (9700′).
Turn right at this junction and continue up to a junction at a saddle just below San Jacinto Peak.
Go downhill (northwest) down the trail past a small switchback to the first main switchback at 10,500′.
Leave the trail here to the right and contour cross-country, staying at a constant altitude about 0.3 mile to the saddle west-northwest of San Jacinto Peak (10,400′).
Continue west along the ridge to a second saddle. Do not ascend to the top of the ridge until after the second saddle, it is more difficult.
Go up over the top of the ridge and then cross a narrow gully.
Continue to the west end of the ridge which is the summit.
Note: Trailhead is at top of Palm Springs Tramway; fee required.
Driving route
From the Chevron Station in Idyllwild, go northeast on North Circle Drive for 0.8 mile to South Circle Drive. Turn right.
Go 0.1 mile to Fern Valley Road. Turn left.
Go 1.8 miles to the loop at the end of the road in Humber Park. Park here.
Hiking route
From Humber Park (6480′), hike up the Devils Slide Trail to Saddle Junction at 8080′. This is a multiple trail junction.
Take the far left trail and continue up to Wellman Divide.
Turn left at this junction and continue up to a junction at a saddle just below San Jacinto Peak.
Go downhill (northwest) down the trail past a small switchback to the first main switchback at 10,500′.
Leave the trail here to the right and contour cross-country, staying at a constant altitude about 0.3 mile to the saddle west-northwest of San Jacinto Peak (10,400′).
Continue west along the ridge to a second saddle. Do not ascend to the top of the ridge until after the second saddle, it is more difficult.
Go up over the top of the ridge and then cross a narrow gully.
Continue to the west end of the ridge which is the summit.
Route Notes
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 1/4 mile meet the junction with the trail to Deer Springs Camp.
Turn right. In about 1 mile meet a junction on the left with the Fuller Ridge Trail.
Go right, leaving the PCT. Proceed 1 1/2 miles to Little Round Valley (9600′).
Continue through the campground and begin the switchbacks toward Mt San Jacinto. After a couple of switchbacks, at about 10,000′ elevation, leave the trail and head north up the gully. Stay on the east side of the gully to avoid dense brush.
Continue up to the western saddle at the top of the gully.
Continue to the west end of the ridge, which is the summit.
Additional Peak Information
Special conditions: Wilderness permits are required under all circumstances. Permits for day hikes can be obtained from the Long Valley ranger station (near the tram) for Routes 1 and 3. For Route 2, they may be obtained at the Idyllwild Ranger Stations, as can permits for backpacking. Permits are limited to 12 hikers. The Idyllwild Ranger Station is 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 Pine Crest Ave.
P.O. Box 518
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Voice: (909) 382-2921
Fax: (951) 659-2107
Historical note: The area was designated a state park in 1937.
Note: Temperatures are 30 to 40 degrees cooler on the peak than on the valley floor. Please dress accordingly.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
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