San Jacinto Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
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Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
San Jacinto Peak is the 6th highest peak in SoCal and the view from its summit includes an epic view of San Gorgonio across the valley, all of Joshua Tree National Park and most of the Coachella Valley including Palm Springs, etc. This gorgeous summit and its many trails are in some of the most pristine mountain environments in Southern California. With a tram ride helping climb the first 8,000’, this area offers welcome relief from the triple digit temperatures in the valley below. Snowshoeing options along with summer and winter backpacking round out the tremendous offerings.
Route 1 is the traditional trail leading from the Tram to the summit. Make sure you pick up your permit at the Long Valley Ranger Station and return it as you return to the tram so they know you got back safely. Route 2 is one of multiple routes up from the Idyllwild side of the mountain. Marion Mountain trail is another option as is the beautiful Fuller Ridge trail which follows the PCT towards Idyllwild before cutting left up to San Jacinto Peak. Lastly, the epic Skyline Trail (Cactus to Clouds) from downtown Palm Springs is an extreme challenge many people undertake, but should not be hiked in summer or when ice may be present. Be sure to research all your options, dirt road conditions for the Fuller Ridge trailhead and water sources.
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 the peak.
Turn right and follow a trail up to the peak. You will pass a stone cabin on this last segment of trail. The peak register can usually be found in this cabin.
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 the peak.
Turn right and follow a trail up to the peak. You will pass a stone cabin on this last segment of trail. The peak register can usually be found in this cabin.
Route Notes
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 notes: The area was designated a state park in 1937.
Natural history notes: The north face of this peak is more than 10,000′ high. This is one of the most precipitous in North America.
Notes: 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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