Experience the breathtaking wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park, home to San Jacinto Peak, the tallest peak in the San Jacinto Mountains at 10,834 feet. Just minutes from Palm Springs, this iconic trail offers hikers stunning mountain vistas, rare high-elevation meadows, and an unforgettable adventure in one of Southern California’s most scenic natural landscapes.
Getting There: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Begin your journey by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of San Jacinto Mountain. This Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car and travels over 2.5 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting you to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
- Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
- Elevation at Mountain Station: 8,516 feet
- Highlights: Rotating tram cars provide 360° views of the Coachella Valley, desert landscapes, and surrounding mountains.
Once at the top, hikers gain access to over 50 miles of hiking trails, moving through diverse biotic communities from desert scrub to mixed conifer forests dotted with seasonal wildflowers.
Dining at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Fuel Up Before or After Your Hike
For hikers and visitors looking to enjoy food with a view, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station offers several convenient and delicious dining options to refuel before or after your adventure to San Jacinto Peak.
Peaks Restaurant: Located inside the Mountain Station, it offers a full-service dining experience with spectacular panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. Highlights include:
- Seasonal California cuisine using fresh local ingredients
- Sandwiches, salads, and hearty entrees are perfect for post-hike meals
Pines Café: For a quick bite or casual meal, the Pines Café is perfect for hikers on the go. Options include:
- Grab-and-go sandwiches and wraps
- Snack items like trail mix and fruit are ideal for energy on the trail
Tramway Snack Bar: For light refreshments or a midday pick-me-up, the Tramway Snack Bar features:
- Quick snacks and bottled water
- Kid-friendly options and easy grab-and-go items for day-trippers
Get Your Permit and Begin The Hike
After enjoying the magnificent vista views from the Mountain Station, head out back to where your trail begins. Walk down the concrete switchbacks to Long Valley, follow the signs for Round Valley, stop at the seasonal Long Valley ranger station, and get your self-issued permit.
As you continue on the trail, you’ll pass a couple of junctions. Stick to the signs towards Round Valley (or the summit).
Trail Route
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Round Valley: At 2.3 miles in, hikers reach the Round Valley Meadow at 9,100 feet, a rare high-elevation wetland habitat.
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Wellman’s Divide: Continue along the valley to the divide, offering panoramic southern vistas.
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Final Summit Ascent: From the divide, head north toward San Jacinto Peak, traversing the east flank of Jean Peak. A brief flat cleft at 10,000 feet gives hikers a chance to catch their breath before the final push to the summit.
Distance from Tram to Summit: 5.5 miles
Note: Snow may cover trails from November through April. Always check current weather and trail conditions by calling (760) 327-0222.
Source: Jeff Hester
Trail Safety & Wilderness Tips
- All natural and cultural features are protected by law and may not be disturbed or removed.
- You must have a permit to enter the wilderness. If you are under 18, you must be with a parent or guardian or have signed consent to obtain the permit.
- Pack out all trash.
- In the state wilderness, use the pit toilets in the campgrounds. In USFS areas, bury human waste at least eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from the nearest drainage, trail, or camp.
- Please stay on trails. Help preserve plants and prevent erosion by avoiding shortcuts.
- Smoking is permitted only in designated areas at the tram’s Mountain Station.
- The wilderness is a state game refuge; possession of firearms, bows and arrows, slingshots, or other weapons is prohibited.
- Except for trained service animals, all dogs are prohibited in wilderness areas.
- All fires are prohibited in the wilderness areas.
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