At a height of 10,834 feet, San Jacinto Peak is the highest in the San Jacinto Mountain Range which makes it the second-highest in Southern California taking the back seat to Mt San Gorgonio which rests at 11,499. This is a fantastic hike and there are options that will definitely make this one a repeat #hiking experience for people who love to wander.
The San Jacinto Mountains and the Peak rise between Idyllwild on the south and Palm Springs on the north. Trailheads are on both sides of the mountain, so you have to determine which trail best suits your activity level, goals, and enhances your experience.
Trails beginning on the Idyllwild side are a great option. You can do this as a day hike or take some time to enjoy the area and turn this into a weekend stay. Idyllwild is a quaint mountain town that is just a short 100ish miles from Los Angeles. You truly feel like you are a million miles away and it’s a fantastic place to refresh and recharge.
The most popular trial out of Idyllwild is the 15.3-mile trek that begins at Humber Park. Make sure that you plan ahead and stop at the Ranger Station in Idyllwild as a permit is needed and there is a quota to the number of hikers allowed on the Devil’s Slide trail portion of the hike (seasonally).
The trail is well marked and you will intersect with several other trails along the way including the Pacific Crest Trail which runs 2,650 miles from the Mexico border through California, Oregon, Washington, across into Canada. Some say it is one of the best hikes on the earth!
The rocky summit is worth the wear and tear on your body with 360-degree views of Southern Califonia. Don’t miss the small stone hut near the summit. It was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as protection from the elements and since it has been kept up by hikers and other volunteers and still offers shelter. It is also stocked with some hiking and first aid necessities donated by other hikers for anyone’s use.
From the Palm Springs side of the mountain, you can board the Palm Springs Ariel Tramway and make the 10-minute ride (in a revolving tram car) up to the Mountain Station at 8,516 ft. There is much to do at the top, spectacular views down into the Coachella Valley, food, drinks, and, of course, the trailhead to the San Jacinto Peak. The hike is a little shorter from this side – at about 11 miles – and is every bit as enjoyable as the hike from Idyllwild. You’ll actually connect to the other trail at Wellman Divide as you head up the last 2.7ish miles to the summit.
There are other options as well, such as the Cactus to Clouds trail which begins in Palm Springs and has an elevation gain of 10,300 feet, making it the hike with the greatest elevation gain in the United States.
No matter which path you choose, this is a must-do hike in So Cal. It’s also another one to put on your list if you are training for Mt Whitney or any other high altitude peaks.
A wanders paradise!
