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Hours

Monday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mount San Jacinto State Park Introduce

Mount San Jacinto State Park, a majestic wilderness area nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California, offers a refreshing escape from the bustling cities below. With its towering peaks, lush forests, and panoramic views, this park provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

A Mountain Paradise

Mount San Jacinto State Park encompasses over 14,000 acres of diverse terrain, ranging from rugged granite peaks to verdant forests. The park's centerpiece is Mount San Jacinto itself, which reaches an elevation of 10,834 feet, making it the second highest peak in Southern California. The mountain's summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, deserts, and mountain ranges.

Accessing the Summit

There are two primary ways to access the summit of Mount San Jacinto: hiking and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. For those seeking a challenging adventure, several hiking trails wind their way through the park, offering varying levels of difficulty. The most popular trail is the Mount San Jacinto Trail, a strenuous 10.5-mile roundtrip hike that leads to the summit. For a more leisurely ascent, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides a scenic ride to the mountain's upper reaches, where visitors can access a network of trails and enjoy stunning views.

Hiking and Exploring

Mount San Jacinto State Park offers a variety of hiking trails to suit all skill levels. From easy nature walks to challenging climbs, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The park's trails wind through diverse landscapes, including forests of pine and fir, alpine meadows, and rocky canyons. Along the way, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, such as deer, squirrels, and birds.

  • Mount San Jacinto Trail: A challenging 10.5-mile hike to the summit of Mount San Jacinto.
  • Desert View Trail: A moderate 1.5-mile loop offering panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.
  • Round Valley Trail: An easy 1-mile loop through a lush forest.

Camping and Wilderness Permits

Mount San Jacinto State Park offers two campgrounds for overnight stays: Idyllwild Campground and Round Valley Campground. Reservations are required and can be made online through Reserve California. For those venturing into the park's backcountry, wilderness permits are required and can also be obtained online.

A Year-Round Destination

Mount San Jacinto State Park is a year-round destination, offering unique experiences in every season. Summer brings warm temperatures and sunny skies, perfect for hiking and camping. Autumn transforms the park into a colorful spectacle, with vibrant foliage adorning the trees. Winter blankets the mountain in snow, creating opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Spring brings new life to the park, with wildflowers blooming and wildlife emerging from their winter slumber.

Plan Your Mountain Adventure

Whether you're seeking a challenging hike, a peaceful camping trip, or simply a chance to connect with nature, Mount San Jacinto State Park offers an unforgettable experience. Come and discover the majestic beauty of this mountain wilderness and create lasting memories in the heart of Southern California.

Contact Information:

  • Address: 25905 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA
  • Phone: (951) 659-2607
  • Mobile Phone: +1 951-659-2607

Experience the Majesty of Mount San Jacinto State Park

Escape to the tranquil heights of Mount San Jacinto State Park and discover the wonders of this mountain paradise. With its stunning scenery, diverse hiking trails, and a variety of recreational opportunities, this park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Location

CaliforniaRiverside CountyIdyllwild-Pine CoveCalifornia 243

Customer Reviews

4.5
2716 reviews
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DexsLab
Dec 31, 2024

I took the tram up and hiked 10 miles round trip to San Jacinto Peak! Coming from the East Coast, it was an incredible experience. The high altitude was tough, but we made it! I later learned it's one of the USA Ultra 57 peaks! Inspiring!

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J T
Nov 07, 2024

This review is about the campground. Parking spots vary in size. The park aide was helpful. Quiet in October. Hot showers $1/5min (bills only). Junior ranger program available.

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Beth W
Aug 20, 2024

Great trails! Get a free permit at the ranger station in town. Overnight/wilderness permits are $5/person (book 8 weeks in advance). You'll also need a parking pass (America the Beautiful, Adventure Pass, etc.). Rangers check for permits.

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Jodi Jackson
Sep 10, 2024

Camped here over a holiday weekend. Walking distance to town, but noisy during the day. Restrooms are inconsistent and not as clean as Stone Creek Campground. Showers available (coins from Ranger Station). No ranger patrols. No fires allowed. Loved our shady site near restrooms and town. Our cat enjoyed the wildlife.

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David Cannizzaro
Sep 20, 2024

Amazing to go from the desert to such different scenery! Enjoyed the hike, pine cones, and our lunch.