San Jacinto Peak rises 10,834 feet above the Coachella Valley floor, creating one of the most dramatic vertical escarpments in North America. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway makes this Alpine summit accessible by whisking hikers from desert heat to pine forest in under 15 minutes. From the tram station at 8,516 feet, trails lead to a summit with views that stretch for 200 miles on clear days.
The experience is almost surreal: you can wake up in the desert, ride a rotating tram car up sheer cliffs, hike through snow-dusted conifers, and summit a genuinely impressive peak—all before lunch.
Getting to the Trailhead
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The tramway is the magic that makes San Jacinto accessible:
- Ride Time: ~10 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 5,873 feet (by tram)
- Cost: ~$30 round trip (prices vary)
- Hours: Opens at 10 AM weekdays, 8 AM weekends
The rotating tram car provides stunning views during the ascent. At the top, you emerge into Mount San Jacinto State Park, a wilderness of granite peaks and conifer forests.
Alternative: Hike from Below
It's possible to hike the entire mountain from the desert floor—an epic undertaking of 22+ miles and 10,000 feet of gain. Most hikers sensibly use the tram.
Trail to San Jacinto Peak
Via Round Valley and Wellman Divide
- Distance: 11.0 miles round trip (from tram)
- Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
The standard route descends from the tram station to Long Valley, climbs through Round Valley, crosses Wellman Divide, and ascends the final ridge to the summit. The terrain transitions from open forest to granite boulder fields near the top.
Via Tamarack Valley
- Distance: 12.0 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
A longer alternative passing through beautiful Tamarack Valley. Can be combined with the standard route for a loop.
The Summit
San Jacinto's summit is a rocky apex with expansive views:
- North: San Gorgonio Mountain (Southern California's highest at 11,503 feet)
- East: The Colorado Desert and Salton Sea, 10,000 feet below
- South: On clear days, Mexico visible 150+ miles away
- West: The LA Basin and Pacific Ocean
The summit register sits in a stone shelter built in the 1930s. Sign your name and enjoy the 360-degree panorama—you've earned it.
Permits and Regulations
Wilderness Permits
Free day-use permits are required to enter San Jacinto Wilderness. Obtain them at:
- The ranger station at Long Valley (near the tram)
- In advance from the Forest Service
Weekend quotas can be reached by early afternoon—pick up permits right when you exit the tram.
Regulations
- Camping requires separate overnight permits
- Dogs not allowed in State Wilderness
- Fires prohibited
- Stay on designated trails
Practical Information
When to Hike
- April-November: Generally snow-free; best conditions
- Winter: Snow on summit; may require traction devices
- Summer: Hot at lower elevations but pleasant on mountain
What to Bring
- Layers (temperatures can be 40+ degrees cooler than Palm Springs)
- Plenty of water (limited sources on trail)
- Sun protection
- Traction devices in winter/spring
Tramway Tips
- Weekends are busier—arrive early
- Last tram down varies by season; don't miss it!
- Restaurant and visitor center at Mountain Station
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Summit Elevation | 10,834 feet |
| Tram to Summit | 11 miles RT |
| Elevation Gain | 2,300 feet (from tram) |
| Permit | Required (free) |
| Tram Cost | ~$30 round trip |
San Jacinto Peak offers something unique: a genuine alpine summit experience accessible via aerial tram from the desert. The dramatic transition from palm trees to pines, the spectacular summit views, and the convenience of the tram combine to create one of Southern California's most memorable hiking experiences.
