The San Jacinto Mountains offer about 275 miles
of trails that are varied enough to appeal to the novice yet are
sufficiently challenging for the advanced hiker.
Some hiking trails are located in the 35,000 acre San Jacinto
Wilderness area managed by the US Forest Service. Other trails
are within the 10,000 acre Mt San Jacinto State Wilderness, administered
by Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
Wilderness permits are available at no cost from the San Jacinto
State Park headquarters on Highway 243 or at the Idyllwild Ranger
Station at Highway 243 and Pine Crest Drive.
For those looking to learn more about the type of wilderness
and wildlife to be found in the San Jacinto Mountains, a great
resource is the Idyllwild Nature Center. The center features
a short loop hike, historical and nature programs, as well as
picnic areas.
Idyllwild Nature Center
25225 Hwy 243
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-3850
www.idyllwildnaturecenter.net
If you are in need of backpacking, hiking, and/or rock-climbing
supplies please contact our local Nomad Ventures.
Nomad Ventures
54415 North Circle Dr
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-4853
www.nomadventures.com
Non-Wilderness Hiking Trails
(Permit Not Required for
Day Hiking)
Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) extends 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada. Although
a few marathon hikers have traveled the length in one trip, most hike the trail
in sections. The San Jacinto District contains 55 miles of the PCT. It begins
1/4 mile east of the junction of State Highways 371 and 74 in Garner Valley.
It passes through the wilderness and exits north of Cabazon Peak near Interstate
10 in the desert near Palm Springs. A hiking permit is required for travel
through the wilderness section.
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail - EASY 2.6 miles
Starts at Fern Valley Road, just before Humber Park. Beginning
at 6100 ft. and crossing streams along the way, it descends 600
ft. and is a good walk for beginning botanists; many different
species of trees can be found along the way.
Palm Canyon Trail
Starts off of Hwy. 74, west of the Pinyon Flat Campground. It heads
north, descending the length of Palm Canyon to Palm Springs. The
distance from Hwy. 74, north, to the Forest Service boundary is
9 miles. You will need written permission from the Agua Caliente
Tribal Council to hike the portions of Palm Canyon Trail that cross
tribal lands (call 619-325-5673).
Cahuilla Mountain Trail - MODERATE 2.5 miles
Starts at Cahuilla Saddle, elevation 4480 ft., on Forest road 6S22
in Anza. It then proceeds up the northeast slope through thickets
of chaparral, Live Oak, and Jeffrey Pine. From the 5604 ft. summit
are views of the area that Juan Bautista de Anza traveled through
on his expedition in 1776. This trail passes through a Research
Natural Area containing ecosystems used for research and study
purposes.
Webster Trail - STRENUOUS 2.5 miles
Starts on Forest road 5S10 and descends west to the North Fork
of the San Jacinto River. Jeffrey pines border the start of the
Webster Trail which proceeds over a ridge, passes through chaparral,
and terminates in streamside willows, offering excellent views
of the San Jacinto and Hemet Valleys. Beginning elevation is 5400
ft. with an 1800 ft. elevation change.
South Fork Trail - MODERATELY STRENUOUS 4.5 miles
Descends from Hwy. 74, trailhead elevation 3800 ft., to the South
Fork of the San Jacinto River. It then ascends to 4600 ft. at Rouse
Ridge Road (5S15). Park at the Caltrans cinder bin turnout on Hwy.
74, west of Mountain Center. The trail provides access to fishing
at the River.
Black Mountain Trail - MODERATELY STRENUOUS 3.6 miles
Starts at Hwy. 243, 1.3 miles south of the Vista Grande Fire Station.
The trail begins in chaparral at 4480 ft. and ends on the forested
slopes of Black Mountain, elevation 7772 ft. There are excellent
views of the Banning Pass and Mt. San Gorgonio. This trail passes
through a Research Natural Area containing ecosystems used for
research and study purposes.
Ramona Trail - MODERATE 3 miles
Climbs 15M ft., offering views of Garner Valley. Starting at 4400
ft., the hike ascends to Toolbox, Spring on Thomas Mountain Road
(6S13). Trailhead sign is about 3.5 miles south of Lake Hemet on
Hwy. 74.
Fobes Trail - MODERATE 1.5 miles
Starts in Garner Valley from Fobes Ranch Road (6S05). The trail
winds through chaparral and oaks to intersect with the Pacific
Crest Trail, on the pine-covered Desert Divide, south of Spitler
Peak and north of Palm View Peak. Beginning elevation is 5200 ft.
with a gain of 800 ft.
Cedar Spring Trail - MODERATE 3.2 miles
Follow Morris Ranch Road in Garner Valley to the trailhead sign.
The trail travels through private property; please respect private
property rights and stay on the dirt road. Begins at 5760 ft. The
trail connects with the Pacific Crest Trail, along the Desert Divide,
south of Palm View Peak at an elevation of 6400 ft. To Cedar Spring,
take the branch trail off the PCT northeast for one mile.
Wilderness Access Trails
(Permit Always Required)
Fuller Ridge Trail - MODERATE 5 miles
Actually part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Starting at 7600 ft.,
it follows the high, timbered ridge above Snow Creek offering
spectacular views of the desert. The trail joins Deer Springs
Trail, at an elevation of 9200 ft., where a strenuous portion
proceeds 2.5 miles to San Jacinto Peak (10,804 ft.). Recommended
season is June-October. Access from Black Mt. Road (4S01), a
forest road, is usually closed from November-May.
Deer Springs Trail - MODERATE 3.3 miles
Starts on Hwy. 243, one mile north of Idyllwild, at an elevation
of 5600 ft. A branch trail leads to the top of Suicide Rock, with
a gain of 1700 ft. from the trailhead. From here, panoramic views
sweep Idyllwild and the rugged, granite cliff of Tahquitz (Lily)
Rock. The Deer Springs Trail continues to San Jacinto Peak, with
a gain of 5200 ft. from the trailhead.
Seven Pines Trail - MODERATELY STRENUOUS 4 miles
Follows the North Fork of the San Jacinto River to its headwater
at Deer Springs. The trail is heavily forested with plenty of switchbacks.
Drive through Dark Canyon Campground to the trailhead; the campground
access road is normally closed October-May. Beginning elevation
is 6320 ft., with an elevation change of 23W ft. to the junction
of Deer Springs Trail.
Marion Mountain Trail - STRENUOUS 5.9 miles
Heavily forested, this trail is the shortest route to San Jacinto
Peak. The trail begins from the road leading to, and shortly before,
Marion Mountain Campground. It climbs the northwest flank of Marion
Ridge offering far reaching vistas. Beginning elevation is 6480
ft., with an elevation change of 2300 ft. to the junction of Deer
Springs Trail.
Devil's Slide Trail - MODERATE 2.5 miles
Ascends from Humber Park to Saddle Junction with many switchbacks
and far-reaching views. Starting at 6280 ft. the gain in elevation
is 1700 ft. From Saddle Junction, trails lead to San Jacinto Peak
(10,804 ft.), the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (8516 ft.), and Tahquitz
Peak Lookout (8828 ft.). The Pacific Crest Trail passes through
Saddle Junction. Day hike permits for the Devil's Slide Tr. are
limited on weekends and holidays during the summer (between Memorial
Day and Labor Day weekends) due to very heavy use. An alternate
choice may be necessary.
South Ridge Trail - MODERATE
Proceeds to Tahquitz Peak Lookout. From both the trail and peak
are spectacular views of the Desert Divide, Strawberry Valley and
beyond. Beginning at 6800 ft., the elevation gain is 2000 ft. Recommended
for morning hours during the summer. It can be warm and dry during
other parts of the day. Follow signs on Saunders Meadow Road leading
to South Ridge Trail and Forest access road 5S11.
Spitler Peak Trail - STRENUOUS 5 miles
Climbs from a trailhead elevation of 4920 ft. to an elevation of
7000 ft. The trail intersects the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) north
of Spitler Peak, along the Desert Divide. Hiking may be warm during
the summer as the trail travels through chapparal up to oaks and
pines. Access to the trail is from Apple Canyon Road in Garner
Valley.
Climbers Trail
This 0.5 mile trail is used primarily by rock Climbers to access
the base of Suicide Rock. It leaves from Fern Valley Road near
Humber Park. The trail travels through private property; please
respect private property rights and stay on the trail. For the
Climbers Trail, register at the sign-in box a short way up the
trail; this is your permit.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Area Trails
Trails leave the Tramway (8615 ft.) for Round Valley, elevation
gain 600 ft.; San Jacinto Peak, elevation gain 2300 ft.; and the
National Forest Wilderness (closest point is Willow Creek crossing),
elevation descent 900 ft.
Cactus Spring Trail (Santa Rosa Wilderness)
To enter the Santa Rosa Wilderness register at the sign-in box
a short way beyond the trailhead; this is your Wilderness permit.
A high desert trail, it begins in Pinyon Flat at 4000 ft. and descends
400 ft. to Horsethief Creek. Bighorn sheep inhabit this region.
Trailhead is shortly past the Riverside Co. Transfer Station on
Forest road 7SO9. The trail continues 15 miles, through Agua Alta
Canyon, to State Highway 86 in the low desert. Beyond Cactus Spring
the trail may be difficult to follow. |
