San Jacinto Peak

California Class 1 San Jacinto Mountains

Rank 06

Elevation landscape

10,834 ft

Prominence height

8,299 ft

Difficulty signal_cellular_alt

Class 1

Est. Time schedule

5–7 hr

Distance route

11.6 mi

Vert Gain trending_up

2,400–2,620 ft

San Jacinto Peak ranks No. 6 among the 57 ultra-prominent peaks in the contiguous United States, rising 10,834 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California with 8,299 feet of clean prominence. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway deposits hikers at Mountain Station at 8,516 feet, reducing the standard approach to 11.6 miles round-trip with about 2,510 feet of gain. A free self-issue wilderness day-use permit is required within Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness.

The peak sits within Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness, accessed primarily through Long Valley. A historic Civilian Conservation Corps stone shelter, completed in 1935, stands near the summit today. The compressed ecosystem of San Jacinto ranges from Sonoran desert at its foot to alpine forest above 8,000 feet, containing distinct plant communities typical of areas separated by hundreds of miles in elevation elsewhere. For peak-baggers, San Jacinto is notable not for technical difficulty but for its dramatic vertical relief, extreme exposure, and the convenience of the tramway-assisted approach.

Recommended Route

Round Valley Trail via Tramway

The standard route from Mountain Station gains approximately 2,400 feet over 11.6 miles round-trip, typically requiring 5 to 7 hours. The route begins at Mountain Station (8,516 ft), traverses gently to Long Valley, then climbs through Round Valley campground to Wellman Divide at approximately 9,700 feet. The Wellman Divide section is the steepest section, gaining roughly 700 feet over uneven rocky terrain. Above the divide, the grade moderates and the route traverses across alpine terrain to the final summit approach, which crosses rocky ground but requires no technical scrambling in summer conditions.

The Deer Springs Trail from Idyllwild approaches from the north, covering approximately 18.4 miles round-trip with 5,300 feet of elevation gain, suited for multi-day trips. Experienced parties also attempt the Cactus to Clouds route from the Palm Springs Desert Museum, an extremely strenuous day hike gaining over 10,400 vertical feet in a single push.

Key Landmarks

Mountain Station (8,516 ft)
Round Valley Campground (approximately 8,800 ft)
Wellman Divide (approximately 9,700 ft)

warning

The temperature differential between Palm Springs and the summit is extreme, often reaching 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at the peak. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer, particularly during monsoonal patterns in July and August, and pose serious risk on exposed terrain above 9,500 feet. Winter and shoulder-season conditions may require traction devices such as microspikes or crampons.

Permits & Camping

Climbing Permits

A free day-use wilderness permit is required to enter the wilderness beyond developed areas. Day-use permits are available 24 hours a day at the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the tramway, at park headquarters in Idyllwild, or at Stone Creek Campground. Both Mount San Jacinto State Park and San Bernardino National Forest honor each other's day-use permits. Overnight wilderness camping requires a permit at $5 per person with a quota system limiting use of designated campsites. Overnight permits operate on a first-come, first-served basis with advance booking up to 8 weeks (56 days) in advance through mail application to Mount San Jacinto State Park, PO Box 308, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

Camping & Wilderness

The primary on-route campsites are Little Round Valley and Round Valley, both accessible from the standard route. Tamarack Valley is an alternative approach. Campfires and barbeques are prohibited in all wilderness areas. Only portable camp stoves with manual on/off switches are permitted for cooking in designated campsites. Camp at least 100 feet from all water sources. Group size limit is 15 persons per permit. Dogs are prohibited in wilderness areas; only trained service animals are permitted. Bear-resistant food storage is strongly recommended.

Summit 33.814727°N, 116.679396°W. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station: 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (2,643 ft). Mountain Station 8,516 ft. Elevation 10,834 ft; prominence 8,299 ft. Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness.

Wildlife & Seasonal Conditions

June through October is the most reliable climbing window; winter conditions are highly variable. The route is Class 1 hiking throughout with no rope work or scrambling required in normal summer conditions. San Jacinto's defining hazard is its rapid elevation change and exposure. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer monsoonal patterns in July and August. Late fall, early spring, and winter can produce significant snow and ice requiring traction devices. Snow and ice can persist unexpectedly into late spring. The park occasionally implements fire-danger closures affecting access.