Mount San Jacinto State Park
State Park · Idyllwild, California
Mount San Jacinto State Park is a high-elevation wilderness park in Riverside County, rising above Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Most visitors arrive by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mountain Station - a separate commercial operator, so confirm fares and hours - while others hike up from Idyllwild on long routes. Mount San Jacinto Peak stands at about 10,800 feet, reached by a long day hike through granite, pines and meadows. Round Valley and Long Valley are the best-known high basins, with a ranger station and wilderness permits for backcountry use - confirm. The temperature is much colder than in Palm Springs, and snow can linger into early summer and return in autumn. It suits fit hikers, backpackers and snow lovers who plan carefully, and it is not a casual stroll for anyone who feels altitude. Most tram riders only walk a short way from the station, which keeps the trails near it busy and the far basins quiet.
25905 CA-243, Idyllwild, California, 92549, United States
The state park wilderness is generally open at all hours for people with the right permits, but the tram that serves it runs on its own schedule, often starting in the morning and closing in the evening, with later hours at weekends and seasonal changes - confirm today's times and the last descent before you start. Ranger station hours at Long Valley are limited and seasonal, and wilderness permits are handled by park staff in person or by arrangement - confirm. Weather can close the tram, trails or the summit route, especially in winter storms. Check the tram operator and the State Parks page on the day you go.
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