Quick Facts
| Trail Name | Mount San Jacinto from the Tram |
| Peak/High Point | 10,788 feet |
| Trail Length | 11 miles |
| Gain | 2550 feet |
| Parking | At Tramway |
| Restrooms | At trailhead and pit toilets |
| Dogs | No |
| Cell Service | No |
| Location | Palm Springs, CA |
| Directions | |
| Map | Alltrails |
It was not the first time I had climbed Mount San Jacinto. In fact I had climbed this mountain from Idyllwild once, a year ago, as a birthday present to myself.
I love challenging myself, and with the temperatures down in Palm Springs into the triple digits, it was a perfect time to escape the desert heat, on a tram ride.
I had not taken the Palm Springs tram before. Its a shortcut to Mount San Jacinto State Park.
To get a ride on the tram, you go early in the morning, and get tickets to the next available tram. They run all day, and there was no issue getting on. I waited about 30 minutes though.
If you live in the area, they sell summer passes for unlimited rides. I had never taken the tram before, so I decided to hold off, not knowing how often I would be out in Palm Springs.
If it’s windy the trams won’t run, but fortunately they were. Another thing, is search and rescue won’t fly if there is wind. So a windy day is not a good time to visit.
After passing through the terminal, there is a museum of sorts, while waiting to board, with all sorts of exhibits, about the tram history.
The ride is a lot of fun, and it will rock back and forth a lot, which could be nerve wracking for you, if you don’t like heights. You get the best views of the mountain sides all the way, and it feels like you’re flying.
The whole ride takes about 15 minutes, and after which your at Mountain Station, which sits at over 8000 feet.
There are several shops and restaurants here. Some people come here just to eat dinner, and enjoy the view, without putting in any miles.
Once out of the station, there is a trailhead, where you can choose several options. Off to the right is a short, scenic nature trail.
Off to the right, is the trail past the ranger station, on to Mount San Jacinto. You must stop there to fill out a wilderness permit, before heading up the mountain.
We stopped to check the trail map, and get a better understanding of our surroundings. There are several backpacker camps on the map, and many places to explore in this park.
After filling out our permit, the ranger made a point of reminding us not to follow a particular track on alltrails, that takes you on an unmaintained trail, but to stick to the main trail.
We began heading to Mount San Jacinto on Round Valley Trail, which passes by Round Valley Campground.
Once on trail, I was surprised by all the large boulders dotting the area.
I had noticed two rock climbers on the tram, and was surprised, since I did not know this was also a climbing area at first. Judging from the huge granite boulders, there was definitely places to climb here, like this crag off in the distance at Cornell Peak.
The trail is well maintained as it winds its way through pines, and large rocks.
The views got better, the higher we climbed, as we made our way past the first milestone, of Round Valley. There were some pit toilets here at the campground.
We continued on toward Wellman Divide, where we would take a break, about half way to the peak.
This section was rather steep on the way up. There were lots of boulders there, to sit, and take a break, for lunch.
We took a left, heading up Peak Trail to San Jacinto. We would pass Jean Peak and Newton Drury Peak off to our left. All the trails are very well marked and its tough to get lost if you stay on trail here.
The views to the desert are really awesome along this stretch of trail. I noticed this building off in the distance and wondered if it was a house, or the tramway we had just come from.
I found a hollwed out pine tree, large enough to fit a few people, needing shelter.
There was a meadow of sorts off to the right, and I saw animals grazing.
It was very sun exposed, and now about 12:30pm so it started to get warm out. It was only in the 50’s today, but felt warmer due to the desert breezes.
I had brought plenty of shade, an electrolytes, along with snacks. So I was feeling great on the way up, for the last few miles.
The last mile or so, on the way to the peak was increasingly rocky, and an alpine boulder field.
I finally made it up the last long switchback, and the trail leveled off. Lots of people were taking a break here even though it was just a half mile from the summit. I found my way to the ski hut, and knew I was very close.
After a brief scramble following arrows spray painted on the rocks, I was at San Jacinto Peak!
It was mesmerizing gazing down at the desert below, a full 10,000 feet below me.
We made a stop in the ski hut, and there was a lot of vintage rescue gear, which was interesting.
The door to this place looked very old, and solid.
We had a great time on this one. Mount San Jacinto is such a beautiful place, and it’s definitely one of my favorite peaks I have climbed to date. Until next time San Jacinto!
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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