San Jacinto State Park and Peak offers 86 kilometres of hiking trails, and the sheer variety of the scenery on offer lures back hikers year after year. Few places can offer the contrasts seen at this range, from desert to alpine scenery. Easily accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, there are unbelievable views across the San Gorgonio Pass and Coachella Valley from here, but head further into the wilderness and the views get even better.
If you're keen on an easy hike, the Peak Trail to Round Valley is perfect for you. This well-signposted, 6.4-kilometre round trip reaches an elevation of 183 metres. Those who want to go on a more serious hike can do the 17.5-kilometre trek to the summit of San Jacinto Peak, where after all your hard work, you will be rewarded with views that naturalist John Muir depicted as “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth.”
Whichever trail you choose, you will walk through craggy, rocky terrain, enlivened by monkey flowers, lupine, Indian paintbrush and the shelter of thick evergreen trees. Look out for soaring red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks and golden eagles in the skies, as well as coyotes and mule deer on land. There are also mountain lions, but they are rarely seen. Make sure you know what to do in the event that you cross paths with a black bear or a rattlesnake. There are emergency stations with park rangers on hand whose job it is to look out for the safety of visitors.
During the summer months, there are six camping grounds which offer spaces for a small fee if you want to extend your stay. The peak is also very popular as a ski destination in winter and is particularly well-known for cross-country skiing. Equipment and lessons are available at the ski centre. Whichever season you visit, be aware that temperatures up here are dramatically cooler than in the valley. Make sure you bring appropriate clothing.
The tramway journey from the Coachella Valley up to San Jacinto Peak takes 14 minutes and there is a charge for this. The Valley Station, which is 3.2 kilometres north of downtown Palm Springs, provides free parking.
