Mount San Jacinto State Park

The deeply weathered summit of Mount San Jacinto stands 10,834 feet above sea level, and is the second highest mountain range in Southern California. No more than a two hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego, the mountain's magnificent granite peaks, subalpine forests, and fern-bordered mountain meadows offer a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy a scenic, high-country wilderness area. The park offers two drive-in campgrounds near the town of Idyllwild. Most of the park is a designated wilderness area enjoyed by hikers and backpackers.

Additional Information

Good For

Families

Activities

Photography

Rv Camping

Picnicking

Horseback Riding

Hiking

Birdwatching

Rock Climbing

Geocaching

Tent Camping

Wildlife Watching

Rules & Regulations

Dogs Permitted With Restrictions

Accessibility Description

http://access.parks.ca.gov/parkinfo.asp?park=250&type=0

Driving Directions to Mount San Jacinto SP

From Riverside, take Interstate 10 East to Hwy 243 South to the park. From San Diego, take Interstate 15 North to 215 North, exit Hwy 74 east to Hwy 243 north to the park.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Starting in Chino Canyon near Palm Springs, the tram takes passengers from Valley Station at 2,643 feet elevation to Mountain Station on the edge of the wilderness, elevation 8,516 feet. The Mountain Station features a restaurant, gift shop, snack bar, and the state park visitor center. In Long Valley, a short walk from the station, you will find the Long Valley Ranger Station, a picnic area with barbecue stoves and restrooms, a ski center, a self-guiding nature trail, and Desert View Trail which offers panoramas of the high country including several peaks over 10,000 feet in elevation. You can also enter the hiking trail system from this point.

Idyllwild Office Hours

Saturday and Sunday, 8am - 4pm
Monday through Friday, 10am - 4pm