Mount San Jacinto is one of the tallest mountain ranges in southern California and just a few hours outside of Los Angeles and San Diego offering many opportunities for exploration of subalpine forests, granite peaks and mountain meadows in a wilderness area with campgrounds and hiking trails.

  • What is Mount San Jacinto State Park?
    • Mount San Jacinto State Park spans 14,000 acres of subalpine forests and meadows in the San Jacinto Mountain Range, located just south of the Sierra Nevada Range in Southern California.
  • What is the elevation of San Jacinto Peak?
    • The San Jacinto Peak stands at 11,000 feet above sea level and is the second tallest peak in the region, with several other nearby peaks reaching almost as high.
  • How can visitors access Mount San Jacinto State Park?
    • The park is accessible from Highway 243 at Idyllwild or via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
  • What is the historical significance of Mount San Jacinto?
    • The Cahuilla Native Americans were the first to use the area for hunting, and evidence of their presence remains through bedrock mortars and trails. The land was designated as a forest preserve in 1897, later becoming the San Jacinto State Park in 1937.
  • Is Mount San Jacinto State Park located on a fault line?
    • Yes, a major fault line runs below the San Jacinto Mountains, making the area seismically active and causing it to rise in elevation over time.
  • What are the park office hours?
    • The park office is open Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
  • Are there any fees for visiting the park?
    • Yes, California State Parks requires visitors to pay a fee. Passes are available for day use, yearly use, boat and watercraft access, wilderness permits, and camping.
  • What recreational activities are available at Mount San Jacinto?
    • Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, geocaching, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, photography, picnicking, and exploring museums.
  • What camping options are available?
    • The park has two campsites: Idyllwild and Stone Creek. Reservations should be made up to seven months in advance. Stone Creek has handicap-accessible sites and trails, while Idyllwild features handicap-accessible showers.
  • Are there hike-in camping options?
    • Yes, there are two wilderness areas for hike-in camping, requiring a wilderness permit. These permits grant access to all hike-through areas within the US Forest Service boundaries.
  • What should hikers know before visiting?
    • Day hikers must obtain a wilderness permit from the ranger station. Trails are designed to have minimum environmental impact, with most ranging from moderate to strenuous difficulty. Popular trails range from 4 to 12 miles in length.
  • What is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?
    • The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway starts in Chino Canyon and transports visitors from Valley Station (2,643 feet) to Mountain Station (8,516 feet). At Mountain Station, visitors will find a restaurant, gift shop, visitor center, and access to San Jacinto Park, which features a picnic area, ski lift, nature trails, and panoramic views of Coachella Valley.
  • What is the Pacific Crest Trail?
    • The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most scenic trails in America. It spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, passing through the San Jacinto Range. The trail was built by volunteers and community partners and is managed by the Pacific Crest Trail Association, US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and California State Parks.

Mount San Jacinto State Park, 25905 Highway 243 Idyllwild, California 92549, Phone: 951-659-2607, Map

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