Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto rises high above Southern California with rugged granite peaks, cool alpine meadows, and vast wilderness just a short drive from Los Angeles or San Diego. Spanning over 14,000 acres, this park invites outdoor lovers to explore its scenic beauty through camping, hiking, and sky-high tram rides, all in the shadow of the impressive San Jacinto Peak.

Recommended For

Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike forested trails, ride horseback, or camp under starry mountain skies.

Adventure Seekers: Summit the 11,000-foot San Jacinto Peak or ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Nature Lovers: Explore wildflower-filled meadows, spot wildlife, or picnic in the high country.

What to Expect

Location: Southern California, just south of the Sierra Nevada Range
Size: 14,000 acres within the San Jacinto Mountain Range
Established: Became a California State Park in 1937
Elevation: San Jacinto Peak rises to 11,000 feet
Access Points: Highway 243 via Idyllwild or Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Highlights

San Jacinto Peak: One of Southern California’s highest summits with sweeping views
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ascend from desert floor to alpine forest in minutes
Pacific Crest Trail: A scenic national trail crossing through the park
Cultural History: Visit bedrock mortars left by Cahuilla Native Americans

Outdoor Activities

Hiking: Trails range from moderate to strenuous (4–12 miles)
Horseback Riding & Geocaching: Popular on designated wilderness paths
Camping: Two developed campgrounds plus hike-in wilderness campsites
Wildlife Viewing & Photography: Great for spotting local fauna and mountain vistas

Camping & Wilderness Access

Developed Campgrounds: Idyllwild and Stone Creek (Stone Creek has accessible sites and trails)
Wilderness Camping: Two backcountry areas require a permit and offer remote experiences
Reservations: Recommended up to 7 months in advance

Visitor Tips

Permits: Required for day hikes and wilderness camping—available at ranger stations
Fees: Day-use, annual, camping, and wilderness access fees apply
Weather: Pack layers—temperatures vary significantly with elevation
Safety: The area is seismically active; check for trail updates and advisories

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Route: Travels from Chino Canyon (2,643 ft) to Mountain Station (8,516 ft)
Amenities: Restaurant, visitor center, and gift shop at the summit
Access: Connects directly to park trails, picnic areas, and panoramic overlooks

Pacific Crest Trail

Trail Overview: 2,650-mile trail from Mexico to Canada passes through the park
Management: Overseen by multiple partners including CA State Parks and the PCTA
Trail Use: Popular with long-distance hikers and scenic day-trippers alike

Park Info

Office Hours: Sat–Sun 8 AM–4 PM, Mon–Fri 10 AM–4 PM
Fees: Required for entry, camping, and wilderness permits

Contact & Location

Mount San Jacinto State Park
Address: 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, California 92549
Phone: 951-659-2607
Website: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636