Southern California’s second-highest peak, Mount San Jacinto, is the center of a 14,000-acre state park that gives national parks a run for their money.
Mount San Jacinto State Park offers world-class hiking across granite peaks, subalpine forests, and alpine meadows, all in spectacular contrast to the desert floor below. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the views, whether you take on a strenuous hike or simply hop aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
You can reach the park in about 2 to 2.5 hours by car from Los Angeles. Keep reading to learn more.
Things to do at Mount San Jacinto State Park
Mount San Jacinto emerges sharply from the desert near Palm Springs, rising into a dramatic forested summit with rocky ridges and sweeping meadows.
Hiking is the main draw at Mount San Jacinto State Park, with more than 50 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous alpine climbs. Perhaps the most popular route is the San Jacinto Peak Trail, an 11-mile out-and-back route from the Mountain Station to the summit of Mount San Jacinto.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has transported visitors since 1963 and is famously the world’s largest rotating tram car. It runs between the Valley Station just outside of Palm Springs, all the way to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet of elevation.
At the Mountain Station, visitors can check out the view from several observation decks, which look out as far as Catalina Island and Las Vegas on a clear day. The station has two restaurants available and a small gift shop.
Visiting Mount San Jacinto State Park
If driving from L.A., it takes about 2-2.5 hours to reach the Valley Station, where most visitors take the tramway to Mount San Jacinto State Park. Tickets must be reserved in advance, especially on busy weekends and holidays, and a free wilderness permit is required to hike into the Mount San Jacinto Wilderness.
If you’re hoping to enjoy hiking and camping at Mount San Jacinto, consider visiting from late spring through the fall. You can also visit in the winter, but you’ll need snow gear to hike the snowy trails, and conditions may be more unpredictable.
🌐 Learn more: California State Parks