Mount San Jacinto State Park: A High-Country Escape

4.8 (2705)

Discover alpine forests and panoramic vistas at this Southern California mountain escape, accessible by hiking or a scenic tramway.

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Mount San Jacinto State Park

Escape the desert heat and ascend to the alpine beauty of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Accessible via hiking trails from Idyllwild or a scenic tram ride from Palm Springs, this park offers stunning vistas, diverse hiking trails, and a refreshing natural experience.

A brief summary to Mount San Jacinto State Park

25905 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California, 92549, US
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Monday 8 am-4 pm
Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
Thursday 8 am-4 pm
Friday 8 am-4 pm
Saturday 8 am-4 pm
Sunday 8 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Obtain a wilderness permit before hiking into the Mount San Jacinto Wilderness; permits are free but required.
Check weather conditions before your visit, as temperatures can vary greatly between the desert floor and the mountain peak.
Bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike, as water sources are limited.
Consider taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a unique and scenic way to access the park.
Be aware that dogs are not allowed in the wilderness area or on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, with the exception of service animals.

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Getting There

Driving

From Idyllwild, follow Highway 243 to reach Mount San Jacinto State Park headquarters. The park headquarters is located at 25905 CA-243 and is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Parking is available, but limited, and day-use parking passes are required. Fees can be paid in person or via the LAZ parking app. Note that Highway 243 is a single-lane road with hairpin turns, so RVs are limited to a maximum length of 24 feet. Expect to pay around $10 for day use parking.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

From Palm Springs, take Tramway Road to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Purchase tickets in advance online or at the Valley Station. As of July 2025, tickets cost $25.95 for adults, $23.95 for seniors (65+), and $16.95 for children (ages 3-10). Parking at the tramway is $15 per vehicle. The tram ride ascends to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet, where you can access hiking trails, dining, and observation decks. From the Mountain Station, descend the paved pathway to Long Valley to access the main trail network.

Discover more about Mount San Jacinto State Park

Mount San Jacinto State Park, a 14,000-acre wilderness, offers a stunning contrast to the surrounding Southern California landscape. Rising to 10,834 feet, San Jacinto Peak is the second-highest peak in Southern California, providing panoramic views stretching hundreds of miles.The park's history dates back to the early 1900s, with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developing much of its infrastructure in the 1930s, including trails and stone picnic tables. Today, visitors can explore over 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging ascents. Popular trails include the 11-mile round trip to San Jacinto Peak and shorter loops like the Desert View Trail.Access to the park is available via Highway 243 near Idyllwild or the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tramway, one of the world's largest rotating tram cars, whisks visitors from the desert floor to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet in just minutes. From there, a variety of trails beckon, along with dining options and observation decks.Whether you're seeking a challenging hike, a peaceful picnic amidst towering pines, or simply a breath of fresh mountain air, Mount San Jacinto State Park offers an unforgettable high-country experience. Keep in mind that wilderness permits are required for hiking, and camping is available in designated campgrounds.