view from Mount San Jacinto Hike

Hike Mount San Jacinto From Idyllwild

John Muir called the views from Mount San Jacinto the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth! On a clear day, you can see from Catalina Island to Southern Utah. To hike Mount San Jacinto from Idyllwild, you'll need a good level of fitness, it's a tough one.

Rating:

5 / 5

Distance:

19.5 miles (31.4 km)

Time:

10 hours

Difficulty:

Hard

Climbing:

5080 ft (1548 m)

Trail Condition:

Marked Trails

Challenges:

Climbing, Crowds, Boulder Scramble

People:

Quiet except for at summit

Known For:

Spectacular views

Best Time:

Early morning

Dogs:

No

Bathrooms:

Yes

Parking:

Fee

Trailhead:

Deer Springs Trail, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Park Website:

San Jacinto Ranger District

Phone:

Hike Weather:

In this Guide:

→ Trail Maps
→ Gear Recommendations
→ Turn-by-Turn Directions
→ Hike Video

Mount San Jacinto Hike Trail Maps

Google Maps trailhead:
Deer Springs Trail, Idyllwild, CA, 92549, USA

Mount San Jacinto Hike location — The Deer Springs Trailhead is about 2:15 east of downtown Los Angeles, and 1 hour from Palm Springs. The hike starts in Idyllwild, a cozy mountain resort. It's not a bad idea to stay overnight here since it's a long hike. There are hotels and campgrounds in the area.

Mount San Jacinto Hike 3d map — The trail goes up and down Deer Springs Trail, and does a loop on the far part of the hike. The loop is setup to maximize the good views.

You hike uphill. For a long time. The good news is that the downhill is equally as long. It's a long distance, so you have to pace yourself.

Interactive Map

Click Here To Load Map

Mount San Jacinto Hike Map Downloads

hiking map on garmin fenix 3

If you have GPS device (I use this one by Garmin and I love it) for your hike, load the GPX file below into your device to navigate the hike. For help on loading the GPX file, read this article on converting and transferring to a Garmin GPS.

Also, don't rely on electronics as your sole means of navigation. There's a basic printable PDF map below, and I strongly picking up a good topo map too.

View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Gear for the Mount San Jacinto Hike

camelback fourteener 24

The best hydration daypack out there. The CamelBak Fourteener has been perfect on hikes of all distances (including Mt Whitney and Cactus to Clouds). It's light, has plenty of room for snacks, extra layers, hiking gear, and comes with a 3 liter water bladder. I also like the raised sweat pads on the back that keep your back dry. It's the perfect blend of high-tech, durability, and simplicity. I've got hundreds of hours on it and still love it.

CamelBak Fourteener Reviews

recommended hiking boot

My favorite hiking boot of all time. The La Sportiva Synthesis (for women and men) are waterproof, super-light, have incredible grip, and won a Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Award (my review here). I've gone through a lot of boots and these are my favorite. They feel like comfortable sneakers with the protection of hiking boots.

La Sportiva Hiking Boot Reviews

Don't hike without this in your backpack. It's a GPS emergency beacon and can save your life (more on that here). On the trail, you're often out of cell phone range, and even something as simple as a twisted ankle could become a life and death situation. This beacon works where cell phones don't and is the size of a fist. Just press a button and help is on the way. Your life is worth every penny.

ACR GPS Beacon Reviews

Be prepared! My complete list of hiking gear and survival kit contents is here, check it out!

Help support this site by checking out REI outlet for great gear for a fraction of the full price.

Mount San Jacinto Hike Directions

What to Expect

MountSan Jacinto (10,834 feet) is one of the most topographically prominent peaks in the USA, rising 10,000 feet above the San Gorgonio Pass below.
There are a several routes to hike Mount San Jacinto. This route is my favorite. The climb is not as steep as the others, you don’t need a special permit, and the views are spectacular.
This hike includes a stretch on the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) where you can channel your inner Reese Witherspoon.
This is a long hike. Make sure you pack plenty of water, snacks, and layers for the summit in the cooler months. Remember to pace yourself, don’t start too fast.
Don’t try this in the winter unless you’re positive you can handle potential extreme snow, ice, and sub-zero conditions. Call the ranger office if you’re in doubt.
You can also make this hike an overnight backpacking trip. Campgrounds on the route (described below) are first come, first serve. Pick up a camping permit at the ranger’s office. You also need a permit if you’re using a portable stove (or campfire).
You need a permit for this hiking route, and it’s easy to get, there are no quotas. Just pick up the permit at the ranger station, fill it out, and hike. Detailed directions below.
You need a parking pass. I use the affordable National Parks Pass, which gets me in every park, monument, and national forest. You can also use an (Southern California only) Adventure Pass, or buy a $5 day permit from the ranger’s office.

Turn by Turn Directions

Idyllwild Ranger Station — Before you start, visit the Idyllwild Ranger Station in the center of town to get your free hiking permit.

hiking permit — Fill out a normal permit for the Deer Springs Trail. Put the white copy in the box and the yellow copy in your pocket. A ranger might ask to see it on the trail.

Mount San Jacinto Hike parking — There’s parking at the Deer Spring trailhead, and another small lot a few hundred feet up the road. Leave early, it’s a long hike and the lot fills quickly.

Mount San Jacinto Hike trail — A wide trail leads up from the parking area.

Deer Springs Trail — After a few hundred feet, make the left onto Deer Springs Trail.

sign on Deer Springs Trail — At the start of Deer Springs Trail, you’ll see a sign saying that you need a permit. The permit that you filled out at the ranger station is good for both Mount San Jacinto State Park and San Jacinto National Forest.

Mount San Jacinto Hike climbs — The trail gently climbs up switchbacks for the first few miles.

California State WIlderness sign — At about 0.7 miles, there’s another California State WIlderness sign.

Mount San Jacinto Hike side trail — As you climb, there are side trails to the right offering views. Make sure you stay on the main trail and continue climbing. Generally side trails are ‘cordoned off’ with a stick, log, or row of stones.

Mount San Jacinto Hike side trail — There’s a side trail to the right that goes to Suicide Rock. It’s easy to miss. Give the detour a skip and continue to hike left on the Deer Springs Trail towards Strawberry Junction.

Strawberry Junction — At about 4 miles, you’ll reach Strawberry Junction. Continue straight through this intersection and continue on Deer Springs Trail.

Pacific Crest Trail sign — You’re officially on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This sign post needs a little TLC, but you’ll notice a few of these as you continue on the PCT sections of the hike.

Mount San Jacinto Hike trail — This section of the trail is pretty level as it goes around the side of Marion Mountain.

Mount San Jacinto Hike views — The views are great on this section. It’s a great place for a pitstop and a snack.

Mount San Jacinto Hike junction — There are a few quick junctions in a row now. At about 6 miles, stay right at Deer Springs.

Mount San Jacinto Hike junction — A few minutes later, another junction, stay right toward San Jacinto Peak.

Mount San Jacinto Hike trail sign — Here’s a closeup of that last trail sign. The trails on this hike area really well marked. When in doubt, check the signs.

Mount San Jacinto Hike junction — Shortly you come to the last intersection for a while. At 6.6 miles, say goodbye to the PCT and keep hiking to the right.

Mount San Jacinto Hike views — You’re going to start climbing again. The views will open up to the west, revealing the peaks in Orange County and LA. The double bump in the back is Santiago Peak and Modjeska Peak.

Little Round Valley Campground — At around 8 miles, you reach Little Round Valley Campground. Keep hiking straight through.

Little Round Valley Campground — Little Round Valley Campground has some fun signs and sculptures. If you want to split the hike up into two days, get a camping permit before you leave and camp here. There are quotas on camping permits, so call ahead.

porta-potty — There’s a porta-potty here if you need to go to the bathroom.

Mount San Jacinto Hike trail sign — A trail milage sign marks the end of the campground. Keep going straight and start climbing again toward San Jacinto peak.

Mount San Jacinto Hike switchbacks — A series of switchbacks climb up the last major section of Mount San Jacinto.

Mount San Jacinto Hike turn — Whew! At about 9.6 miles, you’re on the ridge. Make the left for the last 0.3 mile scramble to the peak.

Mount San Jacinto Hike trail — Follow the trail up to the end of the line. The trail is not well defined here, it splits and comes together quite a bit. Just keep heading up.

emergency hiker hut — Soon the emergency hiker hut comes into view, head over to it for a look.

emergency hiker hut — The hut has 4 bunks and is free to use for hikers in an emergency. If you have any extra supplies, leave them here for those in need.

emergency hiker hut sign — The hut was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps under Roosevelt’s New Deal plan.

Mount San Jacinto Hike boulders — Okay, back to climbing. Follow the boulders and cairns toward the top. Again, there are several routes up.

Mount San Jacinto Hike boulders — Tackle the last few boulders to get to San Jacinto peak.

cris hazzard with Mount San Jacinto sign — If the sign is here, get a picture with it. Visitors have stolen it in the past.

Mount San Jacinto Hike views — The views to the east are of Palm Springs, the Sonoran Desert, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Mojave Desert to the north of the mountains in the distance.

Mount San Jacinto Hike views — To the north and west, you have views of Mount San Gorgonio, the San Bernardino mountains, Angeles National Forest, LA, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.

cris hazzard on Mount San Jacinto — Grab a few selfies and some food to fuel up for the trip back to Idyllwild.

Mount San Jacinto Hike trail junction — Head back down the boulders, past the hut, and continue to the trail junction. Instead of turning right (the way you came up), go straight. This route is the way back to the tramway. You will see a lot of day hikers who took the tram up on this stretch. Embrace your inner macho knowing that you hiked about twice as far as them without the aid of the tram.

Wellman Divide Trail — Enjoy your descent as the Wellman Divide Trail heads down the mountain.

views of Palm Springs — I routed the hike in this direction so that you can enjoy the great views of Palm Springs and the desert on your way down. Soak it all in.

Mount San Jacinto Hike trail junction — After about 12.1 miles, hike to the right at the junction and continue on Wellmans Divide Trail, towards Saddle Junction. The hike will get a lot quieter as the day hikers from the tram head left at this junction.

Mount San Jacinto Hike views — Spectacular views as the trail easily descends back toward Idyllwild.

Jacinto National Wilderness sign — Another border crossing, this time back into San Jacinto National Wilderness.

Mount San Jacinto Hike sign — Shortly after re-entering San Jacinto National Wilderness, hike to the right on the trail to Strawberry Cienega and Deer Springs. You are back on the PCT.

Mount San Jacinto Hike sign — A closeup of the trail sign in the last image, showing you all the options. Don’t go toward Idyllwild, you want to go back to the Deer Springs trail.

Mount San Jacinto Hike views — Continue hiking downhill. The views are incredible.

Mount San Jacinto Hike trail — The trail continues downward for 2.3 miles to Strawberry Junction.

pine cones on trail — You might see some little drumstick shaped objects on the trail. Those aren’t chicken wings, they’re pine cones that have been eaten by squirrels.

Mount San Jacinto Hike camping area — At around 15 miles the trail turns and follows a nice flat area on the ridge that offers some nice backcountry camping opportunities.

San Jacinto State Park sign — At around 15.4 miles, you’re back in San Jacinto State Park Wilderness.

Strawberry Junction Campground — At about 15.7 miles, you go through Strawberry Junction Campground. There are bathrooms here (note the porta-potty in the background).

Strawberry Junction — Hike through the campground and you’re back at Strawberry Junction. Make the left and hike back down Deer Springs Trail to the trailhead and your car.

end of Mount San Jacinto Hike — About 19.5 miles later, you’re back! Pat yourself on the back, that was a long and tough hike. You deserve as many beers and burgers as you want tonight.

Mount San Jacinto Hike Video

Click Here To Load Video

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel here!

How To Hike in the Mountains

Mountain hiking embodies what hiking is all about: breathtaking views, fresh air, and a good workout. Here’s you’re guide on how to hike the mountains safely.

San Gorgonio Hike

At 11,503 feet, the San Gorgonio hike brings you to the highest peak in Southern California. The hike to San Gorgonio is an iconic SoCal hiker rite of passage, I highly recommend it. There are a few ways to hike to the peak. This hiking guide takes the Vivian Creek trail, which is the quickest way to the summit at 10 hours roundtrip. It’s a tough hike but doable in a day if you train for it.

The Mt Baldy hike brings you to the highest point in LA at 10,064 feet. With about 4000 feet of climbing, it’s a tough yet popular hike, and well worth the effort. You can see from the Pacific to the Mojave on a clear day.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hike To Mt San Jacinto

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hike to Mt San Jacinto is a great way to bag Southern California’s second highest peak without a huge effort. It’s still a tough 11 mile hike, but nothing like climbing to Mt San Jacinto from Palm Springs or Idyllwild. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway cuts about 8,000 feet of climbing off the hike, and offers a nice base station where you can grab a beer and bite after your summit. A really fun and insanely beautiful hike.

The Modern Hiking Essentials

The 10 hiking essentials are the recommended key survival tools that hikers should bring with them on every hike. The original 10 essentials date back the 1930s. Here’s my take on the modern hiking essentials and how to use them.

About Hiking Guy (aka Cris Hazzard)

I’m Hiking Guy, aka Cris Hazzard. I like to get outdoors, walk, and then write about it. It wasn’t always like that though.

LA Mountain Hikes

LA is not usually thought of as a mountain hiking city, but some of the best LA hikes are in the high mountains, all within an hour or so of downtown. In fact, some of these peaks are only a few thousand feet lower than Mt Whitney. Check out these great LA mountain hikes.

The Best LA Hikes

Hiking isn’t what comes to mind when you think of LA, but there are actually some pretty awesome LA hikes. You have cool trails and parks like Runyon Canyon nestled in the middle of the city. There’s also the iconic hike to the Hollywood Sign. If you’re in the north part of the city, Topanga State Park is a big outdoors playground with lots of good hikes. If you’re on the south side of LA, check out the hikes in Orange County. The great southern California weather means that most can be hiked year round.

A quick note. These directions are meant as a guide for the hike, and not a definitive source. Conditions change, and the information here can be different based on time of day, weather, season, etc. There can be small side trails that you might see but I missed. I have made every effort to include all the information you need to complete the hike successfully. I recommend using this guide in conjunction with a map, GPX file, common sense, and call to the ranger station or park office. If you do the hike and notice something has changed, please contact me and I will update the guide.