Palm Springs Tram Hike to San Jacinto Peak

11 miles - Hard Effort
5-6 Hours (Total)
2,620 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 10,834 feet
No Dogs Allowed

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hike to Mt San Jacinto is a great way to bag Southern California's second-highest peak without putting in a considerable effort. It's still a challenging 11-mile hike, but it's nothing like climbing Mt San Jacinto from Palm Springs or Idyllwild; taking the Palm Springs tram cuts about 6,000 feet of climbing off the hike. The summit of Mt San Jacinto is one of my favorites because it straddles the line between Coastal California and the Sonoran Desert, allowing you to see the transition between the two ecosystems, and on a clear day, from Catalina Island to Mt Charleston, just outside of Las Vegas. It's a fun and insanely beautiful hike.

In this Guide:

Video & Turn-by-Turn Directions to San Jacinto Peak
Planning Your Tram Ride
Insider Tips and Recommendations for the Hike
Camping On Mt San Jacinto

Quick Links: Mount San Jacinto State Park - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Sep 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Getting to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The journey starts at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway base station, where you take the tram 5873ft up to Mountain Station, the start of the hike. The tram station is about 15 minutes west of downtown Palm Springs off the main road. The address for the tram is:
1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

There is a fee to park your car at the tram station.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 4 — There are several parking areas, and when you go through the pay station, they'll direct you to the appropriate lot that is open. Ideally you'll park in Lot A, which is closest to the tram station. If it's crowded, you'll be in a lower lot where you need to take a shuttle bus.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 1 — Go upstairs at the tram station for departures.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 5 — There's a large waiting room where you can buy tickets, use bathrooms, and visit a small gift shop. You can also buy tickets online before you arrive.

Planning Your Tram Ride

Palm Springs Tram — The tram ride to Mountain Station is a unique experience that can be freaky if you have a fear of heights. During the 10 minute ride you'll travel 2.5 miles and climb about 6000 feet. It took 15 years to build the tram and was marketed as "the eighth wonder of the world." Photo by Don Graham.

Half of the fun is taking the tram from the bottom up to Mountain Station, which sits at 8,516 feet. The tram is the world's largest rotating aerial tramway, starting in the Sonoran desert and ending in an alpine zone. During the ride, the floor slowly turns, allowing everyone to share the best views. And the tram crosses over five towers, with the car experiencing a small swing after going over them. Wind can also make the cars sway. The Swiss-built tram is regularly maintained and inspected, and has a great safety track record, but it can be intense for those with a fear of heights.

The tram schedule, parking fees, and ticket costs change, so I recommend going right to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway website to get all the details.

Palm Springs Tram Mountain Station — The multi-level Mountain Station is jam packed with observation decks. Photo by Alan Light.

Once at the top, in Mountain Station, you are at a tourist attraction. There are restaurants, viewpoints, gift shops, bathrooms, and interpretive displays. It's a fun place, built in the mid-century modern style that Palm Springs is famous for. I recommend budgeting some time in after your hike to grab a bite and enjoy it.

When you plan your visit, try to take the first tram up in the morning to avoid the crowds. The tram and this hike can get very busy. Also, look at the schedule and see when the last tram down leaves. If you miss this, you'll be sleeping on the floor at Mountain Station.

Gear for the Hike to Mt San Jacinto

Don't let the fact that you take a tram for a few thousand feet fool you, this is a high-altitude mountain hike and you should be prepared. I always have the 10 essentials, at least 2L of water, snacks, and plenty of layers. If you like to use trekking poles, bring them too.

Some folks feel the attitude. There's not much you can do aside from keeping hydrated and taking your time. If you start to feel nauseous or get a headache, it's time to head back down. And if you're not comfortable hiking 11 miles at lower altitudes, it won't be any easier here.

In the summer, the summit will be about 30 degrees F cooler than Palm Springs, making for a nice temperate hike. In the winter, the summit can be covered in snow and ice. And in just about every season it will be windy at the summit. Before you do the hike, check the summit weather and prepare for those conditions. If there is snow, and you have experience hiking in it, the trail is doable with micro-spikes and sometimes snowshoes.

The San Jacinto Trail Report is excellent for getting current trail conditions to the summit, as is calling the Long Valley Ranger Station.

My Latest Gear Picks

Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI )
HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra ( Zpacks | Review )
Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ( REI | Amazon )

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My September 2023 Top Gear Picks

Camping On Mt San Jacinto

If you want to overnight on the mountain, your best bet is grabbing a backcountry permit and staying at one of the 19 primitive sites at Round Valley, which is along the hike route. Round Valley (not to be confused with Little Round Valley, which is on the other side of the mountain) has primitive campsites, vault toilets, water, and a seasonal ranger station. Camp at Round Valley, and then summit early in the morning before the first tram (and potential crowds) arrive. If Round Valley is full, try Tamarack Valley Campground, right next to it.

Trail Maps & Signs

San Jacinto Tram Hike Sign — The trail is well-marked with signs along the whole route.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 3 — And if you get confused on the way back, look for these "tramway" badges on the trail posts.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 2 — The trail can be really rocky in places, but is always easy to follow.

Interactive Map

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Elevation Profile

San Jacinto Tram Hike Elevation — Here's the profile one-way to the summit. The first mile has some downhill and flat sections, but then you'll climb steadily up to the summit. The last little section to the peak has some easy scrambling.

3D Map

Landmarks on the Hike

Landmark	Distance	Elevation
Mountain Station	0	8516
Ranger Station	0.4	8415
Round Valley	2.5	9100
Wellman Divide	3.3	9700
Summit	5.5	10834

Tram to Mt San Jacinto Hike Directions

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Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 6 — On the tram ride up notice all the climbing that you get to skip. If you want to hike to San Jacinto from Palm Springs, try the Cactus to Clouds hike, voted one of the hardest hikes in the USA by Backpacker Magazine and only for the very experienced hiker.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 7 — Once you get to Mountain Station, take the stairs down and go outside.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 8 — Start the hike by going down the paved path by the San Jacinto State Park sign.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 9 — You'll wind down a steep paved path.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 10 — At the bottom, pass the trail board and go straight through.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 11 — You'll need to stop at the Long Valley Ranger Station and fill out a free permit.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 12 — The permits help rangers keep track of who is out on the mountain. Fill out the permit, and then drop the blue copy in the box. Carry the white copy with you and return it to the mailbox at the bottom of the steps on your way back to the tram.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 13 — Just past the ranger station, start the trail to the right.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 14 — Here's a closeup of the sign at the junction. We're heading to San Jacinto Peak.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 15 — The trail winds away from the crowds and is easy to follow.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 16 — Hike right at the junction with the Willow Creek Trail (left).

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 17 — Here's a closeup of the sign at the last junction.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 18 — The trail rolls along through the pine trees and boulders.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 19 — You'll cross two small bridges.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 20 — And then there's a sharp turn left.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 21 — And now you start the climbing. This section in the beginning can be rocky.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 22 — At about 1.5 miles in, the climbing eases up and gets less rocky.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 23 — At about 2 miles in you'll arrive at the junction with the Round Valley Loop. Stay right.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 24 — Here's a closeup of the sign at the last junction. Also note that the distances are not quite accurate here.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 25 — Hike straight through some of the campsite markers. There are new pit toilets here (right).

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 26 — Keep hiking toward San Jacinto Peak.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 27 — These markers are for tent sites at Round Valley.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 28 — At about 2.5 miles in, you'll reach the junction at Round Valley Campground. Make the hard left at the sign.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 30 — There's water just to the right of the junction. The water is not always running, and you need to treat it with a water filter before drinking.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 29 — Here's a closeup of the sign at Round Valley.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 31 — As you pass Round Valley, you'll see some rusty artifacts on your right, including a stove, all brought here by the California Conservation Corps in the 1930s and 40s to build a ranger station.. The stove allegedly marks the spot where the burro who carried it all the way up here died.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 32 — Keep climbing up through the pines.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 33 — And at about 0.8 miles past Round Valley, you'll reach Wellman Divide. Bear right.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 34 — You'll reach a group of boulders with epic views to the south. It's a great place for a snack before the final ascent on the summit.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 35 — You'll be able to see lots of high peaks south, toward San Diego, including the highest point in San Diego County, Hot Springs Mountain, and the second-highest point, Cuyamaca Peak.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 36 — The trail junction is to the right of the boulders. Continue heading uphill toward San Jacinto Peak.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 37 — Here's the trail sign at Wellman Junction.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 38 — The trail climbs through the trees.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 39 — And then pops out into the scrub, allowing you to have an unobstructed view for miles.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 40 — To your right is the distinct Cornell Peak, named by a USGS geologist in 1897 because it reminded him of McGraw Tower at his alma mater of Cornell University.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 41 — You have another short stretch through pines and massive granite boulders.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 42 — And then pop back out into the low scrub. This section of trail can get rocky.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 43 — When you approach the trees, look for the trail to cut back to the left. It can get confusing - there is a smaller trail straight that is often used in the winter when this whole area is covered in snow.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 44 — Keep heading back uphill. In front of you is Jean Peak.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 45 — At the ridge the trail heads into the trees.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 46 — And then you'll find a junction where you want to hike straight to continue for the last stretch to the summit.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 47 — Here's the sign from that junction. Again, don't confuse Round Valley with Little Round Valley on the way back.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 48 — Continue uphill. The trail can split and join back together in places where folks take shortcuts.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hike — Soon you'll see the refuge hut, built in 1933 by the CCC and billed as “the highest building in Southern California.”

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 50 — When you pass the refuge, there are a few trails, and multiple options to get to the top. Whichever way you go, you'll have to do some light scrambling to ascend. It's nothing dangerous or on an edge. If you find yourself in that situation, you are in the wrong place. I find that heading right offers an easy path to follow.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 51 — Just past the hut the path winds around to the left.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 53 — And then you start climbing up the rocks and boulders to the top.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 54 — Soon the trees will end you'll see the top.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 59 — And a few USGS benchmarks.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 56 — Directly north is Mount San Gorgonio.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 55 — To the northwest is Angeles National Forest and Mt Baldy.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 57 — And to the west is Saddleback Mountain.

Palm Springs Tram To San Jacinto Directions Update 58 — And down the mountain is Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

From the top, just head back down the way you came. Watch your footing on the rocky trail. It's easy to trip when it's rocky.

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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