Mount San Jacinto is a heavily trafficked peak sandwiched between Idyllwild to the south west and Palm Springs to the north east. It is a 10,834 ft peak lying with the San Jacinto Mountain range in Mount San Jacinto State Park. It commands a 360 degree view of the surrounding area.

The two most common approaches to San Jacinto can be approached by either from the base at Idyllwild or via the Palm Spring Aerial Tram. The Idyllwild is a difficult 16mi round trip with an additional +/- 4000 elevation gain. The second approach is to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up to 8000 ft, then complete the 10mi roundtrip (maybe more/less depending on your route) and 5k elevation gain/loss. This is still a challenging hike, especially the altitude with knock the wind from your lungs if not acclimated. Camping is permitted at the base close not too far from where the Tram drops passengers off.

San Jacinto conditions are best read from here: Jon King's Jacinto Trail Report

When hiking this peak in the snow, great care should be taken given that despite the easy access via the Tram, hikers can get lost, injure themselves on the snow/ice, etc. Always bring navigational aids and plenty of water.

All imagery is from MapBox courtesy of AllTrails. I highly recommend the service as as means to plan trips.

From San Diego, plan about 2h 15m to get to the Palm Spring Aerial Tram.

There was NO cellular reception entering the canyon where the lower tram station is located. If meeting with multiple cars, best to coordinate before you enter the road that leads up the canyon.

Tickets for the tram are $30 a head. Depending on Covid19 precautions bring a mask. This still applies in 2022.

The Palm Spring Aerial Tram is a pleasant ride up the first section of the mountain so enjoy the views and realize how much elevation you just saved your legs from.