Inland Empire
Everything IE
EverythingIE
All IE Parks, Mountains & Lakes
Mount San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness
🏛️ State Park
14,200 acres
10,834 ft elev.

Mount San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness

Idyllwild
🥾 Hiking
🏕️ Camping
❄️ Snow Play
Mountain Views
📸 Scenic
🦌 Wildlife

Granite-peak wilderness rising above Palm Springs, accessed by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Idyllwild — alpine forests, summit hikes, and snow play.

Mount San Jacinto State Park protects more than 14,000 acres of high-country wilderness above Palm Springs, with Mount San Jacinto itself topping out at 10,834 feet. From the IE side, Idyllwild is the gateway; from the desert side, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram lifts visitors thousands of feet in 10 minutes. The park has summit-loop hikes, alpine meadows, backcountry camps, and the famous Devil's Slide Trail.

🌟 Why Locals Love It

It's the closest true alpine wilderness to the IE — pine forests, granite domes, and snow in winter.

What to Expect

Cold mornings, high-altitude air, dramatic vistas, and serious mountain weather above 8,000 ft.

💡 Good to Know Before You Go

Wilderness permits required for overnight stays. Tram has its own day-use fees.

📍 Local Tip

Idyllwild's Deer Springs and Devil's Slide trailheads give you summit access without the tram crowds.

Best Time to Visit

May–October for hiking; December–March for snow play near the tram.

Notable Features

10,834 ft Mt San Jacinto summit
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway access
Devil's Slide Trail
Pacific Crest Trail

Practical Info

25905 CA-243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Amenities

Restrooms
Picnic Area
Parking
Trails
Campground
Visitor Center
Ranger Station
Verified Official Source
View Official Page →

Explore Everything IE

Everything IE is your premium guide to the Inland Empire — Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Events, restaurants, parks, schools, mountains, lakes, sports, and more — sourced from official departments and trusted institutions, curated for the people who call the IE home. Part of the Everything California network.