Mount San Jacinto

Mount San Jacinto rises over 10,000 ft above the desert floor on the edge of Palm Springs. Most visitors will only go as far as the aerial tram will deliver them, which is about 8,500 ft. Stepping off the tram after being at the dry and usually hot base can be a bit of a shock. The temperature is considerably cooler up here, with a cool wind sometimes even in summer.

Picture - The Palm Springs Visitor Center with the San Jacinto Mountains in behind.

Picture - Clouds over the San Jacinto Mountains.

Picture - View from the Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs.

View a slideshow of Mount San Jacinto Pictures

Mount San Jacinto Map

Important Information:

Official site: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636

Address: 25905 Highway 243, Box 308, Idyllwild, CA 92549, United States

Opening hours: 8am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Wed

Useful tips: How to get there: 111th Street, turn into Tramway Road, then uphill for 3mi/5km.

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Be warned that you will likely encounter some snow up here in the winter. From the aerial tram there are hiking trails that lead through forested areas and some splendid views.

At the end of the line of the Aerial Tramway lies a mountain station which houses an interpretation center run by the state park service. The station runs a video program on the construction of the Aerial Tramway.

A number of hiking trails lead off from the station including trails to the summit of Mount San Jacinto and through the well populated pine forests on the mountain.

The mountain offers good views of the surrounding areas including the Palm Springs Valley.

Organized horse back rides are also available.

Related Attractions

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors up to the Mount San Jacinto to an elevation of 8,516 ft. The views from the tram are stunning out over the desert, mountains, and canyons. Each tram can carry 80 passengers. At the top are two restaurants and lookout areas. There are hiking trails that begin at the Aerial Tramway and lead through beautiful forested areas.

If you happen to be visiting during the hot summer months a trip up the mountain is a great escape from the heat where you can go for a meal and walk. Temperatures are usually about 30-degrees cooler at the top.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was opened in 1963. Two 80 passenger cars depart every half hour from morning into the early evening.

The valley station is on the northern edge of Palm Springs. The tramway, built in Switzerland in the early sixties, travels up the difference in altitude in fourteen minutes, during which time you pass through several climatic zones. Even if it is a hot day in the valley it is cool on the peak.

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