About this Event
Mt. San Jacinto Summit, Up by Trail, Adventure Route Back.
If you have never hiked to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, this may be the perfect opportunity to get there at a slow backpacker's pace, without the heavy backpack. With our qualified guides, we’ll follow the well-maintained standard trails to the top, allowing you to concentrate on the scenery, your pace, and the experience of climbing one of Southern California’s great mountains.
Along the way we’ll stop for snacks and hydration at lush Round Valley Meadow, where we may encounter some of the mountain’s resident mule deer quietly grazing while keeping a watchful eye on us.
Our next rest stop is Wellman Divide, where the landscape suddenly opens to expansive views including the distant Palomar Mountain of telescope fame in San Diego County.
Nearby, a spring supports a spectacular seasonal garden of mountain wildflowers, including Corn Lily and the beautiful endemic Lemon Lily. It's not the right time of year for the blooms, but it’s a place worth remembering for a return visit.
From there, we continue toward our main goal: Mt. San Jacinto, elevation 10,834 feet, the highest peak in the Peninsular Ranges and the second-highest peak in Southern California.
John Muir famously described the view from San Jacinto as “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth.” When we reach the summit, we’ll take time to enjoy the serenity, the remarkable 360-degree views, lunch, and conversation with our fellow hikers.
Going up, we knew exactly where we’re going. For the return Jack and Kathryn will select a return route suited to the abilities and interests of the group. On occasion may leave the maintained trail and pass through seldom-visited areas of the mountain.
The trail gets us to the summit. The adventure gets us home.
Hike Details:
Date and Time: Saturday October 24. We depart promptly at 8:45 a.m. and expect to return in approximately 8 hours (walking slow). for important information about getting ready and arriving on time for the hike,
Meeting Place: Long Valley Ranger Station. From the ground-floor terrace of the Mountain Station, proceed down the ramp into Long Valley. At the bottom, turn right and follow the trail to the picnic table at the Ranger Station to meet your leaders.
Difficulty: Strenuous. Approximately 12 miles, with about 2,500 feet of total elevation gain.
Elevation: Approximately 8,350 feet at Long Valley to 10,834 feet at the summit. At this elevation, the reduced oxygen can make physical exertion noticeably more demanding.
Hiking Time: Up to 7–8 hours, including breaks.
Tram: Take the 8:00 a.m. tram car in order to arrive at the meeting location on time. Again, for important information about parking, purchasing Tram tickets, and arriving on time. NHA members receive a 20% discount on Tram tickets. Consider joining: Check for membership and discounts.
Requirements:
Each participant must register individually and must be physically prepared for a strenuous hike lasting up to eight hours at high elevation. Again, the pace for this hike is intended to be slower and accomodating.
Every person attending must register under his or her own name. Please do not register twice under one name for two participants. A duplicate name will not be recognized as a separate registration and may be cancelled.
All participants must sign the before departing. You may review it online in advance; the hike leader will have a copy available for signature at the meeting location.
What to Bring Bring a minimum of 3 liters of water per person, lunch, trail snacks, and a daypack containing the usual essentials for a full-day mountain hike. Energy snacks can make a significant difference in maintaining your energy throughout the day, so come well supplied and use freely.
Wear proper hiking clothing, including an extra layer, sturdy hiking boots with good soles, rain protection, a hat, and sunglasses. No tennis shoes, please.
Hiking poles are strongly advised, particularly because portions of the return route may be off trail.
Age: Minimum age is 14. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Questions?
Contact hike leader Jack Pansegrau at 954-931-6414 for text messaging or direct phone, or email [email protected].
Event venue & nearby stays
Long Valley Ranger Station, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, United States
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