Hiking the 2nd Tallest Mountain in Southern California

In full disclosure we were doing this hike in one day so we took the Palm Springs tram to the start of the hiking trail and did not hike all the way from the base (tram drops off at around 8000 feet). That being said this is a advanced trek that encompasses about 15 miles round trip and an overall elevation gain of close to 4000 feet (with gains and losses) before reaching the summit at 10,834 feet.
We arrived early at 9 AM and boarded one of the first trams up the mountain. This ride will cost you about 20 bucks round trip, but it worth it for the spectacular views of the beautiful mountain side, the desert below and the lush forest at the top.

When you arrive at the base of the trail you are greeted with an amazing contrast that is not seen in many hikes around Southern California. From a stark desert with little green at the base to a full forest complete with tall pines and lush streams. The ranger station also has a sign that greets you as you start your journey stating “May the peace of the wilderness be with you.” This is fitting, because of how rough the trail can be there is not many people you bump into during this hike. Along the trek there is a break in the trees that drops you in a beautiful meadow with lush grass stretching for at least 300 yards. It seems out of place in the surroundings but is large enough to be seen from the summit and is a perfect stop to refuel before heading up into the steeper part of the trek.

From there you hit the 4 mile mark and pass the last stop for fresh water before you return from the summit (another 3 miles each way). The elevation is around 9500 feet and you can start feeling the thinner air, but the trek is so beautiful the air can be disregarded. You pass many huge rocks (this hike is well known for its rock climbing) and wooded areas before reaching a clearing and starting the series of switchbacks that go on for about a mile and a half and lead to the summit.

The last mile and a half are especially grueling, having already put around 5 miles on your body astark change in elevation as well as thinner air leads to a slower climb to the summit. Through this area you see many people stopping to regain their breath and the switchbacks seem to get longer and longer. When you finally reach the base the summit the views are amazing but there is still trees blocking them from being fully realized. Next you must climb up about 100 feet over rocks and snow to reach the actual summit of the mountain. Many people do not venture all the way up as the snow makes the rocks slippery but its hardly worth putting in the full trek to not reach the summit. When you finally get above the rocks the views are breath taking. On a clear day you can see all the way to the ocean (which is around 120 miles).

We took about an hour to refuel and rest before making the trek back down, but I would highly recommend you make this journey if you are in the area as it is the second highest point in Southern California (500 feet shorter then San Gorgonio), and a very doable day hike for those that are in the shape to handle it.

Click to download the complete map of the hike

Author Bio
Josh Mc is an outdoor enthusiast most at home without a roof over his head. He works for the outdoor retailer OutdoorPros.com and writes for the Outdoor Blog OPAdventureTeam.com

Peak of Mt. San Jancinto

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