Hiking Trail Guide: San Jacinto Peak via Palm Springs Tram

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San Jacinto Peak via Palm Springs Tram

Distance
11 miles

Elevation
2300 feet gain

Difficulty
7/10

City
Palm Springs ,CA (92263) 96.37 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From Interstate 10, take the Palm Springs exit (hwy 111) and drive 9 miles to Tramway road. Turn right and follow the road 3.5 miles to its end at the Tramway parking lot. The tram takes you from palm springs to the 8500 foot level near Long Valley in a short, but spectacular 12 minute ride. The cost was about twenty bucks round trip.

Description

This moderate all day outing is as good as it gets. The trip starts out by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway almost a mile straight up into the San Jacinto wilderness. The first 2 miles of trail traverses a lovely pine forest, passing through Round Valley. The trail then begins a 1 mile accent to Wellman Divide, a great spot for lunch with breathtaking views. At this point the trail heads north towards the peak. The forest is somewhat open with the ground covered in lush vegetation, and ever more stunning views of the desert below. Near the summit you will encounter a small stone cabin, and after a easy rock scramble up a 100 yards or so, you will be at the peak.

John Muir considered the view from San Jacinto peak one of the most sublime on earth. It is a great hike!

Map / Directions: