Mount San Jacinto

The San Jacinto Mountains are the 2nd highest mountain range in all of Southern California and its highest point-San Jacinto Peak, or Mount San Jacinto-is the 6th highest peak in the contiguous 48 states. The mountain is home to picturesque high-country wilderness views and recreation. With its peaks of granite, its meadows bordered by ferns, and its subalpine forests, Mount San Jacinto is truly a sight to behold. In short, you won’t want to miss this spectacular natural landmark during your time in Palm Springs!

Mount San Jacinto: A Gorgeous Locale for Hiking and Sightseeing

The northeast face of Mt San Jacinto is one of the most prominently seen natural sights in the Coachella Valley. Even though Mount San Jacinto is only the 6th highest peak in the continental United States, it features the steepest rise of all of the contiguous 48 states, rising dramatically from 800 feet to nearly 11,000 feet above sea level. Natural John Muir (one of the people who first defended forming the National Parks System) once wrote of Mount San Jacinto, “The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!”

Before heading up the mountain, you should pay a visit to the National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert, where you can learn about the mountain through interpretive exhibits, warm up on the nature trails, and see native plant gardens. You can also find guide books and maps to the mountain at the gift shop.

During your visit to Mount San Jacinto, you can go hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, provided that you have a day-use wilderness permit. You can pick up a day-use wilderness permit from the State Park Headquarters office in the nearby town of Idyllwild. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the wilderness areas of the park.

Visitors who are up for a challenge can attempt to ascend to the top of Mount San Jacinto from the Bear Creek Oasis Trail, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station, or the Boo Hoff Trail that begins at La Quinta Cove Oasis.

Experience the Best of Palm Springs and Beyond with Arrived Now

From Mount San Jacinto to the modernist architecture of the city, to incredible events like Palm Springs Pride and Modernism Week, there’s so much to see and do in Palm Springs. For more details on what Palm Springs has in-store for you, contact our office today and discuss reserving one of our beautiful vacation rental homes!