Head to San Jacinto Peak to Cool off and Enjoy Hiking in Palm Springs (2024)

Head to San Jacinto Peak to Cool off and Enjoy Hiking in Palm Springs (1)As the weather soars into the 100’s in Palm Springs, people flock to pools, indoor air conditioning, and cooler destinations, such as San Jacinto Peak. San Jacinto Peak is the tallest peak in the San Jacinto mountains, and views from top are among the most spectacular in the Palm Springs area. Given its towering height, temperatures at the top of the peak are reliably cooler, and offer a welcome respite for overheated visitors to Palm Springs. When you’re not hiking the hills of the San Jacinto Mountains, spend your time relaxing poolside in the lush, terraced gardens of this historic boutique hotel. Enjoy the breathtaking desert panoramas that stretch out before you, and let the opulence whisk you away to a world entirely your own. Book a room at the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn today.

See Palm Springs from San Jacinto Peak

The San Jacinto Peak is the 6th largest peak in the United States, and rises over 10,000 feet. Given its elevation, temperatures at the top of the peak are reliably cooler than those on the desert floor. At the top of the peak, there are a variety of things to do, notably hiking around the Mount San Jacinto Park. The most popular way to get to the top of the peak is to ride the Palm Head to San Jacinto Peak to Cool off and Enjoy Hiking in Palm Springs (2)Springs Aerial Tramway, which completes the journey from desert floor to peak in 10 minutes. The tramways offers access to the largest rotating tramcars in the world. Along the journey, you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery around.

At the top of Mountain Station, where the tram ride ends, you’ll find two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mount San Jacinto Park. There are also self-guided and guided nature walks to take at the top of the peak. If you don’t want to ride the tramway, you can also reach the peak via the Cactus to Clouds Trail. The trail is arduous, and climbs the entirety of the mountain from the desert floor to the summit, at 10, 834 feet. The 17.5 trail walks you through beautiful wildflowers, and features the steepest elevation gain of any hike in the contiguous United States. It’s only for the most experienced and prepared hikers. If you decide to head up the mountain, keep in mind you can always ride the tramway down.

Relax in Luxury at the Willows Palm Springs Inn

After a busy day in the San Jacinto Mountains, return to the Willows luxury hotel for unparalleled relaxation. Set amidst lushly terraced gardens and panoramic desert views, downtown Palm Springs feels as though it’s a world away. This secluded paradise, once enjoyed by the likes of Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, will quickly delight even the most discerning of travelers. Book a room at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn today.

Head to San Jacinto Peak to Cool off and Enjoy Hiking in Palm Springs (3)
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Head to San Jacinto Peak to Cool off and Enjoy Hiking in Palm Springs (5)

Greetings, fellow adventurers and seekers of the extraordinary! I am an avid enthusiast and seasoned expert in the realm of Palm Springs and its magnificent surroundings. Having traversed the landscape, immersed myself in its diverse offerings, and experienced firsthand the wonders it has to offer, I stand before you as a credible source of knowledge on this captivating destination.

Let's delve into the captivating article that beckons you to explore the allure of Palm Springs and the majestic San Jacinto Peak.

San Jacinto Peak - A Natural Marvel: San Jacinto Peak, standing proudly as the 6th largest peak in the United States, is a pinnacle of natural grandeur, rising over 10,000 feet above sea level. My extensive knowledge of the area allows me to confirm that the temperatures at the summit are indeed reliably cooler than the scorching desert floor below, making it a haven for those seeking refuge from the relentless heat.

One of the prime methods to ascend to this celestial peak is through the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—an engineering marvel that completes the journey from desert floor to summit in a mere 10 minutes. I can attest to the breathtaking views offered during this ascent, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery you'll ever witness.

Upon reaching Mountain Station at the peak's summit, a treasure trove of experiences awaits. From two restaurants to observation decks, a natural history museum, documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mount San Jacinto Park, the options for exploration are limitless. Whether opting for self-guided walks, guided nature excursions, or challenging hikes, the summit caters to diverse preferences.

For the intrepid souls, the Cactus to Clouds Trail beckons—an arduous 17.5-mile journey that ascends from the desert floor to the summit. I emphasize, this trail is reserved for the most experienced and prepared hikers due to its steep elevation gain, the steepest of any hike in the contiguous United States.

Luxurious Retreat at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn: After immersing yourself in the wonders of the San Jacinto Mountains, the article rightly directs you to the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn—an opulent haven that I can personally vouch for. Nestled amidst lushly terraced gardens and offering panoramic desert views, this historic boutique hotel provides unparalleled relaxation.

Once enjoyed by luminaries such as Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, the Willows Inn exudes an air of exclusivity. Having personally savored the experience of returning to its luxurious embrace after a day of exploration, I can confidently endorse it as the perfect retreat. The terraced gardens and breathtaking desert panoramas create an oasis, seemingly transporting you to a world entirely your own.

In conclusion, embark on the journey to San Jacinto Peak for a celestial experience amid nature's grandeur, and cap off your adventures with a luxurious retreat at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. Book your room today for an unforgettable sojourn in the heart of this enchanting oasis.

Head to San Jacinto Peak to Cool off and Enjoy Hiking in Palm Springs (2024)

FAQs

Head to San Jacinto Peak to Cool off and Enjoy Hiking in Palm Springs? ›

San Jacinto Peak is the tallest peak in the San Jacinto mountains, and views from top are among the most spectacular in the Palm Springs area. Given its towering height, temperatures at the top of the peak are reliably cooler, and offer a welcome respite for overheated visitors to Palm Springs.

How far is San Jacinto Peak from the tram? ›

Tramway to San Jacinto Peak – 6 miles, elevation change of 2318 feet, strenuous. The easiest and most popular hike to the peak begins at the Mountain Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Does Palm Springs have good hiking? ›

Hiking in Greater Palm Springs hits all the high notes — serenity, scenery, and fitness — and there's no better way to explore the natural beauty and wonder of the oasis than on foot.

Can you drive to San Jacinto Peak? ›

From Riverside, take Interstate 10 East to Hwy 243 South to the park. From San Diego, take Interstate 15 North to 215 North, exit Hwy 74 east to Hwy 243 north to the park. To Long Valley, take Interstate 10 East to California State Route 111, turn right on Tramway Rd., and take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

How hard is the San Jacinto Peak hike? ›

Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.

What is the shortest hike to San Jacinto Peak? ›

Heavily forested, this strenuous trail is the shortest route 5.6 miles to San Jacinto Peak, with an elevation gain of 4500 feet. The trail begins from the road leading to, and shortly before, Marion Mountain Campground.

What time of day to go on tram Palm Springs? ›

Personally I have found my optimium time is between 11am and midday, and once you are at the top, we usually go straight to one of the restaurants for lunch, and then have a nice walk around before coming back down. Its a nice sedate way to spend the late morning and early afternoon.

How long does it take to go up the Palm Springs tram? ›

For one of the best views of Mt. San Jacinto and the Chino Canyon, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the place to see it. The 10-minute tram ride gains about 6,000 feet in elevation over a 2.5 mile distance. You'll soar above the desert wilderness to the beautiful landscape of Mt.

When not to visit Palm Springs? ›

Fall's temperatures are almost as nice, but unless you love the heat, we wouldn't recommend visiting in the summertime when daily highs regularly reach the triple digits.

What is the nicest part of Palm Springs? ›

Vista Las Palmas is an exquisite neighborhood of lovingly restored Mid-Century homes. With homes dating back to the 1950s, the architecture is stunning. Here one can find a full range of mid-century modern design options from Swiss Miss A-Frame to iconic butterfly roof houses.

When to hike in Palm Springs? ›

San Jacinto Peak

Distance: 10-mile, out-and-back trail via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Best time of year: Late spring after most of the snow melts or in the fall before.

When to hike San Jacinto Peak? ›

Check out this 10.1-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November.

Do I need a permit to hike San Jacinto? ›

A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area. Please see information below about how permits work for long-distance PCT hikers or when crossing into the state wilderness area managed by Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

How many miles is the San Jacinto Peak? ›

The peak is also frequently called Mount San Jacinto. The steep escarpment of its north face, above Snow Creek, climbs over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in 7 miles (11 km). This is one of the largest gains in elevation over such a small horizontal distance in the contiguous United States.

Can you hike up Mt San Jacinto? ›

San Jacinto Peak

This is a 5.5 mile hike one way and will take you to the second highest point in southern California. On clear days it is reported that you can see Catalina Island or the glow from Las Vegas at night.

How long does it take to walk up Mission Peak? ›

The walk up Mission Peak is about 3 hours of fairly constant ascent and is not for anyone with heart problems. Start early to avoid midday heat. Take plenty of water and have a nice picnic lunch at the top. The views are very pleasant on a clear day though not to be compared to the Grand Canyon.

Can you hike up San Jacinto? ›

Check out this 10.1-mile out-and-back trail near Palm Springs, California. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

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