Reviews

Norman Gensinger

Beautiful State Park with incredibly welcoming and kind rangers! Well maintained trails, amazing views, and great upkept campgrounds.

Lila Bruce

Great time and great place to get grounded. Lots of off-roading around.

Vi C

After taking the tram up, we spent some time walking around Mount San Jacinto State Park, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of the trip. It’s a big contrast from the desert below , cool air, tall pine trees, and quiet forest trails. The trails around Long Valley are pretty easy, so you don’t need to be a serious hiker. It’s perfect for a casual walk, taking photos, or just enjoying the mountain scenery. We saw squirrels and chipmunks, and I’ve heard people sometimes spot deer around here too. One thing to know: it’s much colder up here than in Palm Springs, so bring a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes because you’ll probably end up walking more than planned. It’s a nice little nature break after the tram ride, and definitely worth spending some time here before heading back down.

trevor nunez

Wonderful state park known for it's large number of Joshua trees and rugged,massive rock climbing areas. Easy walking areas with amazing desert scenery. If you go on a weekend, get there early, if not be prepared for a long line at the entry.

Madhumathi Sakthivel

The homes near Idylwild are moderately difficult. Helps to take water and plan on taking breaks if you are not used to strenuous hikes. The views are exceptional

Tammy Holbrook

Excellent hiking trails. So beautiful when you get to the top of the mountain.

Paul Roth

Okay, some basics. Mt San Jacinto State Park is huge and actually a wilderness rather than a typical Park. The place where the Palm Springs tram drops you off is up near the peak, far far from 25905 CA-243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549. The ranger here said there's no road to get there, you have to tram or do a steep 7 mile one way hike. This Google Map location should actually be called the CAMPGROUND for this "California State Park" as that's all that's here. The huge trees and restrooms are nice tho.

Hiker Shirl

I loved the atmosphere of this campground with its incredibly tall trees. I only gave it a 4 star because many of the tent sites were badly eroded as well as the parking places for them. Electric sites are available however it appeared that the only site w/ water hook up was the handicap site next to the rest room.

rory

Really beautiful in autumn. There are multiple easy trails/loops that would be manageable for small children. However, not the best for disabled people as the way down from the visitor center is steep and may be difficult to go up and down.

Vadim Solodukhin

The most convenient way to get to the park is via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It will elevate you to 8,516 feet (about 2,6 km.) $15 parking + $33 cable car will get you Incredible photo opportunities (plus a couple of hiking trails.)

DexsLab

Rode the tram up to the station, and made the 10 mile round trip hike to the summit of San Jacinto Peak! I’m from the east coast, so this was an experience unlike anything else! I won’t lie, we came blissfully unaware and underprepared for the strain of high altitude hiking, but we got the job done and made it home! I learned AFTER the hike, that San Jacinto Peak is one of the USA Ultra 57’s! Now I don’t think this means I’m gonna go climb Rainier tomorrow, but I’d like to do as many Ultras as I can! Chase what makes you feel alive people! I will forever be grateful I made this journey, so far from home. I hope I can inspire others to do the same!

J T

This is about the campground, not the nearby wilderness/hiking trails. The parking spots for each campsite vary in size and difficulty. Very helpful and courteous park aide at the station explained everything. Quiet in October even though it was full. Great hot shower $1/5min. Bills only no coin. They have a junior ranger badge program so don't miss out!

Beth W

Lots of great trails here. Make sure to pick up a free permit at the ranger station in town that covers the trail you're planning to hike. Mt. San Jacinto permits are picked up at the Ranger station and permits for other hikes can be picked up/self-issued at the State Park office. There will be a ranger checking and you will get turned away if you don't have the appropriate permit. Overnight/Wilderness permits can be submitted up to 8 weeks in advance and cost $5/person, with groups up to 15 people. You will also need a parking pass (America the Beautiful, Adventure Pass, etc.) for any vehicles parked at the trailhead.