Backpacking in San Jacinto Mountains
4 documented trips · 19,700 total feet of climbing across all routes
San Jacinto Mountains at a glance
CaliPeaks documents 4 backpacking routes in San Jacinto Mountains, covering 51.8 miles of trail and 19,700 feet of cumulative climbing. Routes range from 4.2 mi (Round Valley (Mt San Jacinto via Tram)) to 21 mi (Cactus to Clouds). The gentlest climbing is on Round Valley (Mt San Jacinto via Tram) at 700 feet of total gain.
The area is managed by Mount San Jacinto State Park (California State Parks). Wilderness permits are issued by Mount San Jacinto State Park (California State Parks) — check each trip page for quota and reservation windows. The most-recommended months across these routes are June, July, August.
Round Valley (Mt San Jacinto via Tram)
Round Valley Meadow is Southern California's easiest alpine camp: ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to 8,400 feet, then walk 2.1 gentle m…
Marion Mountain Trail to San Jacinto Peak
The Marion Mountain Trail is the shortest route from Idyllwild to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains: 5.3 miles and 4,500 feet of relentle…
Devil's Slide to San Jacinto Peak
The Devil's Slide Trail is the classic Idyllwild route to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains: 8 miles and 4,500 feet of climbing from Humb…
Cactus to Clouds
Cactus to Clouds is the biggest vertical climb in the contiguous United States by trail: 21 miles and over 10,000 feet from the Palm Springs…