🏔 Wilderness
Mount San Jacinto Wilderness
About This Permit
Mount San Jacinto (10,834 ft) towers above Palm Springs and is accessible via one of the world's most dramatic aerial tramways — a 10-minute ride from the desert floor to 8,516 feet. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight use and some day use. The tramway approach is competitive from October through May when the desert views are at their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway into the wilderness?
You need a tramway ticket and a separate wilderness permit. The State Park wilderness permit is required for all overnight use and available at the ranger station at the tramway's upper terminal.
Can I hike to San Jacinto without taking the tramway?
Yes — the Devil's Slide Trail from Humber Park (Idyllwild) provides a non-tramway route. This approach requires a USFS San Jacinto Wilderness permit rather than the State Park version. The climb from Idyllwild is roughly 11 miles round trip to the summit.
When are San Jacinto permits hardest to get?
Fall and spring are peak season — the desert views are best when valley temperatures cool. Summer sees fewer visitors due to heat below and afternoon thunderstorms above. Winter permits are easy to get but require ice axe and crampons for the summit.
Key Facts
- State
- CA
- Season
- Year-round; snow likely December – March above 8,000 ft
- Quota
- Approximately 50 wilderness permits per day from the tramway approach
- Trailhead
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway upper station (8,516 ft) or Humber Park (Idyllwild)
- Entry Point
- San Jacinto State Wilderness; wilderness permit required for all overnight use
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
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