Amazing and wonderful peaceful place in SoCal. Easy to get away to and be amongst big trees large mountain boulders and big peaks. Beautiful gorgeous scenery wonderful hiking trails well maintained and well marked. Definitely one of my favorite mountain areas. We took the tram up to the park but next time we go we will enter the other side in Idyllwild. Well worth a day trip getaway from the coast or the desert. Love how quiet it is. The trails are not crowded at all once you enter the wilderness area. Just stunning up here.

Beautiful park, overlooked by a lot of people just overnighting in the area, but worth a longer visit. Great hikes.

This place is gorgeous ❤️ In lieu of a long review I posted a few pictures. Those are worth a thousand words right? :) We were here in late-February. It's pretty cold but minimal snow. If you're camping up here, you're definitely going to want a heater.

That park is full of positive energy. Nature has created place like this to allow us enjoy life. This place can heal you simply by sending its good positive vibes through your body and your energy field. Enjoy the process🙏

Great hike with amazing views. 12 miles out and back trail. 10,834 ft peak. 2318 ft. gain. I could see Catalina island and the Salton sea with the 360 views. Beware elevation. Some people had trouble breathing. I did ok. Mostly shady but ridgeline exposed. Limited to no cell service. Few spots on ridgline worked. 2 hour drive from San Diego to get to Palm Springs tram. Got to tram station at 730. 10 dollars to park. I was unable to buy a ticket online so had to go to ticket booth 28$. They said they only sell about 30 tickets online per hour and rest are walkup. Plenty of room in cars. I think 60-80 capacity. 9 min. ride up. Amazing views of the desert as the floor rotates. Once at the top station head out back to the trail area. You'll go down a pretty steep cement ramp. At the bottom is a ranger station where you need to get your permit. The ranger gave us info on where to return as to not get on wrong trail. All set. I head out on trail which starts to climb right away. Not to bad first 2 miles then the steepness hits. About a mile with some serious elevation gain. Once you hit round valley at 9100 ft. your about halfway there. It's uphill still but not quite as steep. Just long and steady. Near wellman divide you will turn and be on a long ridgeline with a few switchbacks. I had limited cell service on the ridgeline with Verizon. Was able to send few message out here. Keep goin up the ridgeline with amazing views of Palm Springs and Salton sea. You come to a final switchback and its about .3 miles from there. At the top is a mild rock scramble. Not too bad. Took about 3 hours to the top. Took few minutes at top for pics and snack. Headed back down. Long and steady downhill. Trail rocky in alot of spots and other parts a cleaner trail. Made to the ranger station and turned in my permit. Then I headed back to the tram. About 3 hours down. Made it to tram at 3:45. In my car by 4p.m. I forgot about the steep uphill cement walkaway. Ugh. Kicked my butt. Especially after a 12 mile hike at altitude. Everyone was taking breaks at the switchbacks on this walkway. It was fairly crowded in this area since alot of people come to this point and no further. The tram area was busy so I got in the boarding area and got on the next tram. I waited 5 minutes and was heading down the mountain. Got down and made it to the car. Ahh. What a day but so worth it.

The aerial tram is always a spectacular experience. It rotates so you get to view all sides. The San Jacinto Park was so magical with all the snow! Beautiful winter wonderland experience that was the highlight of our Palm Springs trip! It was very crowded and we waited over an hour to catch the tram going up so get there as early as you can. Remember to respect the forest and leave no trace!

This was worth the trip and the cost. I only gave it 4 stars because of the parking fee. There is no other way to get there but to park. Just wrap the cost into the tram ticket. Otherwise, the tram was really cool and amazing views. Up top, the view was beautiful! There are plenty of trails at the top as well, unfortunately I was not prepared for that.

Love the short hiking trail upon top of the tramway station! You won't miss it! Need a day-pass to enter!

A great little place. Had no idea this place was up here. The tram ride is a little pricey, but at least once in a life time. I'd rather hike to the top of Jacinto via the Marion Mountain trail, but the hike to the top from the State Park is still fairly challenging and a gorgeous hike! Happy that I tried it this way for once.

My first time in Mt. San Jacinto State Park was wonderful. I loved that it was a beautiful forest with tall trees near cute Idyllwild Village. I camped for two nights and hiked two days. We took bikes and biked around the town. The town is taking the Coronavirus seriously. Masks are required all around town and the requirement is observed. We kept our distances and stayed/ate only at out camp site. It was a nice visit not far from Orange County California.

Cactus to the clouds. Took my kids on the tram to the park. 98 degrees in the desert and 57 up top. Met friendly people from out of the country tourists to hikers. The museum and the video on the top are great learning tools. We had some hot chocolate before starting our little hike. Western toads were in abundance at the stream in the back and the kids and myself absolutely enjoyed ourselves. I have also been here with my girlfriend and it can be both romantic and an adventure.

I went here once and backpacked the mountain with my late father. I was 12 or 13 so 1986-87, somewhere in there. But this trip had always been a long time memory for me. Everything from the team to looking at the desert valley below the peak! Beautiful, beautiful place

Nice strenuous hike from Marion Mountain to San Jacinto Peak. Beautiful place, lots of pine trees, and big rocks. Perfect place to camp.

This park provides a controlled environment in which we can go for a real hike with real views. The trails are pretty well marked. The sporadic snow made it more challenging to hike and follow the trail. The overlooks are good and are nice places to bring a picnic in a backpack. The environment at 8,600 feet is wildly different than down on the valley floor. Enjoy the difference that the elevation makes. The movie in the visitor visitor center is simple but it covers the main points. Wear good walking shoes. Bring something to drink. Wear warmer clothes than you need down in the valley - it is much cooler up on the mountain.

Very good trail. My only problem is it's very steep and the entire way is uphill. It is somewhat cleaned up to help show the trail but unless you are an experienced hiker, this will be difficult. I'm nowhere near my conditioning that I was just a few years ago but I'm also not totally out of shape and this trail beat my butt. I'll probably be back next week!! ✌✌✌

I love this mountain! Whether I'm hiking, trail running, rock climbing or just enjoying hammock life this is one of my favorite places to be... I will always keep coming back here

The park is exceptionally well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. The restrooms were spotless, and there was no litter present during our visit. Mark and Ron, the maintenance worker, ensures that the park remains beautiful and clean for all visitors.

Mount San Jacinto is a beautiful hike and magnificently wonderful landscape. The Round Valley hiking loop from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway made a great afternoon out-and-back excursion with breathtaking views throughout!

Really Nice Campground. Well Maintained grounds. State Park Employees do their job here. They actually have a personal checking the trees for needed trimming and Beetle infestation. Showers are Outstanding with 5 minutes for a dollar. Super clean restrooms. The Bad things are; It is DRY UP HERE. Super Fire Danger and even with signs the state no open fires everywhere, Daniel Boone is out splitting wood for the campfire tonight. Amazing how the Laws or Restrictions Do Not Apply to them?

Great experience Pros: - beautiful state park with a fun cable car up the mountain - short but pretty hike - great views - good priced gift shop Cons - average food - bit pricey - not too much too do

Rode the tramway to the top and that was a great experience. The operation is very efficient. When you turn off the main road there is no need to stop at the building on the corner. The tickets are sold at the base of the tram so continue up the hill. First is the $5 charge for taking where you will be assigned a lot. Then tickets at the station. At the top there is an observation platform and access to the State Park. Great short hiking trails. Much cooler at top and even snow.

Great great great park. Absolutely beautiful. If you like the outdoors this park is for you. I saw a talking squirrel, but that was besides the point. Can't wait to make it back to this state park,

Great hiking trails. Not a lot of shade, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Hiking poles are very helpful.

Great hiking experience, took the Deer head trail with the littles and my husband. It said it was a moderate hike, and I can agree with that, but it was truly beautiful.

One of my favorite summer bouldering destinations. Take the tram up to almost 9,000 feet and enjoy the change in weather, scenery and vibe...from the desert floor to the pines. It's worth going early to get the most time out of the day. Camping out in the boulders is prohibited so day trips are really the only option. If you can get out there a couple times a week the summer or annual pass is worth looking into.

Beautiful place for a hike!

For many years we have driven past this gem on our way to California and back to Arizona... We tried once before to stop by, but it was packed at the entrance and left. This time we bought tickets in advance and it was an awesome experience that we hope to repeat some time soon. Bring your hiking shoes and dress accordingly (temperature is about 10° cooler at the top. The tram ride is awesome if you are not afraid of heights. Perfect adventure for small children or a day trip

The hiking trails are maintained and I think people like there being a ranger station 'bout halfway up to the peak. Use your state pass to not pay for parking, I forgot :( anyway, there are places to eat and booze, the viewpoints are legit, the tram ride views are beautiful. I had a lot of fun. Oh! If you're going to hike to the peak on a weekend, go early. The first tram leaves at 0800 on the weekend. Get a headstart on the crowds, not bad up but down you're dancing to not die falling off while one hiker moves over to let the other pass. Also, go early because it gets hot- take or buy water at the stores there. There is a spigot at the at the ranger station half way up but you need to filter it first.

Great Trip up the tram to Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Got great photos with the family and loved the 3 tier tram station. The pizza and fries are toddler approved. Favorite US state park so far!!

The trail is 14 miles long, rocky, lose rocks and slippery AND you walking uphill constantly at the moment you started at the sign. Just walk slow, drink water, and eat snacks and you will be fine. AMS hit me with a slightly headache over at 9000 ft. The nice things about this trail are the shades and has little streams to hear the water running. Rewarding view at the peak.

The hiking trails are maintained and I think people like there being a ranger station 'bout halfway up to the peak. Use your state pass to not pay for parking, I forgot :( anyway, there are places to eat and booze, the viewpoints are legit, the tram ride views are beautiful. I had a lot of fun. Oh! If you're going to hike to the peak on a weekend, go early. The first tram leaves at 0800 on the weekend. Get a headstart on the crowds, not bad up but down you're dancing to not die falling off while one hiker moves over to let the other pass.

Enjoyed the exprience of riding the tram up and back down the mountain. Good parking with shuttle buses taking you to the tram and back to your car. The view from the top was impressive and there were some short trails to walk (try to find the Jeffrey pine tree that emits a subtle butterscotch like scent). I understood longer backpacking trails also are located in the park area. There is a cafe and restrooms located inside the tram. The altitude is moderately high, so be careful not to over do physical activity.

A amazing nature area, especially hiking and backpacking. At the peak you are on top of the world!!! 10,834 ft. Elevation. This is not a casual hike or for children. Be prepared with proper gear and clothing. Weather conditions can change quickly. And recommended to bring at least (3) liters of water per person.

Taking the tram was a fantastic fun way to start a leisurely hike. The view is beast the top and many short walks to choose from.

(Translated by Google) Great climbing trail. Great experience. 👞👍👣🚶‍♂️🏔 (Original) Odlična staza za penjanje.Odlično iskustvo. 👞👍👣🚶‍♂️🏔

Hiked the PCT through this park with side trips to the summit and devil's slide down to Idlewild. It's a beautiful park with challenging trails.

Take the gondola up from palm springs or hike into the park the hard way. This park is beautiful, with incredible views. One thing I would recommend is to find a good map of the park and trails before going because the one handed out by the tram people is abysmal. The top of the mountain is really the destination for most, but hiking in the area is spectacular. There was a lot of snow present this year in April. There are picnic tables, in hiking areas and up at the gondola station. There are bathrooms at the station as well, but don't expect them everywhere if you are simply hiking in the park. No dogs allowed.

We took the aerial tram, and it was awesome. The place has some stunning views, and the hiking trails have different difficulties levels. For beginners, it would be a 2.5 mile. There's one for novice hikers, experienced hikers (5 miles), and expert hikers (12 miles). They also have designated camping grounds, but permits are required.

Loved the snow and scenery!

Beautiful, almost year-round winter wonderland accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Play in the snow, hike, eat at the restaurants, sled...photo opportunities galore. Also, a nice tram ride waiting area at the bottom with a cafe, patios, gift shop, park, trails.

We were in site 8 how ever many of our neibors site would be better suited for a popup as they have pads to park on. We had a popup and a rooftop tent. Some mosquitoes and biting flies. We were close to tap water and restrooms and showers and all were kept clean. I would reccomend this campground

It was so much fun!

I love this place. Views are amazing. Don’t expect to have everything you would have in a city up here. It’s a get away. Small city feels. Beautiful views and fresh air. Definitely coming back

Awesome hiking area. Was about 15 degrees cooler then the valley.

We came to the park via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for our anniversary! There are 5 ‘Notches’ along the 1.5 mile Desert View Trail, and those lookouts are spectacular views of the valley below! Can’t wait to come back and hike longer, there are over 50 miles of trails! It’s much cooler (40 to 50 degrees cooler from the desert floor) atop the mountain, so it’s a perfect activity during the summer

A nice hike from Long Valley to Hidden Divide Preserve, Round Valley, Wellman's Divide, San Jacinto Peak, Tamarack Valley and then back to Long Valley.

Spent a wonderful day hiking and exploring nature's beauty at Mt. San Jacinto. The ride to the top was amazing and being at the top of the mountain was a great way to escape the summertime heat!

Love it up here

Excellent showers. Quiet nights. Right next to Idyllwild. Walk in 5 minutes. We used one of the few full hook up sights. Fantastic!

👍😊👍

Beautiful!

I Iove the tall trees.

Very nice out there

Great place to get away

Beautiful, lots of great hikes.

(Translated by Google) Very pretty (Original) Muy bonito

Great views, great hiking trails, and pretty neat campsite. Idyllwild is a neat and cute little mountain town.

A great place to get away to.

Best bathrooms of any campground on the mountain

Beautiful and clean. No homeless people. What a change.

Pretty place for local So Cal hikes.

Gorgeous, Fresh, Fun, and overall a wonderful time

Great place to play in the snow.

Nice camp site, really nice staff who care about the quality of your stay, and really good rates. A great option over a hotel.

Beautiful place and views

Called in to get info on hiking with my husband. Spoke to Janet, she was so condescending and making it so difficult for visitors to come hike even though all the trails are OPEN. She kept giving out false information then changing her story halfway through the conversation. Her negative demeanor left us not wanting to ever visit the town or spend our money here! Very sad they have this nasty Liberal women here to ward off visitors...

(Translated by Google) Superb place (Original) Superbe lieu

Such an epic hike every time.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place (Original) Hermoso lugar

One of my favorite places to hike.

Very beautiful place for hiking

Desert, mountains, open vistas. Wild California at its best!

Off roading the back country...it wonderful

Absolutely beautiful place to visit and get away to close to San Diego but far enough away from the city. Spent my New Years eve/day here by myself adventuring down the mountain. It was refreshing. Would recommend.