PS - Hike: Mt. San Jacinto Peak 7/24

Tram's Mountain Station to Mt. San Jacinto Peak via Sid Davis Route

• Start time: 9:40am at the Tram's Valley Station waiting area with a tram ticket (no later!) 
• Duration:  Around 6 hours -- End Time: Around 4pm
• Distance: About 8 miles up and back
• Pace: Slow to Moderate pace
• Difficulty: Strenuous! -- Total Elevation: About 2600ft (some steep areas) -- You will need to be in 'VERY GOOD' physical/cardio condition for this hike. Also rock scrambling is required some areas. Only a few breaks. However, a 30-minute rest on the summit. The views are fantastic!
• Meeting Location Time: In Palm Springs, meet at the lower Tram Station ticket/waiting area (elevation 2,643 ft) at 9:40am (no later!) and have your tram ticket ready.

Tram Ticket Info: Tickets for the Tram: $26.95 Adult $24.95 Senior. $10 parking fee waived for pass holders and local residents.  Our tram departure is 10am. Purchase tickets at https://pstramway.com/tickets/

Hike Leader: David Stewart

IMPORTANT INFO for this hike: Emergency Contact Information, sun protection/hat, and hiking poles which may be helpful. Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water (2 liters minimum) are required. Bring lunch/snacks and of course, a wonderful attitude. Thanks. Also, pets are NOT allowed.

Details: This all-day vigorous adventure is as good as it gets--for hikers who are physically fit. We start out by taking the popular Palm Springs Aerial Tramway which ascends almost a mile straight up into the San Jacinto wilderness. Then a brief stop at the Ranger station to sign and drop off a required permit, before heading off to the Round Valley / Sid Davis junction. From there we go off trail up the Sid Davis route (some steep areas) to where the main trail meets the first of two major switchbacks to the peak (with a short break if required). While ascending, we might see deer along the way within the midst of the raw wilderness. At this point, the well-maintained trail heads up north towards the next switchback. The forest is somewhat open in this area with lush vegetation on the sides of the trail. This area also has nice views of Long Valley and in the far distance, Coachella Valley. At the beginning of the second switchback will be a close encounter of Miller Peak. Then, off trail again turning south and up towards San Jacinto Peak. After a brief visit at the Stone Hut (emergency shelter), we head up to our highest point (a rock scramble up a 100 yards or so). While at the SJ Peak, a leisurely (about 30 minutes) lunch break. While enjoying our lunch/relaxation, there are excellent views of the Banning Pass, Mt. San Gorgonio, Coachella Valley.(John Muir considered the view from San Jacinto peak one of the most sublime on earth.) Poor weather and/or trail conditions cancels this hike.

Covid guidelines:  Mask are required onboard the tram car. Anyone not vaccinated should wear a mask if unable to stay socially distanced.

Please call 760-320-2774 or email David at dhs321@gmail.com for inquiries.