The Mount San Jacinto Wilderness State Park is dominated by 10,834-foot (3,250-meter) Mount San Jacinto, Southern California’s second-highest mountain.
In summer, miles of hiking tracks wind through the state park wilderness of sub-alpine forests, ferny mountain meadows and granite peaks.
Snow falls here in winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoe fun.
The most fun way to get to the Mount San Jacinto Wilderness State Park from Palm Springs is by the Aerial Tramway from Chino Canyon.
The state park visitor center is at the Aerial Tramway mountain station, along with a cafe and gift shop.
To explore the state park’s wilderness area you need to pick up a free wilderness permit from the State Park Headquarters in Idyllwild.
