Mt. San Jacinto - Cahuilla Lodge # 127, Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America

Home > Camping > Destinations > Mt. San Jacinto

Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness

The deeply weathered summit of Mount San Jacinto stands 10,804 feet above sea level, the highest point in the San Jacinto Range and second highest in Southern California. No more than a two hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego, the mountain's magnificent granite peaks, subalpine forests, and fern-bordered mountain meadows offer a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy a scenic, high-country Wilderness area. The park offers two drive-in campgrounds near the town of Idyllwild. Most of the park is a designated wilderness area enjoyed by hikers and backpackers.

Type:

Hiking and Backpacking
Local Camping

Directions:
From Riverside, take Interstate 10 East to Hwy 243 South to the park. From San Diego, take Interstate 15 North to 215 North, exit Hwy 74 east to Hwy 243 north to the park.

Special Notes:
The San Jacinto Wilderness can be experienced many different ways. For overnight troop camping, be sure to reserve a spot with the park service by calling: (800) 444-PARK.

Besides coming to the wilderness from Idyllwild with the directions above, you may also experience the awe-striking views from the aerial tramway which leaves from Palm Spring up the mountains several times a day. For more information on the aerial tramway, including online tickets and driving directions Click Here.

Numerous trails are located throughout the Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness. For the avid hiker and backpacker, the Marion Mountain trail offers a scenic hike through beautiful conifers while presenting a rigerous 400 ft. incline challenge in only 2.5 miles. From there, avid hikers and backpackers can take the rest of the climb to the peak via Pacific Crest and Deer Springs trails which are nearly as steep.
For a less-strenuous hike or backpacking trip, hikers can take various hikes to campgrounds along the way or start from the top of the aerial tramway for a day-hike to the top of Mt. San Jacinto. A hike to the peak is not something to miss, and it is said that on a clear day Catalina Island can be seen from the peak! For a map of local trails, Click Here.

Maps:
For a map of the area, please Click Here.

Additional maps of the area can be obtained from local ranger stations or the US. Geological Survey

Permits Required:
For any hiking throughout the San Jacinto Wilderness, a National Park Service adventure pass is required. To reserve a campground for your troop, which must be done in advance, please call (800) 444-PARK. Adventure passes, wilderness permits, maps, and more information can be obtained from local ranger stations in Idyllwild or the base of the aerial tramway.

Equipment:
For Hiking or backpacking, there are no special needs beyond what is normally brought to a hike or backpacking trip. All hikers and backpackers, as always, shoudl be especially cautious to bring sun protection, lots of water, and clothes for both hot and cold weather.