This is a truly SPECTACULAR hike! To be honest, I was a bit giddy with excitement, as we had planned out this whole day adventure. We bought tickets for the 9:00 tram to ‘guarantee’ our spot, but got there at 8:00 in hopes of swapping out for an earlier trip up (yes, this meant a super early drive over from Pasadena!). The tram was all part of the fun and we enjoyed the sweeping views of the desert, cities, San Gorgonio, and beyond. It was 80 degrees at 8:00am at the bottom and a cool 62 at the top! Sweet! It was astounding that in a quick 10 minute tram ride, the terrain changed from barren desert to pine trees and alpine terrain. We bounded off the tram and hit the trail. To do it over, we would stop for coffee for 30 minutes or so at the top as the altitude was a kicker from the beginning. With no time to acclimate, we really felt the shortness of breath…but after popping a few electrolyte chews, we were back on track. We did take lots of breaks throughout the hike to manage the strain of the elevation. The ENITRE trail was stunningly gorgeous. We saved time for dinner at the top after the hike (reasonable prices at the cafe and decent quality food make this a great time to fuel up before making the long drive home).
From L.A., this is a 14 hour day – leave at 6, tram up by 8:30, hike until 4:30 (faster if you are a very fast hiker or trail runner), dinner, tram down at 5:30, then in the car by 6:00pm and back to L.A, by 7:30 or 8 depending on traffic.
This is one of my new favorite hikes. Next time, I would highly consider staying the night in Round Valley Campground
For those hoping to complete this hike via the tramway, take note that THE TRAM WILL BE CLOSED MOST OF SEPTEMBER FOR MAINTENANCE.
Responses
I love Mt San Jacinto — it’s one of my first and favorite peaks. The tram is a lot of fun, and it’s also a great place for first-time backpackers. The only caveat is that you need to check the water situation at Round Valley. There is a seasonal spring, but it dries up by this time of year, so you’ve got to carry more water for an overnight trip.
Thanks for the heads up on the tram closure, @angeleshiker!
You bet! There is a water spigot at Round Valley, but water needs to be treated before drinking.
Yes, that water spigot is spring-fed, and the spring usually dries up sometime during the summer. 🙁
Oh that is DEFINITELY good to know!!
Tram closing dates are 9/11 to 9/30