Saved the most prominent of the Three Saints for Last! Went to Palm Springs and it was 110 F (43 C) that day. Took the Palm Springs Aerial Tram to an elevation of 8,516’ and hiked to Mount San Jacinto (elev 10,834’) and it was a nice 57 F (14 C) at the peak! There was a little rock climbing to the peak, but not too difficult, reminded me of Strawberry Peak on steroids but just for the last 100’ or so.

You do need a permit, it’s free and self issued at the ranger station. The ranger told me that it’s 6-8 hours and you should have 3L water. It ended up taking me 8hr 45 minutes and I used 3.5L water, but I am also a slow hiker, apparently slower than your typical hiker, but that’s alright! I had a great time and enjoyed nature!

The trail is mostly shaded except for near the peak which is more exposed. There is water on the trail so you can fill up, though recommend you filter it.

The last part at the very end of the trail is a concrete staircase leading back to the tram. I was panting like a dog, but a few people pretty easily past me, so it might not be as hard if you are in better shape than me. I was in a bit of a hurry because I smelled smoke and saw a Cal fire helicopter flyby but luckily it was just a small brush fire.

Fun facts:
-The tram is the world’s largest rotating tram car.
-It was given its current name by the Wheeler Survey(which has been incorporated into the US Geological Survey(USGS).
-It was named after Saint Hyacinth(San Jacinto in Spanish), but it is unclear which as there are multiple saints with that name.
-San Jacinto is the highest peak in the California State Parks.
-It has the highest topographical prominence in Southern California, the 3rd highest topographical prominence in all of California, and 6th highest topographical prominence in the 48 contiguous states.
-Regarding San Jacinto, John Muir said “The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!”
-It is one of the Three Saints, one of the three ultra prominent peaks in Southern California along with Mount San Antonio (Baldy) and San Gorgonio Mountain.
-Cahuilla Indians called it “I-a-kitch” meaning smooth cliffs.
-There is an emergency shelter (stone hut) near the summit which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps(CCC)
-Devil’s Slide was the fist trail constructed by the USGS, with other trails constructed by the CCC.