Mount San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness

Closed now

Neighborhood: Idyllwild Campground / Idyllwild
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Checked Oct 2026; confirm with the venue before you go.

Address: 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Phone Number: (951) 659-2607
Website: parks.ca.gov

Mount San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness is a roughly 14,000-acre mountain park and wilderness sanctuary above the Coachella Valley, with headquarters in Idyllwild. You can reach it from Idyllwild by road or from Palm Springs via the Aerial Tramway, trading desert scenery for pine forest and high-country terrain.

Trails From Forest to Summit

More than 50 miles of trails cross the park, ranging from easy forest strolls to strenuous ascents. Visitors hike, climb, ride horses, camp, and view wildlife among pine forest and panoramic summit viewpoints. Terrain can be steep and uneven, so choose a route that matches your preparation and the experience your group wants.

Camping and Backcountry Planning

Developed campgrounds are available at Idyllwild and Stonecreek, while primitive high-country camps lie in the wilderness. Developed campsites are reservable through ReserveCalifornia. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry hiking, and wilderness camping also requires a permit. Dogs are prohibited in wilderness areas except trained service animals, while drones are banned throughout the park.

A Different Mountain Climate

Alpine weather differs sharply from the desert floor, and conditions can vary widely across the park. When snow and ice are present, traction devices such as microspikes are recommended. Plan for the mountain environment rather than the climate you left below, and check conditions before choosing a trail, campground, or wilderness route.

Approach the park with the right permits and gear, then take time to experience a high-elevation side of the Coachella Valley above the desert floor.