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Mount San Jacinto State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,801 Google reviews · Running trail in Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 50 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mount San Jacinto State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trails wind through this park at the peak of Mount San Jacinto, accessible by tram via Palm Springs.
What runners say about Mount San Jacinto State Park
“Beautiful gorgeous scenery wonderful hiking trails well maintained and well marked.”
“we visited it in the month of November, we attended due to the snowfall, the place with this weather is amazing, everything surrounded by snow is very beautiful.”
“It’s a big contrast from the desert below , cool air, tall pine trees, and quiet forest trails.”
“There are multiple easy trails/loops that would be manageable for small children.”
Amazing and wonderful peaceful place in SoCal. Easy to get away to and be amongst big trees large mountain boulders and big peaks. Beautiful gorgeous scenery wonderful hiking trails well maintained and well marked. Definitely one of my favorite mountain areas.
Lots of great trails here. Make sure to pick up a free permit at the ranger station in town that covers the trail you're planning to hike. Mt. San Jacinto permits are picked up at the Ranger station and permits for other hikes can be picked up/self-issued at the State Park office.
Rode the tram up to the station, and made the 10 mile round trip hike to the summit of San Jacinto Peak! I’m from the east coast, so this was an experience unlike anything else! I won’t lie, we came blissfully unaware and underprepared for the strain of high altitude hiking, but we got the job done and made it home!
Really beautiful in autumn. There are multiple easy trails/loops that would be manageable for small children. However, not the best for disabled people as the way down from the visitor center is steep and may be difficult to go up and down.
Trail conditions & character
“we visited it in the month of November, we attended due to the snowfall, the place with this weather is amazing, everything surrounded by snow is very beautiful.”
“I only gave it a 4 star because many of the tent sites were badly eroded as well as the parking places for them.”
“However, not the best for disabled people as the way down from the visitor center is steep and may be difficult to go up and down.”
“It’s a big contrast from the desert below , cool air, tall pine trees, and quiet forest trails.”
“Rode the tram up to the station, and made the 10 mile round trip hike to the summit of San Jacinto Peak!”
“What a great way to spend the day that is easily accessible for everyone.”
Plan your run at Mount San Jacinto State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance50 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(951) 659-2607
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–4 PM |
Running trails near Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Deer Springs Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 349 reviews
Tree- and flower-lined trail leads to Suicide Rock with scenic views in a forest setting.
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Southern Terminus
4.8 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking trail with shade and creek crossings.
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07
4.7 ★★★★★ 210 reviews
Easy, scenic 2.6-mi. trail in the San Jacinto Wilderness featuring stream crossings, wildflowers, and mountain views.
Humber Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 261 reviews
Park for hiking with varied trails and scenic views, including Tahquitz Rock.
