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Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,376 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Desert, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 75 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument'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.
Mountain backcountry with wilderness areas, state parks & trails for hiking & horse-riding.
What runners say about Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
“Beautiful water and views everywhere you look everyone treated as great the locals are super friendly we had an awesome time looking forward to going back again soon”
This is a must see and do if you are visiting the Palm Springs area. You start by driving up the mountain road to the entrance to the park which is located close to the downtown area. Then catch a ride up the tram to the top of the mountain and catch the beautiful views while you are riding up the mountain.
Beautiful this year. Snow, rain. Silica rainbows. Blue skies. Lightening and thunder. The smell of electricity in the air. The Pacific Crest Trail is an adventure for all, and for all ages to be had.
Where do I begin?!!! This experience was stellar, amazing, breathtaking just to say in a few words. Some friends and I went on the tram on our way up and the views were captivating. The air is crisp and clean. You can't beat the scenic view up there. It was simply marvelous.
The views, the green trees, sometimes snow but IT'S always FABULOUS. Taking a walk/hike on one of the many well maintained trails is ALWAYS fun. I highly recommend a short visit or a day long hike, whatever excites you this National Park has it for you.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful water and views everywhere you look everyone treated as great the locals are super friendly we had an awesome time looking forward to going back again soon”
“Nor any signs once the climb begins, though that's not a problem since the trail is obvious.”
“I have thought many times of taking the Tramway but hadn't realized that there was an entire park at the top with 57 miles of hiking trails.”
Plan your run at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance75 mi back to where you parked. 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.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone+1 760-862-9984
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–4 pm |
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