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FeedHappy Trails - Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Peak
Hiking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Peak
marnie hesson
Length: 11 miles
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Season: May to November
San Jacinto Mountain peaks are huge granite massifs that remind the well-traveled hiker of the High Sierras. The hike to the top provides varied terrain, with lower elevations offering sylvan meadows and streams before the demanding final climb up the alpine slopes near the peak. During the early summer, you may travel alongside or cross many streams.
In the beginning, the trail winds up through pine thickets until coming to beautiful Round Valley. Here the grass is deep green, tall, and richly watered — look for deer munching tender plants.
Continue on the short, steep trail to Wellman Divide, where you will find spectacular views of the Tahquitz Peak area and the Santa Rosa Mountains. The vistas grow ever more expansive and breathtaking as you follow the trail 2.7 miles up steep switchbacks to the peak. Near the top, take the trail junction to San Jacinto Peak.
Geographers claim that the steepness of San Jacinto Mountain from top to base is the sheerest in the United States. From the top looking down, most tend to agree. It can be quite cool on the peak, even cold and very windy. Take a windbreaker, a pair of binoculars, and enjoy the view!
Adapted with permission from Philip Ferranti’s book, 140 Great Hikes in and Near Palm Springs (Big Earth Publishing). For more info visit www.philipferranti.com.
Reader Comments:
Dear Palm Springs Life:
I received probably 10 renewal notices from 2 different sources - you & an agency I think - I renewed my subscription & am now receiving duplicate copies...Could you trace this down and have my
duplicate subscription order CONSECUTIVE rather than CONTIGIUOUS?
Also - the renewal prices were a little different in the different mailers - whats going on with this anyway?
My address: Joyce Wright or Joyce Wright
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Pomona, CA 91768 Walnut, CA 91788
I really don't care which address the magazine is sent to, as long as I don't receive TWO ISSUES each month.
Sincerely,
Joyce Wright
Jwright@ci.walnut.ca.us