Within the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness are 54 miles of hiking trails which should be sufficient to satisfy the appetite of the most avid outdoor enthusiast.  Trails range from the awe-inspiring five and one-half mile trek to the 10,834 foot peak of San Jacinto to the just over one mile nature walk through picturesque Long Valley, located just behind the Tram's Mountain Station.

Long Valley Discovery Trail:  Follow the nature trail posts around a ¾ mile (1.2 km) loop. This easy level trail provides an excellent introduction to the Park's plants and animals.

Desert View Trail:  A 1.5 mile (2 km) trail leads to a number of scenic overlooks and forest views. Short climbs, moderately strenuous. 

Round Valley:  A 2.5 miles of trail leads to picturesque Round Valley. Fairly level trails, short climbs, moderately strenuous.

Wellmans Divide:  From Round Valley to Wellmans Divide is a 1-mile hike with a 600 feet elevation gain. The view from here is truly spectacular. Looking west you can see the dome of the Palomar Observatory and to the southwest Tahquitz Peak Lookout. From this point you can continue down to Idyllwild or up to the San Jacinto Peak.  Elevation gain, strenuous.

San Jacinto Peak:  This strenuous three to four hour hike one way will take you to the second highest point in Southern California. On clear days it is reported that you can see Catalina Island or the glow from Las Vegas at night.

For those who are truly environmentally oriented, the Mount San Jacinto State Park Volunteers conduct guided walks each weekend during the summer. Times of the walks may be obtained at the Mountain Station Natural History Museum. The center also offers maps and nature books for a nominal fee. There is no charge for the 40 minute walk.  Participants are urged to wear flat, comfortable shoes.

Follow the nature trail posts around a ¾ mile (1.2 km) loop. This easy level trail provides an excellent introduction to the Parks plants and animals.

Strap on your snowshoes and head into the stillness of the winter forest at the Top of the Tram.  There are so many ways to enjoy the snow in the San Jacinto Mountains but snowshoeing is perhaps one of the most unusual, yet exhilarating, ways to enjoy the outdoors in an area where you can hear yourself think and enjoy the sounds of nature.  Snowshoes can be rented at our Adventure Center ($18 per day).  Visitors who are leaving the Long Valley area on showshoes must obtain a permit from the Long Valley Ranger Station.