Get Out & Explore The San Jacinto Mountains

Book online here or call us at (760) 548-4114!

Looking to enjoy the outdoors more? Have you ever explored Mount San Jacinto? Put it on your list of day trips that you can easily make from Sky Valley Resort! The resort is the perfect hub for anyone looking to get out and explore everything there is to offer in the area. Located only 1.5 hours away from the resort, The San Jacinto Mountains are a must see! Get a taste of mountain winter in the winter, or experience the cool mountain air in the summer. Make it a day trip and stop in Palm Springs on your way back to Sky Valley! Keep scrolling if you want to plan a fun day trip and learn more about what Mount San Jacinto has to offer...!

Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is over 14,000 square acres and has 4 main peaks ranging in different elevations:

  • San Jacinto Peak stands at 10,804 feet

  • Folly Peak at 10,480+ feet

  • Miller Peak is 10,400+ feet

  • Cornell Peak is just at around 9,750 feet.

See the position of the two tallest peaks in the graphic.

INTERESTING FACTS:

  • 'San Jack' is the mountains‘ nickname.

  • The mountain turns bright pink every morning before the sun rises — get up early to see it!

  • The northeast face of the San Jacinto Range plunges down 9,000 feet in less than four miles making it among the steepest and most spectacular escarpments in North America.

  • During the Spring & Summer temperatures during the day are in the 70s with nights dropping into the 50s. During the Winter months the mountain often has snow on it.

  • Like the Sierra Nevadas, the San Jacinto Mountains sit on a major fault block with a distinct westward tilt. This results in a slowly rising elevation of the mountain range.

  • You can see an angel on the mountain from the valley floor. Look towards the base of the mountain. She can be tricky to see depending on the time of day. See photo!

Photo Credit: Greg Russell

An “angel” in the mountain while viewed from Palm Springs.

Photo Credit: Chris Miller

THINGS TO DO:

  • Take a ride up Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's largest rotating tram giving you 360 degree views of the entire area. Once you reach the top at an elevation of 8,516 feet—enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, and gift shop. Tickets can be purchased on site or purchased in advance.

  • Hike the trails. There's over 50 miles of hiking trails! The park’s most popular wilderness hike, a 4.5 mile loop takes you to Round Valley where you can see an alpine meadow and a historic ranger station built in the 1930’s.

  • Take in the views & look out for wildlife. With many different wildlife species like deer, hawks, eagles, ducks, and owls. Keep an eye out for the rarely seen bobcat, coyote, and mountain lion.

  • Stroll around Idyllwild — it's a cute mountain town with unique gift shops, locally owned restaurants and nature vibes.

If you’re ready for your next adventure come to Sky Valley Resort! We offer RV Sites, getaway rentals, mineral pools, pickleball courts, AND we’re a great winter community that offer’s plenty of sunshine all Winter long. Click on the photos below to view all of our amenities or click the book online button to book your next adventure!

Ariel Ben Hayon