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Credit 1 Pam Starr
2 Alyn Robert Brereton
3 Julie MacKinnon
4 Linda Pittman
5 Parham Pourahmad
6 Larry Whiting
7 Randall Finley
Visitation: 377,000
Area: 14,000 Acres
Lat: 33.813256
Lon: 116.690706
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Top Banner Photo Credits
Pam Starr
Alyn Robert Brereton
Julie MacKinnon
Linda Pittman
Parham Pourahmad
Larry Whiting
Randall Finley
Mount San Jacinto State Park - Site # 144
RegionalRegional - worth visiting if you are already in the area. They may be located farther from populated areas or with more limited wildlife species.

Background: Over two miles high, these craggy peaks, subalpine forests, and wildflower-filled mountain meadows form a designated wilderness accessible only by trails. Enclosed tram cars climb steeply past weathered rock walls, affording good views of soaring red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, and golden eagles. California ground and California western gray squirrels are abundant, evening visitors may catch a glimpse of elusive ringtails here. The pine canopy is home to Clark's nutcrackers, common ravens, northern flickers, and white-headed woodpeckers. Coyotes, mule deer, bobcats, and rarely seen mountain lions are also residents. They are joined by many spring migrants, including Audubon's warblers, western tanagers, western bluebirds, and violet-green swallows. Year round residents include, Steller's jay, dark eyed junco, and pigmy nuthatch. Bats are common. Being a State designated Wilderness provides suitable habitat for an immense diversity of plants and wildlife in addition to what is listed above.
A number of Civilian Conservation Corps structures remain intact. The high alpine meadows are rather unique for the San Jacintos. Historically, the mountain was used by the Cahuilla Indians, primarily during summer months.

The Habitat: The State Park and Wilderness straddle the San Jacinto Mountains, encompassing habitats from desert scrub on the east side and montane forests at high elevations to oak woodland on the west side.

The Experience: The mountain is home to a number of rare and endangered plants and animals, and a great diversity of more common species.

Wildlife and Where to Find It: Wildlife is best viewed from extensive network of trails and viewpoints. For trail hiking see State Park and Wilderness map available at www.parks.ca.gov and at the park

Viewing Tips: High probability of seeing small mammals, song birds and raptors, and evidence of bobcat and coyote from spring through fall. There are more than 70 miles of trails, a State Park visitor center, and spectacular views available year round. Sudden weather changes may occur anytime, particularly severe summer thunder storms and winter snow storms. Wilderness permits are required for wilderness trail use and camping. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the park. The State Park is surrounded by over 100,000 acres of USFS land. PLEASE, NO DOGS ALLOWED ON SITE. DO NOT FEED ANY WILDLIFE. NO SMOKING AND NO FIRES IN THE STATE PARK WILDERNESS.

Site Notes: For non-wilderness experience be sure to hike the trails in Long Valley. They are relatively short, easy to moderate in difficulty, and readily accessible from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Nearby Viewing Sites: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
San Bernardino National Forest

Festivals & Events: Used by the College of the Desert, Idyllwild Earth Fair
Local Earth Day, Desert Festival, Idyllwild concert

Visitor Information: Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism - 760-778-8418 - http://www.palm-springs.org/
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are:
Staff On-site: Yes
Open: Everday
Hours: Sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. Hours
Year Round: Yes
Seasonal: Seasonal backcountry closure due to high fire danger.

Road Information:   Paved. 
Road Hazards: Snow and ice. Note 3. Public Safety. Frequent sudden weather changes and difficult terrain in backcountry Visiting California State Parks and viewing wildlife is an experience in the natural world with the same inherent risks as other outdoor adventures. Changing weather conditions, rugged terrain with changing trail and road conditions, and hazards of surf and other waters, plants (poison oak, falling limbs, etc.) and animals (mountain lions, rattlesnakes, ticks, etc.) are a part of life outdoors, as is protecting yourself and your belongings. Use the Visit a Park link at the State Park web page for precautions and public safety information.
 Number of Parking Spaces: 300
Parking Fee: Yes
Proximity to viewing area:around park perimter
 Pull-Through Parking: Yes
Parking Danger: Trailhead parking along Highway 243, parking lots at PSAT Valley Station and Iydllwild and Stone Creek Campgrounds. Parking fee subject to change. See park website.

Note 3. Public Safety. Frequent sudden weather changes and difficult terrain in backcountry Visiting California State Parks and viewing wildlife is an experience in the natural world with the same inherent risks as other outdoor adventures. Changing weather conditions, rugged terrain with changing trail and road conditions, and hazards of surf and other waters, plants (poison oak, falling limbs, etc.) and animals (mountain lions, rattlesnakes, ticks, etc.) are a part of life outdoors, as is protecting yourself and your belongings. Use the Visit a Park link at the State Park web page for precautions and public safety information.

How to Get There: For tram: From Palm Springs area on Highway 111, take Chino Canyon/Aerial Tramway Road exit and turn west. Drive 3.5 miles to tram parking lot. For access to wilderness trailheads via Idyllwild, take Highway 243 to Idyllwild. In town, register for permit at ranger station.
 

Contact Information
Managing Agency: California State Parks
Agency Site URL: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=636
Physical Address:25905 Highway 243
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Agency 2:P.O. Box 308
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Manager Phone:951-659-2607
Site Phone:(951) 659-2607
County: Riverside
Addition Website: