Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket

• Drag Queen Hosted Mobile Theater Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours

• Private tour to Palm Springs from Los Angeles

It’s free to visit Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness on your own, but many travelers choose guided experiences for easier access and added context. Sightseeing tours—most commonly those including the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—generally start at around US$30 per person, depending on the experience and inclusions.

Yes, everyone visiting Mt. San Jacinto State Park must carry a permit. Day hiking permits are free and available at ranger stations or self-issue kiosks. Overnight backpackers must also obtain a wilderness camping permit (US$5 per person) before setting up camp. Both federal and state permits are accepted.

Plan on at least half a day for short hikes or nature walks from the tram station or Idyllwild trailheads. If you want to summit San Jacinto Peak or explore multiple trails, you should budget a full day to give yourself enough time. Overnight backpackers should allow two or more days to hike and camp.

Spring through early fall offers milder temperatures, open trails, and abundant wildflower displays, making late spring and summer the most popular seasons. Winter snow and ice can make high-elevation trails slippery or impassable without traction gear, so early fall and spring are often ideal for hikers.

Yes. You can ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from Palm Springs up into the Mt. San Jacinto area. From Mountain Station, trails descend or climb into the wilderness. The tram isn’t part of the park’s entry system, so you’ll still need wilderness permits for hiking. Luckily, nearby ranger stations issue permits.