San Jacinto Wilderness
Palm Springs, California is located at the foot of San Jacinto Mountain. Situated at 10,000 feet, heavy winter snows blanket the area known as the San Jacinto Wilderness. Almost fifty years ago an aerial tram was installed to allow Palm Springs visitors and residents to escape to the snow. The tram also became a great escape from the scorching summer heat. Visitors can picnic, relax beneath the cool evergreen trees or hike among the tallest mountains in southern California.
Instructions
1. Plan on a day trip and travel out to Palm Springs from a Los Angeles starting point. Los Angeles is only a couple hours away, with lodging less expensive than the Palm Springs area. You may also choose to enjoy the Palm Springs lifestyle for a weekend by opting to stay at a high end resort, dine at a five-star restaurant or be pampered in a world class spa.
2. Plan a visit to Palm Springs anytime of the year. Because of the warm desert climate, however, winter tends to be a busier time of year.
3. Fly from Los Angeles Airport and access the Santa Monica Freeway (Interstate 10), east toward Phoenix. Once you near Palm Springs, take the North Palm Canyon Drive exit (toward the city), and then turn right onto "Tramway Drive". The drive ends at the mountain.
4. Purchase tickets for the tram. You can upgrade your ticket to include dinner. The on board restaurant offers sweeping views of the Palm Springs area.
5. Ride the gondola to the mountain station. The cars have been modernized over the years and now rotate so all passengers get a great view.
6. Plan an early arrival to the mountain and spend the entire day hiking the wilderness trails. Wilderness permits are available at the Ranger Station. If staying for the day, however, remember to be at the tram prior to the last departure time.
7. Opt to hike over the ridge and down to the small hamlet of Idyllwild. Located in the southern foothills, Idyllwild offers great shops, cafes, and taverns. Note the time length for the trip over and plan the return to the mountain station accordingly.
8. Bring backpacking equipment and supplies, obtain a trail map and permit from the Rangers, and then hike to the primitive campgrounds. The tramway ticket is roundtrip and redeemable for any scheduled departure time.
9. Visit during the winter and rent cross country skis and snow shoes. You can also bring a sled to play in the snow.
Tags: Palm Springs, departure time, from Angeles, Jacinto Wilderness, mountain station