The 4 Most Amazing Peaks in San Jacinto Wilderness
Whether for the view or for the challenge, climbing the mountainous peaks in San Jacinto Wilderness is the best way to experience more of this beautiful region. But with 4
to choose from, it can be tough to know which peak to proceed with. That’s why we’ve collected the best peaks and summits in San Jacinto Wilderness for you here — so you can easily add one to your next adventure.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Tahquitz Peak
Highlight • Summit
You need to obtain a free of charge wilderness permit from the Ranger Station in Idyllwild or call (909) 382-2921.
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Suicide Rock
Highlight • Summit
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Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness
Highlight • Forest
To camp out, you need a wilderness permit (available at Park Headquarters in Idyllwild and the Valley Ranger Station on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway side) for the area for 5 Dollars per person. If you have a longdistance permit for hiking the PCT, you do not have to obtain an additional permit. Here is some more information on that: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636
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Apache Peak
Highlight • Summit
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Campsite at Spitler Peak
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Other adventures in San Jacinto Wilderness
Tips from the Community
The San Jacinto Wilderness is one of a kind. At an elevation of 10,834 feet, San Jacinto Peak towers high above the California desert. You can hike plenty of trails including a section along the long distance Pacific Crest Trail. There is an emergency hut beneath the summit and close by even a restaurant and an aerial tramway station that gets you into Palm Springs. To camp out, you need a wilderness permit (available at Park Headquarters in Idyllwild and the Valley Ranger Station on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway side) for the area for 5 Dollars per person. If you have a longdistance permit for hiking the PCT, you do not have to obtain an additional permit. Here is some more information on that: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636
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After the climb, hikers are greeted with a large slab of granite with 360 views of the surrounding mountains. Swing by the San Jacinto Ranger Station office to grab a simple permit to hike.
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This structure sits on Tahquitz Peak, at an elevation of 8,846 feet. The fire lookout was built in 1937, and is the highest lookout tower in the San Bernardino National Forest. It is maned by volunteers!
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Apache Peak is just a short side trail and few feet in elevation from the Pacific Crest Trail. You will find a summit register and a gorgeous view at the top.
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Tahquitz Peak is a great hiking destination with picture postcard views to the southeast and the Salton Sea. It got its name from a Native American legend saying that a demon wanted to possess the area. When the demon was killed, the spirit escaped and is now living in a cave in the San Jacinto Wilderness. San Bernadino National Forest operates the seasonal fire lookout at the summit of Tahquitz Peak which is mainly staffed by volunteers and is also the highest within the National Forest. The trail up to the mountain can be very dangerous in winter conditions, so bring proper gear. You need to obtain a free of charge wilderness permit from the Ranger Station in Idyllwild or call (909) 382-2921.
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There is space for four to five tents, two sites protected from the winds. You will enjoy the great view on Palm Springs.
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See even more amazing summits in San Jacinto Wilderness with these guides:
