Mountain Station to Mt. San Jacinto Peak - How long?

[VisitingHiker]

Hi - I'm planning on visiting Palm Springs the first weekend in October. I would like to take the tram up, and then hike from there to Mt. San Jacinto peak via Long Valley, Round Valley, then toward Little Round Valley. I am an experienced hiker, and have done the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim. I know sometimes the maps are deceiving, so I am looking for some advice on how long this hike might take. (I am trying to coordinate my schedule with some non-hikers). Also, any idea of what temperatures to expect? It looks to be about 15 degrees less than Palm Springs at the top of the tram, is that accurate? Thanks in advance for the advice. Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this.

[halhiker]

Time is hard to estimate because people hike at different speeds. The hike is on a good trail and is 11 1/2 miles round trip with 2300 feet elevation gain. For most hikers that's 2 1/2-4 hours. If you're a runner a lot less. I've made it in just over an hour before (although never in less than one, dammit). And I'd recommend going to San Jacinto Peak and not down to Little Round Valley so my info is based on this.

The temp is TOTALLY WRONG. The temp at the top of the tram averages FORTY degrees cooler than Palm Springs. You can get the weather on the mountain by calling the Long Valley Ranger Station at (760) 327-0222.

BTW, where are you staying in PS?

Hal

[VisitingHiker]

halhiker, thanks for the advice. I'll budget myself some time on the safe side so I can stop and take some pictures along the way. And REALLY thanks for correcting me on the temp difference. It didn't sound right to me, and I knew I needed to look further into it.

We're staying at some small hotel in PS, can't remember the name. The girls are going shopping at the outlet mall nearby, which means I'll have plenty of time to hike

[halhiker]

I recommend taking a little loop on the lower section. Here's how to do it.

Hike from the Ranger Station to the first trail junction (about .3 miles), go left. Hike to the next trail junction (about 1 mile), go right. At Round Valley you will hit the main trial to Wellman Divide. Go right here to the peak. On the way back, once you get past Round Valley instead of going back up the trail you took initially, head to the left and follow the stream back to the Tram. The trails are well marked and well used and the view from the top is incredible. Bring some binoculars if you have them.

I wondered where you were staying because I work at a local resort and would've tried to hook you up with an upgrade if you were staying with us but, oh well.

Hal

[LeslieL]

Hi visitinghiker,

I am young, in good shape and an experienced hiker – and I took 5+ hours roundtrip from the tram to summit. I am the slow and steady type and I also enjoy mini breaks and taking photos. It just depends on your style. You might also consider that altitude could slow you down plus tram waiting and riding time. Oh, and don’t forget to stop and get your permit! There is a kinda steep section between Round Valley and Wellman Divide otherwise it’s nice and gradual (except the final boulder scramble to the summit). This hike is beautiful – enjoy!

Leslie

[IgoslowUgoaround]

"nihao"
-waves-
did the hike on sunday 9/23... took me and a friend 5 hrs roundtrip... we marched up there non-stop, stopped at the peak and ate a lil + took some pictures, on the way back got a lil turned around and off trail on the way back down... BEAUTIFUL and cold at the peak that morning
have fun visiting hiker...

[KathyW]

I would think that between 3 and 6 hours would be reasonable for the round-trip, without snow on the trail, depending on your speed. It's pretty easy going out to Round Valley but then it gets a bit more difficult from there.

[VisitingHiker]

Thanks everyone for your advice and suggestions. You've got a very friendly and active group here, which is great to see. I'm looking forward to the hike!