About
Deer Springs Trail is your ticket to the stunning wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park. We’ll discuss several hiking options, as well as a big reveal of a less strenuous route to the top. Before we dive into these tips and trails, let’s explore the area’s rich history.
Long before tourism was popular in Idyllwild, the settlers paved the way through the mountains on these pathways. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the California State Park Service worked in tandem to create many of the trails, like the popular trek Deer Springs Trail.
No matter which trail you choose, you’ll need to pick up a free permit at the San Jacinto Ranger Station in Idyllwild. The office is right around the corner from The Lumber Mill Bar & Grill, making it easy to grab a sandwich on your way in or out of your hike.
Also nearby is the trailhead parking area, which is steps from the Idyllwild Nature Center. While hiking all day can be tiring, you could add a visit to the nature center for a well-rounded day of sightseeing.
Additionally, three wilderness camping areas along the Deer Springs Trail require permits and fees. You can pay and apply online, but these fill fast, so sign up well before your Idyllwild vacation.
All of which leads us to discuss the three Deer Spring Trails and our tease of the “easy way” to the top. Read along as we examine all the possibilities this outdoor adventure offers.
Deer Springs Trail: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One fact to keep in mind is that all three treks are challenging, so being fit and prepared is paramount.
We’ll begin with the shortest hike, the Suicide Rock via Deer Springs Trail, which is ranked moderate by hikers. This 6.8-mile out-and-back will have you climbing 1,866 feet on well-marked trails. You’ll hike through breathtaking landscapes and have viewpoints of Strawberry Valley at Lily Rock and Tahquitz Peak. Plan on this adventure taking you about 4-5 hours to complete.
Next up is the Deer Springs Trail to Round Valley, a 15.9-mile out-and-back. Ranked hard by AllTrails, the well-marked path ascends 4,832 feet and takes about 10-11 hours to complete. If you plan on camping, this trail leads to the Strawberry Junction Campground, where you can relax for a day or two.
Now for the Big Kahuna: San Jacinto Peak via Deer Springs Trail. This 17.3-mile hike has you climbing 5,275 feet and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at Strawberry Junction. You’ll walk through various terrain, with the last section being a scramble up granite rock and boulders.
While the trail is very hard, the payoff for your exertion is the panoramic views. Here, you are standing on the second-highest point in Southern California. On clear days, you can see Catalina Island in the Pacific and Palm Springs in the valley below.
Now for the big reveal: the easier ascent. If you drive to Palm Springs, which takes about an hour, you can ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto. While the Tramway cuts out 6,000 feet of climbing, you still have a round-trip of 10.3 miles on the San Jacinto Peak from The Tramway trail. You’ll climb 2,585 feet, which is challenging, but it makes this once-in-a-lifetime trek doable for less experienced hikers. If you’re considering this option, make sure to reserve your Tramway ticket well in advance.
We hope these routes have you dreaming of ascending to the top of San Jacinto Peak or Suicide Rock. With proper planning, the right gear, and pre-arrival training, hiking Deer Springs Trail will create an unforgettable experience.
Local Tips
- Bring plenty of water! There aren’t reliable water sources along the trail.
- Dress in layers; the temperatures drop with altitude.
- Hiking when there’s snow is challenging and dangerous.
- There are no restrooms or water at the trailhead.
