derekrliang
We took the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mount San Jacinto
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA
Monday:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
To get to the trailhead to even begin the hike, we took the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mount San Jacinto. The tram ticket is $29.95 per person for a round trip, and $12 for parking.
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Entering the state park after the 10 minute tram ride
Riverside County, CA
After exiting the tram, it was a quick 0.3 mile hike downhill to the Long Valley Ranger Station.
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Arriving at the Long Valley Ranger Station
Riverside County, CA
This is a good checkpoint to ask about trail conditions and potential hikes around the area. There are benches around for a lunch break as well!
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All the snow already at the ranger station!
Riverside County, CA
At the Ranger Station, there are a few short loop hikes which require no permits
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Getting a day use permit for our hike
Riverside County, CA
For our hike Willow Creek Trail to Hidden Lake and Round Valley Loop, we needed to check in at the ranger station to get our day use permits. This is required for safety and in case you need information on hikes. They are super helpful and gave us a map to take, directions to find Hidden Lake since it isn't a marked trail. At the end of our hike, which we end at the ranger station, we dropped off our permits to show that we have returned and not missing!
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For icy/snowy trails, bring microspikes! They are super useful and help against slipping
Riverside County, CA
I always check the trail conditions while preparing for a hike to make sure I have the proper gear. I have linked the website I use to see for Mt. Jacinto. For this hike, I made sure to bring microspikes which strap onto my hiking boots. They can be purchased at ourdoor stores such as REI. The ranger also recommended us to use this for the hike as well, so we were glad we brought them!
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Hiking to Hidden Lake!
Riverside County, CA
The Willow Creek Trail all the way to Hidden Lake was was very scenic and peaceful with no one hiking, likely due to icy/snowy trail conditions.
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We arrived at Hidden Lake!
Riverside County, CA
Hidden Lake at this time of year was pretty dried up, but it was still very cool! There are information boards along the fenced area to learn more about the habitat. Please do not go over the fence!
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We hiked along the fence and arrived to an incredible viewpoint overlooking the entire Coachella Valley
Riverside County, CA
This was a great spot to hang out, relax, and take in the views before continuing on with our hike.