Date: October 21, 2011
Time: 16 Hours
Length: 16.9 Miles
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Elevation: 10,834ft
Weather: 45-75° Clear Sky
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Time: 16 Hours
Length: 16.9 Miles
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Elevation: 10,834ft
Weather: 45-75° Clear Sky
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Description: Starting at 4:30am with headlamps helps to beat the heat and give you enough time to complete this hike. Even in October, this hike requires a good deal of water even though we were in ideal conditions. I would suggest 170 ounces, or 5 liters in order to complete the hike comfortably. I carried 100 ounces on this hike along with 17 energy bars and filled my water up at the Ranger Station with no problems. On May 25, 2011 I pre-hiked just up to the Tram in order to get my bearings. It was May and a little hotter so I brought 170 ounces of water and ended up using it all. I can’t stress enough that this hike is difficult and you need to do your homework and prepare for your personal needs. 
The trailhead is at the back of the Palm Springs Museum parking lot. It isn’t hard to see in the day time, but if your getting a early start it might take you a minute to spot it. It’s next to a black gate with a sign “Welcome to the Museum Trail…”.
The Trail starting out is clearly marked and easy to follow. You are passing over private property so please be courteous.
You will see several markings as you make your way up to the picnic tables. There is a great deal of foot traffic on this section of the hike going up and down so you may start to get confused early in the morning. Just remember if you’re going up, you’re going the correct way. Keep an eye out for the trail markings as shown above they will help a great deal.
There is a part where you go down in order to come up the other side. The trail indicates that you go right (down) in order to go up. There is now a trail to the left as well which will save you time. Either way they both will take you back to the trail.
Just before you reach the picnic tables there is a part of the trail that goes left. If you look hard enough you will find the arrow indicating you need to go right. If you go left you will end up on the South Lyken Trail Heading back down to Ramon Road.
A good time to really stretch and loosen up after that first hard section.
Once you reach the picnic tables you want to continue heading west. There are several arrows showing you the way.
I’m not sure what this rock used to say, but you want to take a right here.
You will then see the Long Valley rock and a warning about water. If you do not see these rocks it is okay there is another way on the trail that cuts to the left but still ends up back on the trail up. My first hike up I missed these rocks but made a point to capture them this time for the description. 
At this point you will start to have some very appealing views. Try not to be to distracted you really want to get past the first check point at sunrise so you will have another easy hour of shade.
The first Rescue Beacon is at 2,500 feet, if you need assistance you may open it and call for help. The next and last Beacon is not until roughly around 5,400 feet. If your questioning your ability at this point it might be a good idea to turn around. Please read further to understand why.
As you come up further you will see you start to go to the right of the ridge.
This will start to put you in a good deal of shade.
You will see the Shadow Ridge which also looks like it has a dry waterfall in it.
As you make your way up this ridge you will see a trail going out this opening between some rocks. You want to stay to the right and not go up through there. Eventually they will both end up back on the trail but if you go right it is easier.
This is where they meet back up however even at this point there is still a good deal of foot traffic going back down. People tend to cut through switchbacks on the way down so you want to be sure your following them properly that way you don’t get too tired going straight up.
There are no more connecting trails until you reach the Tram, so the trail is very easy to navigate after you see the Palm Springs 5 hours rock. 
This is also where you get your first look at the tram.
If you look closely you can see the cable going up.
There’s peace at around 5,000 feet, the trail flattens out for a short section.
As I said earlier the 2nd Rescue Beacon is at about 5,400 feet. It is a little misleading though, if you look at the ridge in the picture above, you can see that you almost get to about 5,200 feet then go down a little to come back up to this point. This is the very relaxing portion of the hike.
The Emergency Water bucket is just after the 2nd beacon. At times it will have Gatorade and all kinds of water bottles in it. However, when we arrived it was very empty so after noticing I had extra water at this point I topped off one of the bottles. I wouldn’t recommend you do this unless you know exactly how much water you will be using. But if you have extra and someone got a late start you might be saving them a great deal of hardship.
There might be sticks or rocks indicating the trail but at this point you could go left or right. I went left and found out it was the long way around. I would suggest staying to the right on the trail from the Emergency Water until you reach the dry waterfall.
I’m not sure what to call it but it seems like a dry waterfall to me. It is a very flat rocky surface, which is the perfect spot to stop and take a break. Just after this point is when you start your climb up, one of the more strenuous parts of the hike.
As you enter the tree line it becomes much more scenic and the temperature gets much cooler from elevation and tree shade.
There are also some great views.
If you look at the big white rock to the right, the Tram is actually sitting just to the left at the top of the mountain, that is where you are headed. You might even be able to hear it from here.
There are a few different trails going up from all the people exploring around the Tram, but if you just keep heading west after a great deal of switchbacks there is light at the end of the trail.
Sad to say it, but for most people this is where reality will set in and you start to realize that another 10 miles of hiking just isn’t an option. That is perfectly fine. Pat yourself on the back, hiking to the Tram is not easy. I would recommend you do wander down the trail past the Ranger Station. Even if you only go half a mile you might see some deer and other wildlife.
Long Valley Ranger Station is your next stop. 
Everyone is required to fill out a permit in order to continue up to the summit. Also you can ask them questions and fill up your water here. 
There is a restroom at the Ranger Station, but if your running low on food I would suggest heading up to the Tram to buy a sandwich and maybe a few bars. You might even want to just take a break and lay down for a few minutes. I ate a little extra, took a 30 minute break, tossed some caffeine in my system and went for it.
The trail is posted very well, just head towards the San Jacinto Peak, it’s about 5.5 miles.
Again, even if your tired it might be worth it just to walk around a bit.
From this point on you will need a permit. If the rangers stop you and you don’t have one you will get sited. There is a creek here as well so be sure to go across on the log bridge.
You want to continue on the Round Valley trail. It will take you past the campsite on the way up to the summit.
There is an outhouse and water at the camping grounds. Continue on to San Jacinto Peak.
As I said before, if your willing to walk a little further then the Tram you might run into some amazing wildlife.
I think we saw a total of 7 deer on the way up, 2 - 4 point bucks which I’ve shown you.
Be sure to not only take the correct trail at this post, but to remember the way you came. You might be having to navigate back from this point in the dark unless your making good time. A few people get lost here and head down into Idyllwild while trying to rush back to make the Tram down.
You may be able to see Saddle Junction from this post at 9,700 feet. The summit is about 2.3 miles away.
View from the trail looking towards the Tram.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow .3 miles to the summit.
There is an Emergency Cabin just below the summit with supplies and beds in case you get stuck in a storm.
From there you are basically climbing your way up to the Summit, the trail goes cold after the cabin. I have heard of people leaving their packs at the cabin to lighten the load. However, if you plan to snack or take pictures don’t forget the essentials.
As you reach the summit there is a elevation sign along with the spectacular views.
On a clear day you can see all the way down the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Looking west towards Hemet.
On the way down we ran out of sunlight and it started to get cold as we were rushing to make the last Tram down. We didn’t manage our time very well, and probably spent too much time at the summit. I just want to remind you to take a left here back to Round Valley.
Be sure to put your permit in the mail box so they know you made it back safe in the morning.
At this point it seems like its all over, until you get to the pathway leading up to the Tram. It’s long and steep and after the day you have just had it’s not forgiving.
Don’t forget there is a $12 fee to take the Tram down. I have found its much easier to just have them call a taxi for you. It cost about $21(+ tip) to get you back to the Palm Springs Museum, but putting a car there the day before or having someone pick you up cost about the same amount in money and time. 
If you have any questions regarding this hike, or would like the GPS Track file please contact me for more information.
The trailhead is at the back of the Palm Springs Museum parking lot. It isn’t hard to see in the day time, but if your getting a early start it might take you a minute to spot it. It’s next to a black gate with a sign “Welcome to the Museum Trail…”.
The Trail starting out is clearly marked and easy to follow. You are passing over private property so please be courteous.
You will see several markings as you make your way up to the picnic tables. There is a great deal of foot traffic on this section of the hike going up and down so you may start to get confused early in the morning. Just remember if you’re going up, you’re going the correct way. Keep an eye out for the trail markings as shown above they will help a great deal.
There is a part where you go down in order to come up the other side. The trail indicates that you go right (down) in order to go up. There is now a trail to the left as well which will save you time. Either way they both will take you back to the trail.
Just before you reach the picnic tables there is a part of the trail that goes left. If you look hard enough you will find the arrow indicating you need to go right. If you go left you will end up on the South Lyken Trail Heading back down to Ramon Road.
A good time to really stretch and loosen up after that first hard section.
Once you reach the picnic tables you want to continue heading west. There are several arrows showing you the way.
I’m not sure what this rock used to say, but you want to take a right here.
You will then see the Long Valley rock and a warning about water. If you do not see these rocks it is okay there is another way on the trail that cuts to the left but still ends up back on the trail up. My first hike up I missed these rocks but made a point to capture them this time for the description. 
At this point you will start to have some very appealing views. Try not to be to distracted you really want to get past the first check point at sunrise so you will have another easy hour of shade.
The first Rescue Beacon is at 2,500 feet, if you need assistance you may open it and call for help. The next and last Beacon is not until roughly around 5,400 feet. If your questioning your ability at this point it might be a good idea to turn around. Please read further to understand why.
As you come up further you will see you start to go to the right of the ridge.
This will start to put you in a good deal of shade.
You will see the Shadow Ridge which also looks like it has a dry waterfall in it.
As you make your way up this ridge you will see a trail going out this opening between some rocks. You want to stay to the right and not go up through there. Eventually they will both end up back on the trail but if you go right it is easier.
This is where they meet back up however even at this point there is still a good deal of foot traffic going back down. People tend to cut through switchbacks on the way down so you want to be sure your following them properly that way you don’t get too tired going straight up.
There are no more connecting trails until you reach the Tram, so the trail is very easy to navigate after you see the Palm Springs 5 hours rock. 
This is also where you get your first look at the tram.
If you look closely you can see the cable going up.
There’s peace at around 5,000 feet, the trail flattens out for a short section.
As I said earlier the 2nd Rescue Beacon is at about 5,400 feet. It is a little misleading though, if you look at the ridge in the picture above, you can see that you almost get to about 5,200 feet then go down a little to come back up to this point. This is the very relaxing portion of the hike.
The Emergency Water bucket is just after the 2nd beacon. At times it will have Gatorade and all kinds of water bottles in it. However, when we arrived it was very empty so after noticing I had extra water at this point I topped off one of the bottles. I wouldn’t recommend you do this unless you know exactly how much water you will be using. But if you have extra and someone got a late start you might be saving them a great deal of hardship.
There might be sticks or rocks indicating the trail but at this point you could go left or right. I went left and found out it was the long way around. I would suggest staying to the right on the trail from the Emergency Water until you reach the dry waterfall.
I’m not sure what to call it but it seems like a dry waterfall to me. It is a very flat rocky surface, which is the perfect spot to stop and take a break. Just after this point is when you start your climb up, one of the more strenuous parts of the hike.
As you enter the tree line it becomes much more scenic and the temperature gets much cooler from elevation and tree shade.
There are also some great views.
If you look at the big white rock to the right, the Tram is actually sitting just to the left at the top of the mountain, that is where you are headed. You might even be able to hear it from here.
There are a few different trails going up from all the people exploring around the Tram, but if you just keep heading west after a great deal of switchbacks there is light at the end of the trail.
Sad to say it, but for most people this is where reality will set in and you start to realize that another 10 miles of hiking just isn’t an option. That is perfectly fine. Pat yourself on the back, hiking to the Tram is not easy. I would recommend you do wander down the trail past the Ranger Station. Even if you only go half a mile you might see some deer and other wildlife.
Long Valley Ranger Station is your next stop. 
Everyone is required to fill out a permit in order to continue up to the summit. Also you can ask them questions and fill up your water here. 
There is a restroom at the Ranger Station, but if your running low on food I would suggest heading up to the Tram to buy a sandwich and maybe a few bars. You might even want to just take a break and lay down for a few minutes. I ate a little extra, took a 30 minute break, tossed some caffeine in my system and went for it.
The trail is posted very well, just head towards the San Jacinto Peak, it’s about 5.5 miles.
Again, even if your tired it might be worth it just to walk around a bit.
From this point on you will need a permit. If the rangers stop you and you don’t have one you will get sited. There is a creek here as well so be sure to go across on the log bridge.
You want to continue on the Round Valley trail. It will take you past the campsite on the way up to the summit.
There is an outhouse and water at the camping grounds. Continue on to San Jacinto Peak.
As I said before, if your willing to walk a little further then the Tram you might run into some amazing wildlife.
I think we saw a total of 7 deer on the way up, 2 - 4 point bucks which I’ve shown you.
Be sure to not only take the correct trail at this post, but to remember the way you came. You might be having to navigate back from this point in the dark unless your making good time. A few people get lost here and head down into Idyllwild while trying to rush back to make the Tram down.
You may be able to see Saddle Junction from this post at 9,700 feet. The summit is about 2.3 miles away.
View from the trail looking towards the Tram.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow .3 miles to the summit.
There is an Emergency Cabin just below the summit with supplies and beds in case you get stuck in a storm.
From there you are basically climbing your way up to the Summit, the trail goes cold after the cabin. I have heard of people leaving their packs at the cabin to lighten the load. However, if you plan to snack or take pictures don’t forget the essentials.
As you reach the summit there is a elevation sign along with the spectacular views.
On a clear day you can see all the way down the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Looking west towards Hemet.
On the way down we ran out of sunlight and it started to get cold as we were rushing to make the last Tram down. We didn’t manage our time very well, and probably spent too much time at the summit. I just want to remind you to take a left here back to Round Valley.
Be sure to put your permit in the mail box so they know you made it back safe in the morning.
At this point it seems like its all over, until you get to the pathway leading up to the Tram. It’s long and steep and after the day you have just had it’s not forgiving.
Don’t forget there is a $12 fee to take the Tram down. I have found its much easier to just have them call a taxi for you. It cost about $21(+ tip) to get you back to the Palm Springs Museum, but putting a car there the day before or having someone pick you up cost about the same amount in money and time. 
If you have any questions regarding this hike, or would like the GPS Track file please contact me for more information.
Just want to say Good job Jesse, Good job Sean!
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