Mt. San Jacinto State Park Unveils Summer Programs

PALM SPRINGS — Spanning some 14,000 acres, Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness and the Natural History Association (NHA) provide an outdoor playground like few others.

The ever-popular State Park, accessible by the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, is home to the weather-beaten granite summit of Mount San Jacinto. It rises 10,834 feet above sea level, which makes it the second highest peak and mountain range in Southern California.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram’s 80-passenger cars ferry program participants along the cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes.

Given all this, it is litter wonder why Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness and Natural History Association, will once again showcase their Class and Field Programs for the 2019 summer season.

A total of 20 programs will be presented covering a range of natural history and hike classes through Oct. 9. Click here to review a smorgasbord of opportunity and adventure.

The next program on May 18 is titled “Sky Islands and Climate Refugia” and will be led by Colin Barrows, Conservation Coordinator at the Friends of the Desert Mountains, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Also, on May 25 and 26, “Junior Ranger Days” returns to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. These popular events led by Mt. San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness Interpreter Allison Barnes are held at the base of the Mountain Station’s walkway from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include such children’s activities as “Leave No Trace” games, “Spin the Wheel” information board and “Meet & Greet” with animal pelts. Additional dates are June 15, July 6, August 3, August 31 and September 1. No advance registration is required.

Free Guided Nature Walks by Mt. San Jacinto State Park volunteers resume May 25 and continue Saturdays and Sundays through September 1. These walks feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile beginning at 11 a.m. and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. No advance registration is required.

There is no charge for any of these programs, except for regular Tramway admission. Tickets are $25.95 for adults, $23.95 for seniors (65+) and $16.95 for children (3-10). For more information, please call 888-515-TRAM or 760-325-1391, or click here.

For more information about the Natural History Association summer programs or to register, click here.