Welcome to the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains!
To help you decide which of the many trails to take – especially if you’re a newcomer – we will divide the National Monument into three areas: the San Jacinto Mountains west of Palm Canyon divide, the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains between the Palm Canyon divide and Highway 74, and the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains from Highway 74 to the Monument’s border with Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Each area has its own personality – I will provide a description of each area along with a sampler of trails in future posts. Trails are rated as easy, moderate, or strenuous in accordance with the following criteria: Easy – Generally a leisurely walk, but don’t expect that trail to be flat. Moderate – A serious hike, but not difficult for those in reasonably good condition. Strenuous – Some trail segments require being in very good condition and/or the trail is long and requires stamina. Difficulty - ratings are based on one-way trips. When assessing how difficult a trail may be for you, consider whether you plan to return on the same trail, thereby doubling your distance, or using another trail which also adds mileage and difficulty. Be aware that using two moderate trails to complete a loop may result in a strenuous hike. The best time of year for hiking lower elevation trails is November through April; higher elevation trails is May through October. Many trails are open to all forms of non-motorized travel – hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking – but not all trails are open to everyone. Mountain bikers are prohibited from designated wilderness areas, in the Indian Canyons, on certain trails near Murray Hill, or on any part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Check with the appropriate agency if you don’t know the rules. Be safe and enjoy!
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