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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a beautiful relatively easy (but very uphill) hike through the lush wonders of the San Jacintos. You will enjoy every minute. Suicide Rock is a great place to peer over the edge and contemplate life. You can also wonder what life might have been like for the Cahuilla version of Romeo and Juliet who legend says ended their lives here. The views are standard fare for the San Jacinto Wilderness - that is amazing. You get a great shot across Strawberry Valley at Lily Rock and Tahquitz Peak, and you can take in the heights looking up at Marion Mountain and Jean Peak. Don't miss the short trek to the peak, where there is a register in a smiley face can at the top. Feel free to explore all around the edge of Suicide Rock, there are plenty of viewing platforms, but do be careful near the edge. Trailhead: Take the 243 from Banning or Mountain Center. The parking area is marked with a sign that says Deer Springs Trail Parking. It is right across from the San Jacinto State Park. The parking is easy to find, and the myriad trails from the parking area lead to the actual trail, just keep going up. I hiked this trail on a Friday and I wasn't expecting to see anyone, but I ran into a fellow hiker named Matt. Interestingly enough he had come to hike in the San Jacintos because of my Fuller Ridge to San Jacinto hike posted on this very site. I hope he becomes a reporter here. It is surprising how little the rangers know about their respective parks, and I have yet to run into one on any hike, let alone State Parks. An adventure pass is required for parking and a free permit is also required for the San Jac Wilderness. (Lat:33.77074 Lon:-116.69752) Trail Guides for Suicide Rock: California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: San Jacinto State Park (909) 382-2922 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Koger on 1/6/2010 hiked 11/25/09...What a great pleasant hike. It wasn't that much of a buttkicker. The end provides some amazing views. Couldn't find a trail register because the area is so huge. Nice views of the backside of San Jacinto and Lily Rock across the way. on my way down I saw a few groups of parents doing the hike with kids, and I think it's a great hike if they're really into it. I'd definitely do this one again 
Reviewed by Anjana on 11/16/2009 I love this hike! Smattering of snow on top, but the view... oh my, gorgeous.
Reviewed by corydzbinski on 2/22/2009 Kristina, Jon, Rebecca and I set out to hike Taquitz Peak today (2/22/2009) however at the ranger station they told us some of the slim cliffside trails were fairly treacherous and crampons and ice gear were highly recommended. Anyway, we decided to do the Deer Springs trail to Suicide Rock instead. There was already a foot or more base of snow at the parking area. As we traversed the deep snowed slippery trails for about a mile, the depth of snow started to grow. The trails at this level also had very light recent travel. Upon talking to a snow shoe'r on his way down from Suicide Rock we were told about the knee deep snow on the way up and nearly waist deep snow on Suicide Rock. At that point we decided to turn back and call it a day
Reviewed by corydzbinski on 1/19/2009 Rebecca and I hiked to Suicide Rock on 1/18/2009. It was a warm 75 degrees in Idyllwild. As we ascended the mountain the temperature didn't change much but it does get winder the higher you go. There were snow patches everywhere but the trail was fairly clear. Once we got within 1000 feet or so of the peak of Suicide Rock the snow got very deep although the trail was packed pretty hard. It was also very windy up there. I'd guess the temp was 60 degrees and 50 or so with windchill. I loved it, the snow and view was spectacular.
Reviewed by TMV on 9/27/2008 I expected this hike to be much more difficult. I was also expecting a death defying drop at the end. Needless to say this hike did not deliver either the level of difficulty or a frightening drop. I started off during the earlier part of the day and enjoyed privacy the majority of the way up. I was extremely pleased not to run into any rattle snakes. The hike down was quite populated with people heading up. I think next time I will bypass Suicide Rock and continue on to San Jacinto Peak. Of course this is a great view hike for those that can't make it to the peak. This is also a great hike to bring a first time hiker.
Reviewed by Stretch on 8/16/2008 This was an amazing hike, though I ran it. It has spectacular views of the mountains and the views from the top make a repeat trip very likely. I ran past a few groups but there was not that many people out there, a diamond in the rough.
Reviewed by Jamez on 8/4/2008 This was my first hike in the area. Trail was very well maintained and easy to follow. I did see a rattlesnake on the way up so that was freakin' cool. The view from Suicide rock is pretty amazing. Your suppose to get a permit to hike the trail at the station just south of the trail. The permit is free and they have some good maps for next to nothing (I paid $1.50). Awesome hike. Still trying to find the elusive moutain lion.
Reviewed by Jackie on 7/21/2008 Started hike at 7am. It was the perfect time to start the hike. Was pleasantly surprised by the weather...slightly cool and misty. It was my first hike, and the first hour was pretty challenging, but enjoyed the entire hike. The panoramic views at Suicide Rock was beautiful. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||