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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 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.
Reviewed by missy on 7/6/2008 nice hike shady most of the way. hit trail 6:30 am trail (beautiful)..
Reviewed by Michael on 6/28/2008 Sucide Rock trail nicely maintained. Climbed in late July. Heat is a factor, but shading along the way is provided by the Douglas Firs. There is one nice cold stream flowing after turning right onto the Suicide Rock turnoff. The stream is about 1/2 mile from Suicide Rock and the water was very cold and refreshing! Bring the ability to shoot video as there is a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley and mountains! 
Reviewed by Mark & Corinne on 5/17/2008 We hiked this trail 5/15/08. Need wilderness permit. Comfortable temperature. Passed two streams. Kept cool getting shirt/hat wet along with the nice breezes. Lotts of shade on the trail and rocks to sit on for a quick break. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen. There was a large log blocking the last mile of the trail that could easily be climbed over. The second stream is on the last mile to suicide rock. I almost stepped on a rattle snake about half way up the trail so be on the lookout. We passed another one on the way down. For us beginning hikers it took us 5 1/2 hours round trip. The trail is easy to follow. Nice view of Diamond Valley Lake and Tahquitz peak. Ran out of water-take 1.5 liters. Great place for lunch.
Reviewed by megabyte1024 on 8/6/2007 Finally completed the hike yesterday. The trail was not that crowded (we saw maybe two or three couples pass by). The view at the end is refreshing but not stunning compared to other places I have been. A small creek on the way was the only free flowing water we saw. So overall it was a pretty dry hike. Enjoyable though. We also had a first time hiker with us and she managed the trip. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||