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 Reporter |
Summary: This is the most heavily used trail in The San Jacinto Wilderness, the parking lot is right on the border. You will see lots of people on the weekend, the trail quota fills up fast. You might see rangers on this trail, I saw two sets and they told me they are up there every weekend, so do get a permit, this isn't the south ridge, or Marion Mountain, and if you're like me, you'll pass them on the way up. This is an elevation gainer, no question about it. You will know that you are climbing a peak. If you are a novice hiker, it will definitely border on strenuous, but the experienced hiker will rough it out in nothing flat. It takes me right around two hours to do it. It's a beautiful trail, though, and as long as no one is too obnoxious, you should enjoy relative peace and tranquility. Trailhead: It is very confusing to get to Humber Park. I get lost every time I go. You're supposed to drive 2 miles up Fern Valley Road from Idyllwild, and park at the immense parking area at Humber Park. There isn't a park, just a lot, or at least I've never seen a park. Follow the Devil's Slide trail 2.5 miles to Saddle Junction. It is well-graded but a moderately steep climb of about 1600'. From there you will see five trails going in all directions, take the PCT to Tahquitz Peak, the first trail on your right. The PCT is frequently marked with a square post. It is here. Follow this to the junction with the incredibly steep and short Tahquitz Peak Trail, turn right. You can make this a loop through Tahquitz Valley, which is worthwhile for the lovely meadows and views of peaks, not to mention relative solitude. I wouldn't recommend it on the way up though, because the PCT from Tahquitz Valley is a very steep section. Take this route on the way out. (Lat:33.75528 Lon:-116.67696) Trail Guides for Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail: San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: SBNF (951) 659-2117 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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JoeytheQ on 10/5/2009 Terrific Trail. I turned towards the peak and had a great time. Took 7 hours round trip including lunch. I've taken Marion Mountain also, and if you want a bit less stress on the knees and less "toe jam", try this one. It is long though, about 15.5 to 16. But it is absolutely beautiful and easy to hike with very few large steps and lots of sandy, decomposed granite on the trail, which makes the trip down much easier than MMT. Though it's longer, it took me much less time to go down this one. I highly recommend this one. Also, there are rangers on this trail, so get your permit. 
Reviewed by Kyle J on 7/24/2009 very good trail, loved it all th way up. A friend of mine took a magelin GPS and its actually 13.11 miles from the parkin lot to the ranger station.
Reviewed by Shane L on 7/18/2009 I hiked this trail a few times just before all the snow melted away. I did it the traditional way the first time and went down the South ridge trail the following time. I only saw a few people on the Monday i went. I fell through the snow covering the trail twice and was stuck for a few minutes until i pulled myself out. Be careful! Highly recommended and very rewarding views from the lookout. Bring lunch and lots of water, ie: Camelback or equivelent.
Reviewed by Von on 7/12/2009 Wow! Thats what i have to say. My friend, Karl and i ran all the way up to fire tower at the end of Tahqitz trail. That was really tough, im use to Mission trails lots of hikers and we did get carded by some rangers so i was glad to have our permit definitly doing it gain! We'll be going the longer route next time to San vicento peak its twice as long. JUST DO IT!
Reviewed by Bob A on 5/11/2009 I hiked this trail on Saturday May 9, 2009. Great hike with some snow along the way. Fantastic views from the fire-lookout station. Here's the way we did it: Leg 1: Humber to Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide(4.5 mi) Leg 2: Tahquitz Peak to end of South Ridge Trail (3 mi) Leg 3: End of SRT to end of Ernie Maxwell Trail (.5 mi) Leg 4: Ernie Maxwell Trail south to north ending at Humber Park (2.5 mi) Approximate mileage: 10 more or less
Reviewed by ChrisC on 4/20/2009 Perfect weather. There are a lot of fallen trees from a rough winter and snow in icey patches starting about a mile from the trailhead. We stopped at the Saddle but snow showed symptoms of breaking through and dicey in spots. We watched people eat it so have good tread on boots. If you opt to go to San Jac, be sure to have poles, cramp ons still a good idea. Lots of creeks and should be in perfect condition in about 2-weeks to summit Tahquitz with little concern for snow.
Reviewed by ME on 12/7/2008 Its a great trail from the south end start 4.1 to the top.. This was very senic and you can also climb the rocks along the way up for an excellent view..drinking beers along the way up was awesome, and all you need is about 2 water bottles other than that..there was some snow/icy spots to enjoy on the north-end side toward the top..Sorry I tried to climb on top of the look out tower and a piece broke off and jabbed me good..was pretty fucked it broke though.. What a great view on top though.
Reviewed by Nicko McBrain on 10/22/2008 10/20/08 Monday, weather forecast:fog, clouds, 30% chance of rain, 47F. Boy they were waaay off. it was a beautiful blue sky, no clouds, and a nice warm 75F in the shade, 80F in the sun. peaceful, enjoyable. all the streams were dry, except one which was muddy and swarming with bees. bring your own water, I managed to drink 100 oz. and I wish I brought more. I did run into a guy with 2 huge dogs off-leash, rotweiler and labrador that were running down the trail. Had I brought my dog, there would have been blood. Hey idiots! keep your dogs on a leash. otherwise, I'm gonna start carrying bear pepper spray or a handgun. They always say "Oh my dog doesn't hurt anyone" followed by "he's never done THAT before." 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||