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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 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by SoCalAdventurer on 6/17/2008 Added a nice loop past Laws Camp from Saddle Junction to turn this into about a 14-miler and hit the stream crossings for the dogs (thankfully we actually had a winter to speak of this year)! Such great views on this hike!! Hot in the sun, but starting early gives you plenty of shade along the way.
Reviewed by Halohiker on 5/16/2008 We did this hike yesterday and it was wonderful! While everyone at home (Orange County) was sweltering in the awful heat, we enjoyed temperatures about 30 degrees cooler. More importantly, the views were amazing! I usually have to carry a heavy backpack far into the back country to get such incredible rewards. The effort to scenic payoff ratio is terrific. We did not do the entire trail, however. We went a little bit beyond the junction with the Tahquitz valley Trail. At this point you're only about .4 of a mile from the summit. There was to much snow for our taste. But you can still make this a great 8+ mile out and back, with a great opportunity for a scenic lunch break at your turn around point.
Reviewed by RodneyCallnSick on 3/13/2008 if you are looking for waypoints and points of interests backpacker.com magazine has the following: http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/backpacker/v2/trips_page.aspx?tripId=44924
Reviewed by Rodney ondaRocK on 1/21/2008 got self-registration permit, started 745am. freezing cold air. the parking lot pit bathroom was seriously stinky. 1-2 inches of frozen ice the first quarter miles. steady snow 98% of the trail. about 2 feet deep in some areas. occasionally hard pack. ice crampons or snowshoes a must.
Reviewed by Koji Kabuta on 1/16/2008 The area code for the ranger station changed from OLD= 909, to NEW=951, so here's the new info: Ranger Contact: SBNF (951) 659-2117
Reviewed by Mike & Suz on 11/3/2007 We hiked on 10/20/07; weather was clear, fall colors beautiful, temp was about 65 degrees, though colder/breezy at the top. Trail from Humber Park to Saddle Junction is a nice workout; after that you catch your breath on relatively flat, soft trails. Once you get to the turnoff to peak summit, trail gets a bit more strenuous. Very enjoyable hike; great views along the way and at the top! Don't forget your harmonica!! :) 
Reviewed by Cate on 8/5/2007 My boyfriend and I did this hike on the 2nd. It was very enjoyable! not as tiring as Vivian Creek Trail at SG; still a good work out though with several rests. I loved the peak because there was something there I wasn't expecting (if you dont know, i wont tell :)). Very green still in August and was cool breeze until around 2pm. Saw some deer, rattlesnake; wasps a pest at the top. There was some bottles and trash at the top, we picked it up but it was disappointing to know someone who hiked to the peak would trash nature :|.
Reviewed by Alex on 5/22/2007 We did this hike last weekend and it was great hike. We camped at the fork to the peak Friday night and then hiked to the top early Saturday morning. The views from the top are amazing, especially of all the mountains and valleys near by. We didn't see anyone till we got back to Saddle Junction, which was kind of nice. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||