The South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak is one of the most rewarding trails in the San Jacinto area. The moderately strenuous hike up provides epic views down to the Desert Divide, a clear view of San Jacinto Peak, and a chance to explore the historic fire lookout on top.

Location: San Jacinto District, San Bernardino National Forest, California
Trailhead: South Ridge Trailhead, Idyllwild, California
Length: 6.8
Elevation Gain: +2,300 ft.
Trail Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season to Hike: Spring, Fall
Parking: Available at trailhead, Adventure or Interagency pass required
Nearby Camping: Forest Road 5S11 3 Yellow Post Sites near South Ridge trailhead, San Jacinto State Park, and Black Mountain
Concerns: Water is not available at the trailhead or along the trail so make sure to bring enough. Parts of the trail are exposed so appropriate sun protection is recommended. Summer temperatures can be very high so start early.

The San Jacinto District of San Bernardino National Forest is quickly becoming one of my favorite areas to hike in Southern California. For me, it’s right behind the San Gorgonio Wilderness. With high mountains, cooler temperatures, challenging hikes, and lovely Ponderosa Pine, what’s not to like?

I first went through this area on my 2017 thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and was amazed. We were supposed to be hiking through desert, but there were pine cones everywhere, towering trees, and even snow! Check out my journal entry from the day we summitted Mt. San Jacinto to see what I mean.  During my hike up Mt. San Jacinto, I remember looking out at a distinct peak. I pulled out my map, located it, and saw that it was Tahquitz Peak. I knew I had to come back one day and climb it. This past December, I got my chance.

The day started at the San Jacinto Ranger Station in the quaint mountain town of Idyllwild. I stopped to chat with the rangers and filled out my free self-issue wilderness permit. With permit in hand, I made the short drive to the South Ridge Trailhead. The last 1.5 miles were on Forest Road 5S11, which was dirt and bumpy, but my 2WD passenger car made it just fine. We passed a few campsites on the way up that would make for nice camping. At the trailhead, we grabbed some snacks and enough water for the entire hike and set out.

The entire first-half of the hike is a climb up to the fire lookout and Tahquitz Peak. If you are in good shape, you will find it to be good exercise, but not too difficult physically. If you haven’t exercised in a while, I would say this hike then falls into the strenuous category and you will likely need to take it slow and rest periodically. One family with two kids (11 – 14 years old) stopped just before the summit and turned around.

The first half of the climb has relatively more tree cover, but as you climb the tree and brush become less dense. As you make progress up the south ridge, your view alternates between Strawberry and May Valley. You can even see Idyllwild below you as you continue your climb.

Gradually, you start to get excellent views of the neighboring peaks to the southeast. To my surprise, some of the peaks in the San Jacinto Mountains were more craggy and shear than I would have thought.

You hit switchbacks at the 3 mile mark and these are the most challenging part of the hike. They are fairly steep and continue all the way up to the fire lookout and Tahquitz Peak. It is exposed along this section of trail so make sure you have sun protection and plenty of water. On the bright side, the views are absolutely stunning and you can see Mt. San Jacinto to the north.

In little less than a mile from the start of the switchbacks, you will come to a trail junction for Saddle Junction. Turn right and take the unmarked spur trail to the fire lookout (you will be able to see it).

Now is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, climb the steps of the lookout, sit on the veranda, and enjoy the 360 degree view of Strawberry Valley, the Desert Divide, and the surrounding desert floor.

Helpful Links:

San Bernardino National Forest – San Jacinto Ranger District

San Jacinto State Park

USFS South Ridge Trail Information