San Jacinto Peak, the long way
San Jacinto State Park / San Bernadino National Forest
16 miles
4500 feet elevation gain

Hiking San Jacinto Peak the long way is quite a challenge. There are several routes to the top, this particular one starts in Humber Park in Idyllwild. Another variation can come from the Palm Springs Tram (though it would be less than 10 miles round trip). To make it even more challenging, you can come from Humber Park also, but follow the PCT for a bit, which adds 3 miles to the one way total. Regardless, getting to the summit is a great accomplishment, and puts you to almost the highest point in Southern California at around 10800 feet.

To get started, take Devil's Slide to Saddle Junction. Once there, bear left following the signs to San Jacinto. The next signage you will see will be at Wellman's Divide, at that point you are almost there. Head left up the hill until you get to the hut at the top. There the trail ends and if you want to actually summit you need to scramble up the rocks another 300 feet or so. When you come down, don't lose your bearings. It is easy to do since there is no trail between the summit and the hut, so be careful and don't go wandering down the wrong way. Expect the entire hike to take 8 hours give or take some depending on your conditioning. Also, it can be hot, bring plenty of water, probably upwards of 4 liters per person to be safe.

Getting there
To get there from San Diego, take 15 North to 215N, and get off on 74 heading towards Hemet. Once you're through Hemet, follow the road up into the mountains, and after what seems like a millions turns, make sure to follow 243 North to Idyllwild. This takes you right into town on the main road. Turn right at Pine Crest Ave. Right there on the corner is the ranger station. From there, follow the signs up to Humber Park. The drive from San Diego is about 2 hours.

Other Details
To hike up here you need a trail permit. Get one at the ranger station, they are free. One thing to note is that for Devil's Slide Trail, which is the starting trail from Humber Park, there is a quota during summer months. However I have never had a problem getting a permit for this trail, even as late as 10:00. Also, since the Humber Park lot is in National Forest, you need a national forest Adventure Pass. You can also get this from the ranger station, it is $5 per day or $30 per year.

Interesting Rock Formation	Looking up	Made it up to the top! San Jacinto Peak	Looking north from the peak. Sawtooth fire in Yucca Valley
Sawtooth fire, interesting color between smoke and clouds		Trees and rocks... About 9500 feet in San Jacinto State Forest