Mount San Jacinto

The second highest peak in Southern California can be reached by hiking a grueling 10 miles with an elevation gain of 8,000 feet, or it can be reached in 6 miles and about 2,500 feet. I decided on the latter which includes a really fun tram ride up Chino canyon.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway http://www.pstramway.com/index.asp is the only one of it's kind with capacity for 80 people, and the capability to rotate so everyone has a view. The tram is a great jumping off point for hiking or camping, but is just a fun day trip in itself. Take the family up for lunch and a hike around one of the nature trails, or take a date for dinner at the top of the world. The Lookout Lounge at the top serves lunch, dinner and cocktails with "ride and dine" specials daily. There's even a gift shop and food court at the base with the Chino Valley and a small waterfall as the backdrop. So go, you'll like it, but dress wisely because the Inland Empire is hot!

I skipped 6,000 feet in elevation gain by taking the tram so the hike to the top was very pleasant. The trail meanders though the valley and then ends with some long, moderately graded switchbacks. The 360 degree view at the end is well worth the hike. Seeing the Salton Sea was my favorite part! This area is also a great place to backpack, with a few camps to choose from. I stayed at the Round Valley Camp in a very isolated site that was perfect for the solitude I was looking for.

Sandstone Peak

The Sandstone Peak loop is a sweet half day hike with beautiful scenery and a few landmarks along the trail. From Pacific Coast Highway head North to Yerba Buena road where you will travel 6.5 miles up a very narrow and winding road.

Start at the Sandstone Peak trailhead and continue 1.5 miles to the peak. There's a plaque and a register at the top with a few added bonuses people have left. Continue on towards Inspiration Point where there's a dial that points toward a bunch of different points on the horizon including Mt. Baldy and Catalina Island. Today there was a great marine layer covering Malibu, but Catalina and San Clemente Island were peaking out above it. Next is the Tri Peaks which is just .5 miles off the main loop trail. There are more gorgeous views and some bouldering to be had over there. From here there is a descent down to Split Rock where there's a picnic bench perfect for lunch time because you will definitely be hungry. This huge boulder looks like it just toppled over and split into three pieces. Lastly you will pass Balanced Rock which is shaped sort of like a giant Candy Corn sitting precariously on top of a small base.

Doing this hike will be the best 4 hours you've had in a while! There are plenty of sights to peak your interest. Plus, it's a loop trail which I love because then you never have to see the same things twice. Have fun!