Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
Rising abruptly from the desert floor, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument reaches an elevation of 10,834 feet. Providing a picturesque backdrop to local communities, visitors can enjoy magnificent palm oases, snow-capped mountains, a national scenic trail, and wilderness areas. Its extensive backcountry can be accessed via trails from both the Coachella Valley and the alpine village of Idyllwild.
Jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, the Monument’s boundary encompasses about 280,000 acres, including public lands within the BLM’s California Desert Conservation Area and the San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest. The Monument includes two Federal wilderness areas -- the Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto.
The Monument was established by an Act of Congress on October 24, 2000, "in order to preserve the nationally significant biological, cultural, recreational, geological, educational, and scientific values found in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains" (Public Law 106-351). Establishment of the Monument reflects the vision of local citizens and national leaders to ensure this special landscape is protected for all time.
Information about the Monument can be obtained at each agency office or at the link below. The Idyllwild Ranger Station is a good source for hiking information. The Idyllwild Nature Center offers natural and cultural history exhibits and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 760-862-9984
south of Palm Desert on Highway 74, has interpretive displays, information about the Monument, and hosts many events and activities. Mt. San Jacinto State Park has a small visitor center at the top of the Palm Springs Aeriel Tram.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Areas for Mountain Biking at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
Campground Camping
Areas for Campground Camping at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
- Art Smith Trail
- Bear Creek Oasis Trail
- Boo Hoff Trail
- Bump and Grind Trail
- Cactus Spring Trail 5E01
- Carumba Trail 3E04
- Cedar (Laws) Trail 3E16
- Clara Burgess Trail
- Fuller Ridge Trail
- Garstin Trail
- Hopalong Cassidy Trail
- La Quinta Cove to Lake Cahuilla Trail
- Little Tahquitz Valley Trail 3E41
- Live Oak Springs Trail 4E03
- Long Valley Loop Trail
- Martinez Canyon Trail
- Museum Trail
- North Lykken Trail
- Palm Canyon Creek - National Wild & Scenic River
- Palm Canyon Trail 4E01
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Pinyon Trail 5E03
- Randall Henderson Trail
- Sawmill Trail 5E02
- Skunk Cabbage Trail 3E42
- South Lykken Trail
- Tramway to San Jacinto Peak
- Wild Horse Trail
- Willow Creek Trail 3E02
Backpacking
Areas for Backpacking at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
Horse Camping
Areas for Horse Camping at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
Horse Riding
Areas for Horse Riding at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
- Carumba Trail 3E04
- Cedar (Laws) Trail 3E16
- Clara Burgess Trail
- Garstin Trail
- Little Tahquitz Valley Trail 3E41
- Long Valley Loop Trail
- Martinez Canyon Trail
- Museum Trail
- North Lykken Trail
- Palm Canyon Creek - National Wild & Scenic River
- Sawmill Trail 5E02
- Skunk Cabbage Trail 3E42
- South Lykken Trail
- Wild Horse Trail
- Willow Creek Trail 3E02
Big Game Hunting
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Viewing Wildlife
Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
Viewing Plants
Areas for Viewing Plants at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
- Coachella Valley Vista Point
- Palm Canyon Creek - National Wild & Scenic River
- Randall Henderson Trail
Viewing Scenery
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument
Visitor Programs
Visitor Centers
Scenic Driving
Areas for Scenic Driving at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument