The excessive heat has hit, and now it’s time for us dirt-dwellers to find cooler climates where we can hike and get our much-desired exercise.
But where will we go?
Fortunately, we can usually find much cooler temperatures within a 1 to 1 1/2-hour drive to the mountains or the beaches. Regardless of what we choose, temperatures are usually around 30 degrees cooler, and trails and outdoor activities are plentiful.
But if you don’t want to drive that far, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, featuring the world’s largest rotating tramcar, is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs to the Valley Station. Then, after a 10-minute tram ride—and nearly 6,000 feet of elevation gain—you’ll reach the beauty and pristine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park. Temperatures there are usually about 30 degrees cooler, and there are more than 50 miles of hiking trails. The Mountain Station features observation decks offering breathtaking views of the desert floor and beyond, a natural history museum, documentary theaters, a gift shop and fine dining—all at an elevation of 8,500-plus feet.
Parking is free for Coachella Valley residents; otherwise, it’s $15. A tram ticket is $30.95, with discounts for children and seniors, and can be purchased online or at the Valley Station. The stations and tram cars are handicap accessible; pets are not allowed. The first tram up is at 10 a.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. weekends and holidays. Learn more about seasonal and annual prices, dining information and complete hours at www.pstramway.com.
Take note: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway closes for about a month every year for maintenance; this year, the closure will be from Aug. 7-31.
You won’t need a wilderness permit to hike the Long Valley trails, but if you plan to go beyond the ranger station, you will need to stop there and get a permit. There is no charge for the permit, but it helps to limit access, keeping the wilderness area pristine and protected. It’s also a good idea to pick up a trail map and ask any questions that you may have. The rangers are great and very knowledgeable. Although the trails are well-marked, it’s easy to get off trail and become disoriented—especially in the high altitudes.
Hiking at high elevation can affect one’s breathing, too. I’ve learned to do pursed-lip breathing when I become short of breath; you inhale through the nose with your mouth closed. Then, exhale through the mouth with tightly pressed (pursed) lips. It’s a quick and easy way to slow your breathing pace, making each breath more effective. It also helps get more oxygen into your lungs and makes physical exercise easier.
I had the pleasure of hiking at Mount San Jacinto State Park and State Wilderness recently with Julie Henderson, a physical therapist and certified California naturalist who has lived in the Coachella Valley for about eight years. After taking the short tram ride up to the Mountain Station, we hiked the Round Valley Loop, one of the many popular routes Mount San Jacinto State Park has to offer.
While hiking around the loop, along Willow Creek Trail, we came across an area called the Hidden Divide Natural Preserve, 255 acres of sensitive habitats that support a diverse group of plants and animals specific to the San Jacinto Mountains, according to the sign posted by California State Parks. It couldn’t have been more perfect, as Henderson is quite intrigued with the amount of biodiversity here in the desert and surrounding mountains.
“Each time I am on a trail, I see something new and different,” Henderson said.
I lost count of how many species of lizards that Henderson called out during our trek. But lizards weren’t all that we discovered that day: We continued on and found Hidden Lake!
It was spectacular! I’ve been running and hiking the trails in the area for a long time, but I did not know of this lake’s existence before now. It certainly is breathtaking—but it’s not easy to find. It really is hidden. We took a couple of wrong turns and veered off-trail a time or two—despite us using the AllTrails GPS and a paper map we obtained from the ranger station while getting our wilderness permit. I challenge you to take a break from the high heat of the desert floor to find the majestic Hidden Lake—and again, make sure you get your wilderness permit. We were stopped twice along the trail by rangers who were making sure we had our proper permit.
The Willow Creek Trail to Hidden Lake and Round Valley Loop is moderate in difficulty, about five miles with an elevation gain of just less than 1,000 feet, according to AllTrails. You can also proceed past Hidden Lake for a short distance and end at a cliff that offers an impressive view of the desert floor. On a clear day, you can see all of Palm Springs—and miles beyond. We paused there for a moment and enjoyed the overlook; it makes for a perfect scenic stop and would be a great picnic stop as well.
Hiking these trails requires planning, preparation and permits. You probably won’t have cell service. Make sure you are acclimated to the altitude, or you may find yourself more short of breath than usual. Be prepared for temperatures 30-40 degrees cooler than on the valley floor, and be ready for unexpected weather (wear layers and good hiking shoes/boots); high winds and storms could blow in at any time. Always hike with a buddy, and make sure someone knows where you’re going. Bring more water than you should need; stay hydrated; follow all safety protocols; and always expect the unexpected.
If you do all this, you’ll almost certainly have a fantastic time as you enjoy your break from the scorching desert heat.
