Sometimes, the best hikes are discovered spontaneously.
Not too long ago, a couple of hiking buddies and I set out to find a new trail. One of us wanted to be around water, so we decided to head to the Lake Hemet area. Little did we know that our unexpected adventure would turn out to be a spectacular find. Right before reaching the lake, we discovered a serene and well-groomed (after we got through the rocky part, at least) Forest Service road that offered cooler temperatures and pure solitude. Soon after we started our hike on this route, Thomas Mountain Road, we found ourselves amidst beautiful manzanitas and fragrant towering pines—with refreshing views of Lake Hemet below.
We climbed 810 vertical feet in a little more than an hour to reach an elevation of 5,370 feet, in 2.5 miles. That’s where we turned around, about 5.5 miles shy of the 8-mile trek to Thomas Mountain’s peak. At this point, we had lost the lake views and instead were looking northwest into the valley of Hemet/San Jacinto. Heading back, we enjoyed the rewarding panoramic views looking down on Lake Hemet, and north across Garner Valley, beyond Idyllwild, to the San Jacinto Mountains and the Desert Divide ridgeline along the northeast.
Throughout the entire morning, we did not encounter any other hikers, bikers or runners—no one at all, the entire time we were on the trail. We did see a tarantula and kept our distance (except for the person who stepped right over it). It was a memorable day and a great workout.
Lake Hemet is located in Mountain Center, at an elevation of nearly 4,400 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, near Idyllwild. It’s 34 miles from Palm Desert, via a 45-minute scenic mountainous drive on Highway 74 (Palms to Pines Highway). Once you reach the Highway 74/Highway 371 Junction at Paradise Café, it’s only 9 miles farther, on the left.
In addition to camping and fishing, a variety of boat rentals are available at the marina, including pontoons, small motorboats, kayaks and pedal boats. You can even bring your own small boat or kayak. Before you go, be sure to check out the details, including the fee schedule, and book online at golakehemet.com/attractions. Marina hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Lake Hemet offers public access for a day-use fee of $25 per car. You may be able to use your Adventure Pass if you park in one of the lots along the northwestern shoreline of the lake, as that area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and is separate from the campground. Be sure to pay attention to the signs; everything is well marked. Adventure Passes (a day pass is $5; an annual pass is $30) can be purchased online (www.fs.usda.gov/r05/passes/adventure-pass) or at the Lake Hemet Market.
This area offers shoreline access for a stroll along the lake, fishing, birding or just relaxing by the water. We made it down to the lake after our hike for a leisurely and enjoyable cooldown walk. While there isn’t a dedicated shoreline loop trail that goes around the lake, there are a variety of campground roads and footpaths. The northwestern side of the lake is a starting point for various hiking trails. There’s an abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles that nest there, according to golakehemet.com. If it’s your lucky day, you may witness one of them swooping down from the sky to snatch a fish from the water during the early morning or evening hours. I have yet to catch such an amazing sight. Dogs are welcome at the Lake Hemet campgrounds (up to two pets per campsite) but must always be on a leash, 6 feet or shorter, and cannot be in the water. Dogs should also be leashed on the surrounding trails.
Whether you’re going to the lake or checking out the surrounding trails, always check the weather before you go, as conditions can change suddenly. Pack the 10 essentials for backcountry hiking (www.sierraclub.org/angeles/ten-essentials), including as a map, flashlight or headlamp, sun protection, proper clothing (layers), snacks and more water than you will need—at least a liter of water per hour to be safe. For emergency situations, have a first-aid kit, a repair kit that includes waterproof matches, a knife and duct tape.
Mark Your Calendar for the Tram Road Challenge
Cooler temperatures are just around the corner, so it will soon be time to head back outside and enjoy all the desert has to offer. To kick things off, the annual Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17. Are you ready to take the challenge? You will enjoy amazing views of the San Jacinto Mountains while enduring the climb of nearly 2,000 feet in just 3.7 miles! Runners/walkers will start at the intersection of Tramway Road and Highway 111, near the Palm Springs Visitor Center. When you reach the finish line at the top, you’ll be greeted with a finisher medal, a race T-shirt, food and drink. There will be awards for the top three in each age group—followed by a bus ride back down the hill! See all registration details and sign up at runsignup.com/Race/CA/PalmSprings/PalmSpringsTramRoadChallenge.
