This was my first time hiking this trail, it was relatively easy of a hike for the museum trail part. The museum trail was a very short hike. I was going at a casual pace and got to the end of this trail within less than 30 minutes. There are very little obstacles so it's not very challenging. It's a really beautiful scenic hike especially around this time of year. There's a ton of street parking and garage parking that's across the street from the museums parking. You start the trail in the back of the museums parking and it leads up to the end of the trail which is a bunch of picnic tables. The thing I like about this trail is if you are up for the challenge you can keep going and it will lead to multiple trails that will eventually go all the way to the tram and the ranger park station. But if you are not very experienced stop once you see the skyline ridge sign and turn around. After that point it's very slippery, narrow and more dangerous. If you do decide to go past skyline ridge then your last chance to really turn around is at rescue point one, unless you plan on doing the entire 12 hours hike which is even more dangerous. But again in regards to the museum trail, short easy and fun. My only complaint is that it's not a very well constructed trail and most of the signage is just a little white dot painted on a rock every now and then. With all of the tax revenue palm springs receives, it would really be nice if they put a little more effort into the trails. Other than that enjoy the easy trail, and if you are a pro then maybe try the challenge of doing the full route known as the cactus to...
Read moreWith an elevation increase of just under 1000 feet, the hike from the museum parking lot to the picnic tables, is one of the steepest trails on the San Jacinto mountain range. Couple the strenuous uphill trek with the over abundant amount of people going up and down this narrow trail on a weekend and it will easily take you 90-120 minutes round trip. This is Usually because you end up getting stuck behind an extremely slow party and try to wait it out while they gain some ground on you. Or because your thighs start to burn and you know that if you don't give them a little break the only way you'll be getting down from here is via a...
Read moreRugged trail up & down. Best to wear good hiking shoes, gloves, hat and sunscreen up! Water is a must and snack if you need fuel. Trail is dotted with white dots to keep you on track. Took hubs and I ~45 min to go .7mile up with elevation change from 400 to 1350. Down path is less strenuous but do it carefully. Great views from every angle! No...
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