Mound San Jacinto State Park is accessible by tram from the valley floor.
A view of the San Jacinto Wilderness from the top of the tram.
The path down to the hiking trails is a series of switchbacks.
The ranger station where you can grab a self-issued permit prior to your hike.
The Round Valley Loop begins near the ranger station.
Granite and pines in an alpine environment at approximately 8,500 feet.
Jeffrey pines, new and old, are the dominant tree in San Jacinto. Jeffreys thrive at higher elevations that are too stressful for their cousin, the ponderosa.
Part of the Round Valley Trail follows this seasonal drainage.
Crossing the drainage and approaching the climb.
Sections of the trail are steep, and the sudden elevation gain from the valley floor is noticeable.
Round Valley Trail, Mount San Jacinto State Park.
The Coachella Valley stretches out in the background, and the top of the tram is visible among the trees.