I can chime in here in response to previous question from Emily. Bikes would be fine on Hole-in-the-Rock Road, which you would normally drive but without 4w drive or high clearance maybe you prefer mountain biking. Biking is not recommended off the road, however, because there are no trails and a few canyons to cross. I'm not even sure if bikes are allowed off the roads in the recreation area. There is no safe way to get down to the water in this arm of the canyon, however it may be possible to find down nearby, even though it would put you on a different part of the lake than what can be seen in these pictures.

This trail has been touted as the most difficult hike in the US, the hike with most elevation gain, etc etc for a reason. It's a serious trail, especially in the summer. Don't take this on unless you are prepared and physically fit.

This trail is in serious danger of being closed off, either seasonally or permanently, because of the high number of accidents recently.

I did this trail today from Palm Springs Museum to San Jacinto summit and back down to the tram. While stopped at the parmit station I had a chat with the ranger, who told me there have been 4 deaths just this year and quite a few other rescues performed. The cause is usually dehydration and heat exhaustion.

I think we would all agree that this trail should remain open for those who really want it. So please make sure you do it right if you decide to take it on.

My advice: There is no reason this trail should be a killer. Route finding is relatively easy, there are no sharp drop-offs, rocks are generally stable underfoot, and the route passes by not only a drinking water source, but a luxury restaurant and bar. The difference between a great experience and a miserable one is a little planning, preparation, and training for steep, sustained hiking.

Native American pictographs can be found right next to Ski Jump Rapid. Pictures on the rock walls may have been painted nearly 1000 years ago by original people who lived here. No one knows exactly why they were drawn or what they mean. To access these, take the obvious trail upriver from Lost Oak Camp (river left) and look for a side trail on your right after walking for about three quarters of a mile. Do not touch the pictographs! Your fingers can rub the paint off the rock.