As the weather soars into the 100’s in Palm Springs, people flock to pools, indoor air conditioning, and cooler destinations, such as San Jacinto Peak. San Jacinto Peak is the tallest peak in the San Jacinto mountains, and views from top are among the most spectacular in the Palm Springs area. Given its towering height, temperatures at the top of the peak are reliably cooler, and offer a welcome respite for overheated visitors to Palm Springs. When you’re not hiking the hills of the San Jacinto Mountains, spend your time relaxing poolside in the lush, terraced gardens of this historic boutique hotel. Enjoy the breathtaking desert panoramas that stretch out before you, and let the opulence whisk you away to a world entirely your own. Book a room at the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn today.
See Palm Springs from San Jacinto Peak
The San Jacinto Peak is the 6th largest peak in the United States, and rises over 10,000 feet. Given its elevation, temperatures at the top of the peak are reliably cooler than those on the desert floor. At the top of the peak, there are a variety of things to do, notably hiking around the Mount San Jacinto Park. The most popular way to get to the top of the peak is to ride the Palm 
Springs Aerial Tramway, which completes the journey from desert floor to peak in 10 minutes. The tramways offers access to the largest rotating tramcars in the world. Along the journey, you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery around.
At the top of Mountain Station, where the tram ride ends, you’ll find two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in the Mount San Jacinto Park. There are also self-guided and guided nature walks to take at the top of the peak. If you don’t want to ride the tramway, you can also reach the peak via the Cactus to Clouds Trail. The trail is arduous, and climbs the entirety of the mountain from the desert floor to the summit, at 10, 834 feet. The 17.5 trail walks you through beautiful wildflowers, and features the steepest elevation gain of any hike in the contiguous United States. It’s only for the most experienced and prepared hikers. If you decide to head up the mountain, keep in mind you can always ride the tramway down.
Relax in Luxury at the Willows Palm Springs Inn
After a busy day in the San Jacinto Mountains, return to the Willows luxury hotel for unparalleled relaxation. Set amidst lushly terraced gardens and panoramic desert views, downtown Palm Springs feels as though it’s a world away. This secluded paradise, once enjoyed by the likes of Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, will quickly delight even the most discerning of travelers. Book a room at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn today.
