Life Or Something Like It: Deer Springs Trail To Suicide Rock

Deer Springs Trail located in Mount San Jacinto State Park, was actually recommended to us after realizing we would not be able to hike San Jacinto Peak because of all the snow still present. The area was named after the legendary luminous spirit-demon of the Soboba Indian Tribe. Suicide Rock is well known for having over three hundred rock climbing routes as well. We were not sure what we were getting ourselves into. Ultimately, this hike turned out to be a pretty cool trail. The trail was easy to locate after speaking to a park ranger. It is required to obtain a Wilderness Permit to hike any of the trails in Idyllwild Pine Cove/Mount San Jacinto Wilderness. The beginning of the trail was a gradual incline which wasn't too bad; however, as I got toward the top, it was a bit harder to catch my breath but still doable. There was no snow at the start of the trail but turned out to be quite some bit as we climbed higher up. As we hiked along, the Deer Springs Trail offered many great views of the surrounding mountains. I was fairly impressed. As we went along, it did feel a little bit longer to complete compared to other hikes I've done. Even I felt Mt. Baldy was faster than this! Anyway, it got to a point in the trail where there was so much snow that I had to bust out with my crampons and my two other friends had to use their microspikes. Good that we were prepared for the snow. It is still doable without crampons or microspikes but even with mine I still managed to slip. Top of suicide rock are views of Strawberry Valley, much of Idyllwild, and Tahquitz Peak. This trail starts at 5,600 feet ascending to 7,300 feet. It also leads to San Jacinto Peak.

Hike Breakdown:

Level: Moderate

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet

Parking: Adventure or Day Pass required except in designated free parking areas.

Directions: Take the 243 from Banning or Mountain Center. The parking area is marked with a sign that says Deer Springs Trail Parking. It is right across from Idyllwild Nature Center. Lat:33.77074 Lon:-116.69752