San Jacinto Peak, Mountain summit in Riverside County, United States.

San Jacinto Peak sits in California's desert region and reaches an elevation of 10,834 feet (3,302 meters) above sea level. Its slopes show different climate zones from dry valley floors to forested and alpine areas near the summit.

The earliest recorded ascent was made in September 1874 by a climber identified only as "F. of Riverside" in the San Diego Union. In 1878 a Wheeler Survey party led by rancher Charles Thomas climbed the peak and gave it the name San Jacinto Peak. The first ascent of the northeast escarpment followed in 1931 by Floyd Vernoy and Stewart White.

The Cahuilla called this mountain I a kitch, meaning smooth cliffs, and view it as the home of their spiritual figure Dakush. This connection to indigenous tradition remains part of the regional identity to this day.

The tram in Palm Springs brings visitors to an upper starting point where several trails begin. Depending on the chosen route, the ascent takes between five and six hours, and altitude adjustment is recommended.

The north face rises over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) within just 7 miles (11 kilometers) of horizontal distance, forming one of the steepest landforms in North America. This extreme elevation change over a short distance makes the region geologically remarkable.