"We hiked the Tuesday after Labor Day. We only saw a few people and didn't need permits. Started the hike in the afternoon (later then I like to hike. It was hot but still had a lot of shade that it wasn't horrible. The ranger at the top was super nice. The trail was easy to follow and nicely maintained." — kerryscott • Sep 5, 2023

"Beautiful weather! Started from the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, then up Devil's Slide, to the Tahquitz Peak trail at Saddle Junction, then back down the Tahquitz Peak trail and road-walked back to our vehicle near the Ernie Maxwell trailhead." — Sierrawildflower • Jul 18, 2020

"February 23, 2020. Made it 4.5 miles out and could see the peak, but the snowdrifts were too deep. At the PCT junction, I came across two hikers who had turned around as they could not find the trail. I followed their tracks through the fresh snow and saw where they started hiking up instead of continuing straight. However continuing strait was not feasible because of the deep snowdrifts and steep incline. There was about 6 inches of fresh powder over the frozen layer of snow, which made it very slippery and too dangerous to continue. I hiked up the way the two other hikers had started to go and made it a little past where they did enough that I could see Tahquitz Peak, but I was post-holing past my knees and there was no way I could break-trail to the peak. The fresh powder was slushing and melting fast after I got back down to the saddle. Still a nice hike in the fresh snow. 9 miles and 2,352 feet of elevation gain. " — runningvegan • Feb 23, 2020

"Had to drop down several hundred feet to stay below the cliffs on this traverse, but still found myself downclimbing some class 3. The traverse was kinda brutal, with scrambling, steep loose dirt, and bushwhacking. 0.6 miles took me more than an hour before intercepting the South Ridge Trail." — klotito • Jun 7, 2018

"Gorgeous spring day! The weather was cool but the sun was shinning. No obsticals for this hike. It was relatively easy going and the views were incredible. The fire lookout on top was closed for renovations. " — yosinalissebeck • Apr 14, 2018

"Note: make sure to obtain a wilderness permit from the Idyllwild Ranger Station on the corner of Pinecrest/Hwy 243 (opens at 8am). From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you may have to apply in-person or in advance, since at that time, a quota is enforced. Otherwise, even if the place is closed, you can fill out the self-serve permit at the kiosk outside the door to the place, and take the yellow copy with you, and leave the white one in the slot. A beautiful hike indeed. I went in early October and got to see the currant, gooseberry, and willow shrubs in awesome fall colors ranging from vibrant yellow to crimson and wine red. From Humber Park (6,450'), I took the Devil's Slide Trail to Saddle Junction at about 8,100' elevation. I turned right at the junction onto the Pacific Crest Trail for just under a mile, and turned right onto the South Ridge Trail and followed it to the lookout. This is only my second hike in the San Jacinto Mountains, as I usually do my high elevation hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike was moderately strenuous, for the climb can leave you huffing and puffing a bit, but I have done much harder hikes. The elevation gain is about 2,400' over 8.5 m..." — brianpowell • Oct 7, 2017

"Came up Devils slide chair hit Red Tahquitz then Over to Tahquitz on a beautiful day. THis was my2nd time up here and peak #52 of my 100 in 2014 goal. Thunder clouds started developing quickly and moved over us producing loud frequent thunder and keeping us from hitting Tahquitz Rock." — 1-with-Nature • Jul 27, 2014

"We had gorgeous overcast weather that day! Our original goal was to head up to San Jacinto--but due to fire damage the trail (from Humber Park and Devil's Slide) to the peak was closed [unbeknownst to us until we hit yellow caution tape on the closed portion.] Our only option was to bag Tahquitz Peak instead. This actually was a really nice re-route as I had just climbed the face of Tahquitz the previous month--but had not actually seen the true summit. It was very pleasant, and we enjoyed the now leisurely hike. The sky grew darker, and right as we reached the summit it began to drizzle. We ducked into the (luckily open) fire tower to wait it out. We spoke with man assigned to the 'look out job' that day, signed the register, and collected our 'squirrel cards'. Then we had an hour lunch and an hour nap on the summit boulders. Meanwhile a storm passed over San Jacinto, we dodged that bullet, because we were dry and cozy on Tahquitz instead! We plan to come back some time for a quick one night backpack jaunt." — Mountain-Rain • Aug 28, 2013

"On Day 2 of our 2 day trip we headed up Tahquitz Peak. We approached from the PCT and hooked up on the South Ridge Trail. Was a beautiful day up top as we talked to the Volunteer at the fire outlook about how quite the fire activity has been over the last few decades in this area. Its ironic cause literally 3 hours later started the biggest fire ever to hit this area and sent us running for our lives! (no we did not set it) From Taquitz Peak we dropped down the South Ridge Trail for a few sets of switchbacks and then cross country hiked over to Lily Rock. See my post on Lily Rock to hear the Fire story." — 1-with-Nature • Jul 15, 2013

"We went via South Ridge Trail. The dirt road was in great condition and the Ranger even felt a low-clearance vehicle would be fine. My wife, daughter, dog and I set out and quickly realized that living at sea level does not bode well for our mountain legs. The trail has some pretty solid elevation gain (2,400') over it's 4 mile (one-way) trek. Where it leveled out, we stopped for a snack and to let my 14 month old daughter roam. She was in love with the mountains and had the biggest smile on the whole time as she played with pine needles and sticks. I'm pretty convinced I've got a young hiker on my hands. We went onward as we could see the peak within striking distance, however, this last part was the toughest. The switchbacks go on and on and the trees become more sparse, as does the shade. The sun was beating down and every illusion of a nearing peak was an optical illusion. With a 22lb child on my back and more, it was safe to say I was getting tested. But after 3.5 hours we made it. The views to the West toward Lake Hemet, to Suicide Rock and Deer Springs Trail to the North, the vast wilderness area and the PCT to the South and some awesome rock walls and the San Jacinto Wild..." — futurekings • May 27, 2013