Round Valley (Hike #4)
Reprinted with permission from Bob Ulrich's Book 
10 Day Hikes on Mt. San Jacinto Starting at the Tram Station 
Copyright 1999 Robert M. Ulrich  All rights reserved
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Trail Head: LV* Ranger Station Junction Sign
Distance to Trail Head from Tram: 0.3 miles 
Distance Round Trip from Trail Head: 4.0 miles
Distance Round Trip from Tram: 4.6 miles 
Elevation: Gain 700', Loss 700'		 Signs and Markers on this hike:
0.0 LV Ranger Station Junction Sign Elev. 8400' 
1.7 Round Valley East Junction Sign Elev. 8960' 
2.0 Round Valley Ranger Station Jct. Elev. 9100' 
2.3 Round Valley East Junction Sign Elev. 8960'
4.0 LV Ranger Station Junction Sign Elev. 8400'
* LV = Long Valley     
Trail Description: Moderate 
Link to Winter Photos taken on this Hike  /   Link to Water Falls Along Round Valley Trail 
Link to Wildlife in the San Jacinto Mountains

Before you start hiking, read and follow the Safety Information found at the bottom of this page   Hiking Safety Information Link
This is a very popular hike. After filling out the permit information at the Long Valley (LV) Ranger Station, proceed along the trail from the Ranger Station about 150 yards to the LV Ranger Station Junction sign. Take the right fork. The trail starts off in medium sized trees and boulders with a nice gentle grade through some rocky areas up to the top of a small hill. It then descends to the side of a creek. The creek will be dry or wet depending on the season. There are a number of good size boulders in this section. 
The trail meanders along the creek at a gradual climb, give and take, up and down. As you move up the trail, Keep an eye out for Ponderosa Pine Trees. These are very large trees. There will be a couple of them on your left as you move on, right next to the trail. Look for one that is at least three feet in diameter. The bark is broken in puzzle-like formations and they are very tall trees. These trees give off a vanilla scent. Sniff near the bark indentations, you will smell a faint whiff of vanilla. 
Hiking along up the trail, you will come across some very large boulders. Further still, some dead trees, or stags, will be on your right. Stop a minute to look at the size of the side branches on these trees. Look at the number of rings. These trees were 300 or 400 years old when they fell. 
The next landmark you come across is a creek crossing on a log bridge. There is a sign here indicating permit required by all persons. Cross the creek. Nancy and I always consider this the one third point on the hike to Round Valley. 
Once you cross the creek, take a drink from your canteen even if you are not thirsty. You need to replenish water. Hiking at this elevation will dry you out. Don't drink creek water without purifying it.
After a rest, the trail starts up a number of switchbacks and you begin a bit of climbing before the trail levels out again. The switchbacks are short and there are five of them, a pause, two more switchbacks, another pause, then a short switchback that goes past a large boulder that looks like it has a short cave in it. One more final turn to your right and the trail straightens out. It still climbs, but not in switchbacks. After this turn, you will start to hear the creek. Look down, and soon you will be able to see it, if it is running. The trail continues along the creek for some time. Take a minute to enjoy the blue sky. 
Next you will find a second set of switchbacks, two in all. We consider them to be at the two thirds point. Once you round the top switchback a couple of waterfalls will appear off to your right (if it's a wet year). As you get closer to the meadow, the blue sky of the horizon can be seen through the trees. The trail levels out and becomes less rocky. A sure sign that you are close to the meadow junction, is a very small switchback, about 25 feet in both directions. You are just about there. Ahead is the Round Valley West Junction. Go right towards Round Valley. 
Now you can start to see the meadow. Take out your camera, and be very quiet. Deer can be seen around this area, feeding. They can be seen to the right and left of the trail, and up on the hill to your left. There are a number of campsite trails leaving the trail on the right and left. Keep going forward. You will come to a point where you can see the meadow off to the right. The main trail continues straight. If you don't see any deer on the trail, then look towards the meadow. The trail follows the meadow and crosses a creek. Skunk Cabbage plants line the trail. On your left you pass a stable. As you approach the junction, you will see the Round Valley Ranger's cabin. You are at Round Valley.
Link to San Jacinto Mountain Photos

This map and information is provided for illustration purposes only. Buy a map and read the following safety information, BEFORE starting any hike.

Safety is Your Responsibility. 
In the Wilderness, You Enter at Your Own Risk. 
The maps and trail descriptions in this website are not a substitute for common sense. When choosing a hike, take into consideration weather conditions, you and your partners' physical condition, general health, and hiking experience. In the wilderness, the only person who is responsible for your safety is you, and as such you assume all risk of injury or death.
Stay On the Trails Keep away from cliffs, and always let someone know where you are hiking and when you will be back. Avoid hiking during thunder storms, as lightning strikes are a possibility. Never hike above your ability. Stop at the ranger station and fill out a hiking permit. Permits are not required on Hikes 1 & 2.
Carry Water. Water on the mountain may contain Giardia lamblia which causes severe diarrhea and dehydration in humans. Don't drink untreated water.
Carry the Ten Essentials: Map (available in the San Jacinto Natural Association book store in the Tram mountain station for a nominal charge), compass, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, extra clothing, matches, a knife, first aid kit, waterproof matches, sunglasses, and emergency food.
I started hiking in these mountains over 30 years ago. One thing I have found to be certain is the unexpected. While most of our outings have been uneventful, common sense and being prepared has saved my life on many occasions. Be ready for anything and if you get tired, or the weather turns bad, turn around and go back. The mountain will be there tomorrow. Being prepared will help increase the odds that you will be here too, so you can return and hike again. - Bob Ulrich

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A hard copy of Bob Ulrich's Book is available at the following link:
10 Day Hikes on Mount San Jacinto Starting at the Palm Springs Tram Station
  Content, photos, and maps copyright 1999 Robert M. Ulrich

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