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Description
Photographed on the South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak

The South Ridge Trail is a round trip of just over 8 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain.

Tahquitz Peak (Elevation 8828 ft) is located along the Desert Divide in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California, near Idylwild, CA. From the summit of this alpine beauty, views abound. To the north, Marion Mtn is seen across Tahquitz Valley. Palm Springs can be seen to the east along with the Santa Rosa mountains. Looking south on a clear day in the afternoon, you can see the Mt Palomar telescope dome glittering in the sunlight. Westerly vistas are of the Inland Empire, as well as San Gabriels.

Tahquitz Peak is named for a leader of the Soboba Indians, Chief Tahquitz, about whom there are various legends. In one story, after changing from a loved to a hated chief as a result of evil spirits, Tahquitz' body was destroyed by his tribe, but his spirit escaped to the present Tahquitz Peak. Thunderstorms in the area are evidence of his presence. Legend has it that his spirit still lives there with a rattlesnake and a condor, although the watchful fire lookout cannot corroborate this.

Description
Photographed on the South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak

The South Ridge Trail is a round trip of just over 8 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain.

Tahquitz Peak (Elevation 8828 ft) is located along the Desert Divide in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California, near Idylwild, CA. From the summit of this alpine beauty, views abound. To the north, Marion Mtn is seen across Tahquitz Valley. Palm Springs can be seen to the east along with the Santa Rosa mountains. Looking south on a clear day in the afternoon, you can see the Mt Palomar telescope dome glittering in the sunlight. Westerly vistas are of the Inland Empire, as well as San Gabriels.

Tahquitz Peak is named for a leader of the Soboba Indians, Chief Tahquitz, about whom there are various legends. In one story, after changing from a loved to a hated chief as a result of evil spirits, Tahquitz' body was destroyed by his tribe, but his spirit escaped to the present Tahquitz Peak. Thunderstorms in the area are evidence of his presence. Legend has it that his spirit still lives there with a rattlesnake and a condor, although the watchful fire lookout cannot corroborate this.