Apache Peak

Apache and Spitler Peaks, taken from Antsell Rock

Apache and Spitler Peaks, taken from Antsell Rock, photo by Kathy Wing

ApachePeak doublesummit, photo by Sharon Moore

ApachePeak summit, photo by Sharon Moore

Apache and Spitler Peaks, taken from Antsell Rock, Photo by Kathy Wing.

Peak Name

Apache Peak

28F

Elevation

7567

feet

Status

active

Region

Desert Divide

Range

San Jacinto Mountains

Nearby peaks

Spitler Peak

Location

33.7186333,-116.6266837

Description

Apache Peak is named after a tribe that never lived in the area, but archeological evidence suggests they might have raided this far west. The peak stands sentinel over Apple Canyon and the Pacific Crest Trail, and offers views of Spitler Peak, Antsell Rock, and all the Desert Divide.

Route 1 uses the Spitler Peak Trail, which once offered more shade before the 2013 Mountain Fire. The two peaks are often hiked together, and an alternate route uses the Fobes Trail from the south. Apache Peak can also be reached from the PCT via the gully to its north.

Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission

Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides

Route 1- Spitler Peak Trail

Elevation Gain

2700′

Navigation Difficulty

Easy

Distance

12 miles round trip on trail and a short, brushy cross-country segment

Estimated time

6-7 hours round trip

Route Rating

Class 1, moderate

Leader Rating Required

O”, normal conditions

Driving route

Take I-10 or SR 60 east to SR 79 in Beaumont. Exit right (south) on SR 79.
Drive 6.5 miles south, where SR 79 heads left to Gilman Hot Springs. Do not exit here. Continue straight for 1.5 miles on Sanborn Avenue to Ramona Expressway. Turn left (east).
Drive 8.5 miles east and then southeast on the Ramona Expressway, which acquires the name Mountain Avenue, until it ends at SR 74. Turn left (east).
Drive 15 miles east on SR 74 to Mountain Center (junction with Idyllwild Highway – SR 243).
Continue east on SR 74 for 3.5 miles to Apple Canyon Road (paved) on the left. Turn left.
Pass the entrance to the Hurkey Creek Campground on the left and continue 2.6 miles to a large parking area on the right. Park here. This is the parking area for the Spitler Peak Trail.

Hiking route

The Spitler Peak Trail, 3E22, begins at a square post at the north end of the parking area (4940′).
Hike 5 miles up the trail to where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at Apache-Spitler Saddle (6980′).
Turn left (north) and follow the PCT 0.6 mile to a trail junction (7340′) with a side trail to Apache Spring heading right.
Leave the PCT on the left side at this junction, following a small gully northwest by the most convenient paths until reaching a high saddle (7460′) between the two summits of Apache Peak.
The register is located on the western, higher summit. Turn left at the high saddle and scramble through easy brush and rocks to the summit.

Route Notes

Printable Route

Road Type

Paved

Google Maps Link to Trailhead

Additional Peak Information

Note: Turning right (south) at Apache-Spitler Saddle to hike to Spitler Peak; the combination would add 1 mile and 500′ of gain to the round trip.

Alternate routes: Via Fobes Trail and Spitler Peak:
Use the Spitler Peak guide to ascend that peak using the Fobes Trail. From Spitler Peak, return to the PCT and continue north to Apache-Spitler Saddle. Proceed to the summit of Apache Peak as in Route 1 above. Totals: 10 miles round trip for both peaks, on trail and short, brush cross-country, 3300′ gain round trip in 7-9 hours. Class 1, moderate hike. Leader Rating: “I”.

Special conditions: Wilderness permits are required under all circumstances. Permits are limited to 12 hikers. Permits may be obtained from the Idyllwild Ranger Station just off SR 243 at 54270 Pine Crest Road. There is a self-issue permit stand outside of the ranger station. Permits may be obtained in advance from:
San Jacinto Ranger District
54270 Pinecrest
P.O. Box 518
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Voice: (909) 382-2921
Fax: (951) 659-2107