Facility · California ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
San Jacinto Wilderness · Restricted Access
The hike up to this lookout tower through the San Jacinto Wilderness offers some of the most beautiful vistas in Southern California, including the Salton Sea to the southeast. The origin of Tahquitz's name is derived from the Cahuilla god Tahquish, who believe the peak to be the god's home.
At an elevation of 8,846 feet, this lookout is the highest within the San Bernardino National Forest, and the only one located within a designated Wilderness area. It is also the forest’s longest continuously operated station, serving some 77 years.
Up here, all work must be done with regular hand tools as no motorized equipment is allowed in wilderness areas.
The trail to Tahquitz Peak Lookout is a 4.5-mile hike via either Devil's Slide or South Ridge trails. Both require Wilderness permits. Devil's Slide requires an Adventure Pass. Adventure Passes are $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted. For more information, please visit our recreation pass page.
33.75541, -116.67704 · 33°45'19.5"N 116°40'37.4"W
Typically 86°F in Aug, down to 54°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 55 | 59 | 64 | 71 | 80 | 85 | 86 | 81 | 72 | 62 | 54 |
| Low °F | 31 | 30 | 32 | 35 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 42 | 35 | 30 |
| Precip in | 4.7 | 5.3 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 3.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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