9,750' Cornell Peak is in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Cornell Peak is one of the more striking features seen when viewed from the Desert Divide; easily recognizable from a distance. Provides fun scrambling anytime of the year; Class 3/4 to summit block with simple route-finding and glorious views in all directions.
The variety of climbing available includes some real challenges on and near the North Face as it drops to the desert at Palm Springs. The final summit pitch is a challenge in itself.
You can camp at nearby Tamarack Valley or Round Valley. Reservations are required. The shortest route is via the tramway from which it is about a six mile roundtrip, however, we generally either go as a day hike via Wellman's or as an overnight at Round Valley via either Wellman's or Willow Creek.
Via the tram, once at the top, follow the concrete path and dirt trail to the Long Valley Ranger Station. Pick up a permit here. Proceed about 1/4 mile to a trail junction with a sign "Round Valley - 2". Stay to the right and continue 2 miles to the water station spigot at the main trail junction in Round Valley Campground. If you use this water it should be filtered.
Continue north past this trail junction for 1/2 mile to Tamarack Valley. Upon reaching a trail junction at the Tamarack Valley sign, follow the trail on the left and hike north through the campsites onto the steep slopes of the peak visible straight ahead. Head slightly to the right of the apparent summit area, passing rock barriers generally on their east side until you discern the main ridge line ahead. Six miles round trip.
Our usual overnight trips start at Humber Park in Idyllwild. Get your permit at the San Jacinto Ranger Station in Idylwild.
From Humber Park take the Devil's Slide trail. The Devil's Slide Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the San Jacinto area with incredible scenery and views.
At Saddle Junction stay left and continue up to Wellman Divide then down east to Round Valley. At the water spigot in Round Valley you can continue north to Tamarack Valley. You can camp at either valley. All water should be treated before use.
More information here and here.
Cornell Peak Trail via Wellman Ridge with Willow Creek alternate map
I hiked to the peak as follows:
Date:
May 17, 1959
October 27-28, 1962
October 26-27, 1963
August 8-9, 1964
November 7-8, 1964
July 31-August 1, 1965
Party:
Post 360 (first ascent)
Post 360 - Council San Jacinto Hike - some Post members rock climbed, others did San Jacinto
Post 360 - Council San Jacinto Hike
Post 360 - North Lake Shakedown
Post 360 - Council San Jacinto Hike
Post 360 - Onion Valley Shakedown
Miles
17
20
20
18
17
18
