San Jacinto Mountains

The San Jacinto Mountains are a prominent mountain range in southern California's Riverside County. Part of the Peninsular Ranges, the San Jacintos rise dramatically from the surrounding desert and urban areas, with rocky peaks, steep canyons, and dense pine-oak forests. The range is defined by its steep, rugged terrain, with the highest summit, Mount San Jacinto, reaching an elevation of over 10,800 feet. The mountains contain diverse ecosystems, from desert scrubland at the base to subalpine environments near the highest elevations.