Mount San Jacinto State Park. Idyllwild, CA

Entrance Pillars at Mount San Jacinto State Park
Three stone pillars greet you at the entrance to the park. The warden’s residence can be seen in the background.
Warden’s residence at Mount San Jacinto State Park
The warden’s residence is located near the park entrance, off to the right. It is currently being used as ranger housing.
Stone bridge at Mount San Jacinto State Park
The bridge serves as great example of the rustic architecture that defines much of the CCC’s work in the parks.
Camp stove at Mount San Jacinto State Park
The camp stove is a very common and almost defining feature of CCC built campgrounds. This is one of two remaining stoves in the park. Its restoration was completed in 2007 and can be found at campsite 20. The other stove is located near the camp host.
Plaque commemorating the work of the CCC Camp Idyllwild
This plaque can be found near the hauling wagon. It commemorates both the work of the CCC and the parks 50th anniversary.
The Round Valley Ranger Station located at around 9,000 feet was built in 1937 by the young men of the CCC. The foundation is granite masonry that is rough-cut, thin, and squared. The upper walls are finished with rustic massive timbers. The front of the building is dominated by a massive granite masonry chimney.
The Round Valley Ranger Station is most easily accessed from the Palm Springs tramway via the round valley trail which is approximately six miles roundtrip with about 500 feet in elevation gain. Hiking in from the tram takes you over a newly re-routed trail built by the California Conservation Corp. The California Conservation Corp is modelled after the original CCC and seeks to provide “meaningful, productive, and gainful employment and opportunities for public service to the young men and women of this state in a healthful outdoor atmosphere.” Since its inception in 1976, the program has employed over 120,000 young adults in provided more than 74 million hours of labor directed at conserving California’s natural resources. Just like the original CCC who built much of California’s state parks, the California Conservation Corp continues to improve and maintain trails and public spaces in Mount San Jacinto State Park and many other of California’s parks and forests.