Ascend Apache Peak in California via Spilter Peak Trail

Here's Your Guide to Conquering Apache Peak, SoCal's Hidden Gem

Apache Peak? Never heard of it? Time to change that. Tucked away in the Southern California hills, this gem offers a little slice of heaven for hikers. With a relatively easy 2600-foot ascent on the Spitler Peak Trail, you can expect stunning views of mountains and deserts alike, all without the crowds.

Location, Location, Location

Your adventure begins south of picturesque Idyllwild in Mountain Center, California, at the Spitler Peak trailhead. The address to remember is: Spliter Peak Trail, Mountain Center, CA 92561

While some websites may suggest a parks pass or Adventure Pass is necessary for parking, for now, it's not a requirement with no facilities on site.

Permits? Nah, Perhaps

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

There's some confusion regarding whether a wilderness permit is needed or optional. Why worry? It's a quick and easy (not to mention helpful for the park service) process. Complete it online, fax it in, or visit the San Jacinto Ranger Station in Idyllwild to fill out a permit if you wish. But hey, no judgment if you'd rather not.

Pack Smart, Pack Light

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Remember, this is a backcountry expedition in the mountains. In winter, the trail may be snow-covered and dangerous, while summer thunderstorms can catch hikers off guard. So, here's what you need:- Reliable water sources along the climb mean you'll only need 2L or so. You'll also find water at Apache Spring, but it's a steep detour.- Long pants are handy for the overgrown sections of the trail.- Trekking poles are a must for navigating the slopes and pushing through the undergrowth.

Gear Up

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

The Osprey Hikelite 26 is my go-to daypack. Light, durable, and with a trampoline mesh to keep your back dry.
The Norda 001 is a dream for your feet, offering comfort and protection like a monster truck with feathers.
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 provides 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry.
AllTrails Plus offers up-to-date trip reports and offline maps, with off-trail alerts and Garmin sync at a 30% discount.
The Garmin Fenix 8 hit its stride after a few updates, perfect for tracking, routing, and maps in the wild.

See My Top Picks (Last updated June 2025)

AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

Trail Maps Made Easy

You'll journey on the Spitler Peak Trail 3E22 from the car park to the PCT. From there, after a brief stint on the PCT, you'll find the short use-trail leading to the summit of Apache Peak.

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

Did Apaches Conquer Here?

Although Apaches were based over 100 miles to the east in what is now Arizona, legends tell of their epic raids covering Colorado, Utah, and even the Pacific Coast. The Chumash people of Southern California recalled battles with Apaches. Apache arrowheads have been found near Apache Springs, giving the peak its name sometime after that. Whether Apache warriors made regular use of the area remains a mystery, but it's not hard to imagine.

A Short History Lesson

Though Afghanistan is often cited as the USA's longest war, the fight against the Apache lasted longer, from 1849 to 1886. The US government continued battling isolated Apache factions until the 1920s. Many Apache fled to the northern Sierra Madre in Mexico, where they raided ranchers and Mormon settlers until the 1930s.

The Journey Begins

Formed in 1895, Lake Hemet was once the home of the world's largest solid masonry dam. If you're an Airwolf fan, you may remember the show's main character living in a cabin on its shores, though only in the b-roll footage.

Spitler Peak's intriguing history features many strange twists. Edward Spitler, a squatter who lived on the nearby Forbes Ranch in the 1890s, was driven off the property. Yet, his name mysteriously appeared on this peak when the 1944 topographic map was published. Later, in the 1960s, Forbes Ranch became synonymous with LSD production when Timothy Leary and the Brotherhood of Eternal Love set up shop there. Today, Forbes Ranch is owned by YouTube luminary, Logan Paul, who recently made headlines after discovering a suicide victim in one of his vlogs.

Your trail is listed as a PCT alternative, largely due to a PCT hiker's death near Apache Peak in 2020. The PCT Association established an alternative route between Apache Peak and Black Mountain to avoid the sometimes challenging snowy and icy higher peaks.

Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure?

So, are you ready to experience the magic of Apache Peak for yourself? What are you waiting for? Grab your gear, secure your permit, and let's hit the trail!

Apache Peak is located south of Idyllwild, California, at the Spitler Peak trailhead (Spliter Peak Trail, Mountain Center, CA 92561).
Although a parks pass or Adventure Pass is mentioned on some websites for parking, it's currently not a requirement at the trailhead with no facilities on site.
The Spitler Peak Trail presents a relatively easy 2600-foot ascent, offering stunning views of mountains and deserts, with less crowd compared to other hiking spots.
For the backcountry expedition, essential gear includes a reliable water source, long pants for the overgrown sections of the trail, trekking poles, and appropriate footwear.
Top picks for gear include the Osprey Hikelite 26, Norda 001, Garmin inReach Mini 2, AllTrails Plus, and Garmin Fenix 8.
The trail journey starts on the Spitler Peak Trail 3E22 from the car park to the PCT, followed by a short use-trail leading to the summit of Apache Peak.