Providing a world-renowned scenic backdrop to the desert communities of the Coachella Valley, the National Monument serves as a model for community based support. It reflects the vision of the local jurisdictions and national desires to ensure special landscapes within our country are protected as open space for current and future generations.

The National Monument's mountains rise abruptly from the desert floor to an elevation of 10,834 feet at the top of Mount San Jacinto. Visitors may take the breathtaking Palm Springs Tramway to access the high elevations. The landscape gives residents and visitors a powerful sense of place for their natural scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and extensive biodiversity and cultural values. The quality of life and recreational opportunities the mountains afford contribute significantly to Coachella Valley's status as a popular resort destination and retirement community.

The National Monument Management Plan, completed in early 2004, reflect the efforts of the two lead management agencies, BLM and U.S Forest Service to develop a plan which is capable of grappling with the issues of access, recreation, and the protection of threatened and endangered species, as well as the conservation of native plants and other wildlife, and the removal of non-native, invasive, and noxious species.

Better understanding of the cultural and historical resources, as well as their protection are recognized as key actions over the next few years. Due to the variety of jurisdictions branding and signage are also identified as important action items to tackle, and will require agreement and support from the many partners involved in making the National Monument a success.

As the National Monument reaches out toward the community, and beyond there is a focus on developing educational and interpretive programs, and partnerships for restoration and conservation. There are many opportunities for various arts and activities throughout the National Monument.

Please feel free to contact the National Monument at Palm Springs -  South Coast Field office, 760 251-4800, at the Santa Rosa - San Jinto National Monument Visitor Center, 760 862-9984, or via e-mail, ca_srsj_nm@ca.blm.gov.