Idyllwild is a small town of about 3,000 people, nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains at an elevation of 5,400 feet, about a 50-mile drive from much of the Coachella Valley. Not only is the area beautiful; the temperatures can be about 25-30 degrees cooler than those in the desert cities.
Known for its art and once the summer home of the Cahuilla Indians, Idyllwild is a wonderful place to break away from the desert heat and enjoy hiking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding—and so much more.
The Idyllwild Nature Center is a family-friendly museum and trail system that offers easy hikes for beginners, as well as guided tours focused on specific interests. There is a flat loop nature trail that’s easy and accessible for beginners, people with disabilities and younger children. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, check out the hillside and steep trails. The Idyllwild Nature Center focuses on local ecology and Cahuilla Indigenous culture. It is a perfect lunch stop (if you pack your own food) with picnic areas surrounding the museum. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and located just a mile northwest of Idyllwild on Highway 243. There may be a modest day-use fee. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Just 10 miles outside of Idyllwild, along Highway 243 toward Banning, is Lake Fulmor, where you can fish, picnic and take a walk around the lake. From Palm Desert, take Highway 74 to Highway 243. From Palm Springs, take Interstate 10 west to Highway 243.
AllTrails.com lists more than 40 scenic trails in the Idyllwild area. According to the U.S. Forest Service’s San Bernardino National Forest, there are 48 miles of trails within the federally controlled San Jacinto Wilderness, which surrounds the town of Idyllwild—including 28 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. These trails offer the most beauty and solitude and are on the cooler side during the months of desert heat. A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area. Visit the San Jacinto Wilderness webpage for a listing of trailheads, and to learn more about how permits work (including details regarding long-distance PCT hikers, and crossing into the state wilderness area managed by Mount San Jacinto State Park).
For hiking trails closer to Idyllwild, Humber Park, at 24559 Fern Valley Road, has two trail starting points: Devil’s Slide Trail and the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail. An Adventure Pass—which is $5 per day, or $30 per year—or a National Parks Pass is required for parking. Day use permits are required for the Devil’s Slide Trail, but not for the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail. Dogs are welcome on both trails and may be off-leash in some areas. However, dogs are prohibited in the state park wilderness, so you’ll need to check maps for boundaries.
Important note: Humber Park is very popular, and Devil’s Slide Trail access is limited on weekends between Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. During this time, stop at the Idyllwild Forest Service Ranger Station to obtain a permit; pick up a map; and get any additional information you may need. It’s located just left of the stop sign on Highway 243 as you enter Idyllwild from the Banning side.
A super-easy hike, and one of the gems of Idyllwild, is “The Grotto” at Strawberry Creek. This trail begins from the back of Idyllwild Arts Academy.
The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is 4.6 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of only 836 feet, according to AllTrails, but you can turn around at any point for a shorter hike. Starting at the north end of the trail at Humber Park, the trail eventually meanders downhill to Tahquitz View Drive—so you’ll be going uphill on the way back. This trail has a lot of good shade, as well as a few streams of water (usually), so you’ll want to protect yourself from bugs and mosquitoes. AllTrails lists the trail as moderate, but I would say it’s on the easy side of moderate, and a great trail for beginners and small children. Remember to bring water; just because you’re hiking in a cooler climate doesn’t mean that you won’t need plenty of water.
Devil’s Slide Trail to Saddle Junction Trail is more moderately challenging, at 6.6 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of about 1,700 feet, according to AllTrails. Bring lots of water for this one; you will need it, along with protection from bugs and mosquitoes. This is a very scenic trail with beautiful views.
Once you get to Saddle Junction, you can veer off on one of a number of trails to make a longer route. You can add a couple more miles and about another 1,000 feet in elevation and go to the Tahquitz Peak overlook. Or you may choose to do the Skunk Cabbage Meadow loop; there are usually lots of beautiful ferns on this route. You can even continue up to San Jacinto Peak if you dare—and if you’re fully prepared, with lots of water and food. This hike would be a 19-mile day, with more than 5,000 feet in elevation gain.
A super-easy hike, and one of the gems of Idyllwild, is “The Grotto” at Strawberry Creek. This trail begins from the back of Idyllwild Arts Academy. Be careful about parking; you may need to get a visitor pass to park here. This route will take you into a serene meadow, through some boulder-hopping, then down a steep boulder before arriving at the grotto. Another way is to veer left at the split, where you would go right to get to the Idyllwild Arts camp. This route ends at private property, so be careful with parking—“private property” and “no parking” signs are clearly posted. After parking, you’ll walk alongside a wooden fence line to get to the actual trail. From there, just stay on the trail, and follow the water. It’s not far—maybe a half-mile, with less than 15 feet in elevation gain. There should be lots of flowing water here.
So beautiful! So serene!
