When you're not cuddled up inside one of our cozy Idyllwild cabins, you should be out adventuring! Want to tour the beautiful state of California on a bike or on your own two legs? Plan your road cycling vacation to the luscious mountain top town of Idyllwild where we are known for our challenging road cycling opportunities. From mountain biking, road biking, hiking, rock climbing and everything in between, your adventurous Idyllwild experience will be filled with joy and reward. At the heart of this Californian cycling and hiking mecca are many different choices of trails!
A Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking at trailheads. Each cabin has two annual Forest Adventure Passes for your use, please return them back to the cabin when you are done using them. Trails going into the State Wildnerness require a free day-use permit. Wildnerness Day Use Permits can be found in town at the San Jacinto Ranger Station at 54270 Pine Crest Ave, Idyllwild, Ca 92549. You can see which trails require a Wilderness Permit at this very useful pamphlet outlining all trails in the greater Idyllwild area.
We have highlighted our favorite Idylllwild hiking trails here. Route descriptions, directions, and everything you need to know to explore these varying trails is listed below.
- Wilderness Day Use Permit required
Biking
ALVIN MEADOWS | RIDE TO THE HEAVENS
Alvin Meadows, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
This trail is also known as the Control Roads. It offers countless options to choose from and miles of fun. At the beginning of the path you will be offered a choice. You can either go up and right or straight and right. With the "up" path you will endure a challenging steep road which is also known as "The Heavens". If you decide to go straight you will embark on an excellent journey where you will finish in Pine Cove. If "right" just isn't for you and you decide to stay left when approaching other forks you will end up back at where you started.
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COYOTE RUN | BIKE WITH A VIEW
56375 Hwy 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561
The Coyote Run is a great ride for novice and expert bikers alike. This ride begins at the Hurkey Creek county campground and is wonderful is you'd like to experience gorgeous mountain landscape. During winter or spring ride your way to the dazzling waterfalls on Hurkey creek and cool off. Since this is one of the easier trails on the list, Coyote Run fun for the whole family.
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FOBES RANCH | FUN AT EVERY LEVEL
Fobes Ranch Rd, Mountain Center, CA 92561
Whichever level biker you are, Fobes Ranch road offers a spot for you! Beginning at Lake Hemet in Garner Valley, this trail is the quintessential ride. Scattered with various inclines throughout this trail will be rewarding and worthwhile!
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HURKEY CREEK | ELEVATED ADVENTURE
56375 Hwy 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561
Phone: 951.659.2050
Beautiful Hurkey Creek Park, located off of Hwy 74 in the San Jacinto Mountains just 4 miles southeast of Mountain Center, is the perfect locale for reconnecting with nature. This idyllic getaway boasts a seasonal creek, majestic pine trees, awe-inspiring mountain views, and all the charms and tranquility of a classic woodland recreation area. Step back from your day-to-day and enjoy an outing to one of Riverside County Park and Open-Space District’s park locations. There are several miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails at many of the County’s park sites. Experience the beauty of natural creeks, seasonal vernal pools, overgrown foliage and mountains that envelop the Inland Empire.
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THE RAMONA TRAIL | RIDE THROUGH DIFFERENT CLIMATE ZONES
Mountain Center, CA 92561
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous | Length: 7.6 - 12.4 miles | Elevation Gain: 1,624ft - 2,335ft | Route Type: Out and Back | Traffic: Moderate | Pets? Yes
The Ramona Trail is spectacular for several reasons. The views of Garner Valley, Desert Divide, and San Jacinto are phenomenal. For those looking for an extra challenge, you can take Ramona Trail all the way to the top of Thomas Mountain. Experience four distinct climate zones on your climb to the top from Desert Flora to Pine Forest. This trail is evenly graded all the way to the top and located on the north side of the mountain so it has a fair amount of shade.
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Hiking
IDYLLWILD NATURE CENTER AND PARK | ADVENTURE AS A FAMILY
25225 Hwy 243, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Phone: 951.659.3850
Difficulty Level: Easy, Moderate, and Difficult | Length: N/A | Elevation Gain: N/A | Route Type: Loop - Out and Back | Traffic: Moderate - Heavy | Pets? Yes
The Idyllwild Nature Center is a wonderful family-friendly museum and trail system. Passes only cost $4 for adults, $3 children, and $1 for dogs. The Nature Center offers the perfect beginner trails for all. Those with young kids or disabilities can thoroughly enjoy the flat Nature Trail Loop. If you're more of a daredevil, the hillside and steep trails are for you. Engulf yourself in nature, sit on a bench and ponder, or even check out the museum with plenty of critters!
>> Get Directions
>> See Map of Idyllwild Nature Center Trail System
LAKE FULMOR LOOP | A LAKESIDE STROLL
Lake Fulmor, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Difficulty Level: Easy | Length: 0.5 miles | Elevation Gain: 42ft | Route Type: Loop | Traffic: Moderate | Pets? Yes
Lake Fulmor is a delightful oasis for people and wildlife. On the trail winding around the lake, look for ground squirrels, tree frogs, butterflies, and dragonflies; listen for the raucous chatter of Steller’s jays. Fully accessible pier, and day-use area with picnic tables and toilet. The 2-acre lake offers great trout fishing in the spring, summer, and fall months.
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ERNIE MAXWELL SCENIC TRAIL | ALL THE VIEWS WITHOUT THE SWEAT
Ernie Maxwell Trail, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Difficulty Level: Easy | Length: 4.6 | Elevation Gain: 833ft | Route Type: Out and Back | Traffic: Heavy | Pets? Yes
The Ernie Maxwell starts at Humber Park and offers amazing views of Lily Rock and Suicide Rock with little elevation gain comparatively. The trail crosses a seasonal stream along that way and is perfect for experiencing the sights and sounds of the great San Jacinto Mountains. Wildife and wildflowers are second to none on this trail.
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DEER SPRINGS TRAIL| HIKE TO SUICIDE ROCK
Deer Spring Trail, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Difficulty Level: Moderate | Length: 6.7 miles | Elevation Gain: 1,866ft | Route Type: Out and Back | Traffic: Moderate | Pets? No
This is a lovely, but very vertical hike through the lush wonders of the San Jacintos. You will enjoy every minute. Suicide Rock is a wonderful place to look over the entire valley. The sights of the San Jacinto Wilderness are breathtaking! From the top, you are able to get a clear view of Strawberry Valley at Lily Rock and Tahquitz Peak, and you can take in the heights looking up at Marion Mountain and Jean Peak.
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DEVIL'S SLIDE TRAIL AND TAHQUITZ PEAK | DANCE WITH THE DEVIL
Devils Slide Trail, Idyllwild, CA 92549
Difficulty Level: Moderate | Length: 6.6 | Elevation Gain: 1,699ft | Route Type: Out and Back | Traffic: Heavy | Pets? Yes and No
If you're looking for something more moderate, Devil's Slide is for you. This five mile trail even offers the chance to see wildlife. Bring your pup or horse along for this one because they are welcome! If you are looking for even more of a challenge continue along Devil's Slide for another 1.5 miles to Taqhuitz Peak. The trail to Taqhuitz Peak enters into the National Wilderness area so you will need a Wilderness Pass and those with pups will have to turn back as no pets are allow into Wilderness areas. At the top of Taqhuitz Peak, enjoy the view from the Historic Fire Lookout.
>> Get Directions to Devil's Slide Trailhead
>> See Map of Devil's Slide Trail to Tahquitz Peak
SEVEN PINES TRAIL | PATH LESS TRAVELED
56375 Hwy 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561
Phone: 951.659.2050
Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous | Length: 7.3 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,300ft | Route Type: Out and Back | Traffic: Light | Pets? No
Though it is lightly traveled, the Seven Pines Trail climbs through the spectacular forests, creeks, and rock formations. It is longer but less steep than most nearby trails. This path is the definition of "take the scenic route" where you can escape into quiet solitude.
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SOUTH RIDGE TO TAHQUITZ PEAK| A SHORT AWAKENING
S Ridge Trail, Mountain Center, CA 92561
Difficulty Level: Strenuous | Length: 7.8 | Elevation Gain: 3,057ft | Route Type: Out and Back | Traffic: Heavy | Pets? No
Travel through Oak, Chinquapin, Chaparral, and eventually a Pine forest. Enjoy stunning views all the way to the top of Tahquitz Peak where a fire lookout is located. Once at the lookout you can view the valley from every direction. The trail begins with a few twists and turns, then flattens out until the last mile which becomes steep. Take your time on this one which runs about six miles round trip. For a more moderate hike to the top, take Devil's Slide to Taqhuitz Peak. For those who crave an extra challenge, take South Ridge to Tahquitz Peak.
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