Idyllwild Hiking
There are so many reasons to love hiking, from stress relief to enjoyable exercise and quality time with family or friends. And Idyllwild, California is one of the best locations when it comes to trail selection.
Idyllwild is a hiker’s dream come true. With break-taking scenery and a variety of mountain trails, hikers of all ages and skill levels will find something to love. Let’s look at some of the top spots available in Idyllwild.
AllTrails lists more than 30 popular hiking trails in the Idyllwild-Pine Cove area, and here are five of our favorites.
1. Devil’s Slide, Willow Creek and Caramba Trail
Devil's Slide, Willow Creek and Caramba Trail is a 6.2-mile loop with moderate traffic that leads to Skunk Cabbage Meadow. The Devil’s Slide Trail starts just underneath Taquitz rock, where you’ll likely encounter rock climbers getting ready to conquer the peak.
The loop is close to Idyllwild-Pine Cove and has a moderate difficulty rating. It’s best to hike this trail on a weekday or plan ahead and get a permit if you plan to visit during the weekend.
You’ll find wild flowers along the trail along with plenty of shade and a gradual incline. The “cabbages” at Skunk Cabbage Meadow aren’t actually cabbages but corn lily, which is plentiful around the waterways. The meadow is the perfect spot for a picnic, so bring some food and, of course, plenty of water.
The elevation gain for Devils Slide, Willow Creek and Caramba is 1811 feet. You’re allowed to bring your dog along, but make sure you keep it on a leash. You’ll enjoy scenic views on your way up, a nice stream, and plenty of greenery.
You can expect the hike to take around 4 hours in total. Keep in mind, the trail is most suitable between the months of June and October.
2. San Jacinto Peak via Fuller Ridge Trail
The San Jacinto Peak via Fuller Ridge Trail is an out and back trail spanning 15 miles. It winds from side to side along the ridge, providing amazing views of the San Jacinto Valley, San Bernardino Mountains, and Coachella Valley. To park at the trailhead, you’ll need a Forest Service Adventure pass. You’ll also need a wilderness permit to visit the State Park area and National forest.
This location gets moderate traffic and is best for seasoned hikers as it’s rated as difficult. The moderately trafficked San Jacinto Peak via Fuller Ridge Trail boasts a variety of wildflowers and has a 3950-foot elevation gain. Visitors report that the dirt road leading to the trailhead can be rough, so keep that in mind.
Note that there’s no trail leading to Jean Peak, so only head that way if you’re okay with navigating your way through boulders and bushes. The trail is best to visit between June and October and offers camping, backpacking, and snowshoeing in addition to hiking. If you want to bring your dog, keep it on a leash at all times to comply with trail regulations.
3. Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail
Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide is another out and back trail that spans 8.1 miles. You’ll begin and end your hike in Humber Park, where the Devil’s Slide Trail starts. The park is in Idyllwild, which offers great small-town spots for lunch of a quick walk after you finish hiking. Since visiting this trail requires a permit, make sure to stop by the ranger station (which is located on the way to the trailhead).
This heavily trafficked area has a moderate difficulty rating with a 2375-foot elevation gain. If you’re new to hiking, you can expect it to get a bit strenuous. More experienced hikers shouldn’t find it too difficult and can expect to complete it in around 2 hours.
The hike includes bird watching opportunities and also allows horses and dogs. Since this is a heavily used trail, the weekends get pretty busy, but it’s still a peaceful location. The Tahquitz Peak via Devils slide boasts incredible views and a historic fire-lookout. The parking lot is at the border of the San Jacinto Wilderness.
4. Idyllwild Park Trail
Idyllwild Park Trail offers walking, bird watching, and of course, hiking along a 2.3-mile loop. The moderately trafficked trail is well-maintained and features a wide variety of flora along with great views of San Jacinto. You’ll find Manzanita along the trail and beautiful flowers to enjoy while you walk. You’re also likely to encounter some critters along the trail. The elevation gain is 649 feet, making it a great pick for beginners and families. However, there’s a fairly steep incline to the summit, so keep that in mind.
Idyllwild Park Trail is ideal to visit between March and November. But it does get hot and dry in the summer months, so bring plenty of water! You can also bring your dog, but don’t forget a leash. Situated close to Idyllwild-Pine Cove, this loop trail has plenty of boulders to climb to get the best views.
For this hike, the best views are on the way up, as you’ll only find good views at the top if you’re willing to go off trail a bit. If you decide to hit the Steep Trail, make sure to bring good shoes as you’ll have to scramble along rocky terrain. Don’t forget to bring cash for parking.
5. Black Mountain Trail
Black Mountain Trail is close to Idyllwild-Pine Cove and features an 8.7-mile out and back trail. You’ll find a small dirt parking lot and moderate foot traffic along the journey. The trail is a good pick for people who want plenty of diversity along their hike since the scenery changes throughout the walk. You’ll find oak trees and Manzanita at the bottom and conifers closer to the top.
The elevation gain at Black Mountain Trail is 2775 feet. Once you get to the top, you can enjoy miles of scenic views (including the impressive Jacinto Peak) in every direction as your reward. The first couple of miles are steep along this difficult hike, so it’s best-suited for adults or fit, active teenagers. You can bring your dog on the trip, but keep it on a leash.
The Black Mountain Trail will also give you a chance to see some wildlife native to the area. The best months to visit this area are May through December.
More Hiking Options in Idyllwild, California
For more hiking options in and around Idyllwild, check out these trails and routes:
California Department of Parks and Recreation also highlights hiking options in the area, and you can find more local outdoor adventures at The Outbound.