The Idyllwild area is located about 45 minutes (depends on how fast you drive . . .) from the Palm Springs area. There are several great trails that range from easy to very strenuous.
If you are ready to experience some of the most beautiful hiking the Idyllwild area has to offer, grab your CamelBak, other Hydration Pack or Hydroflask and get out on the trail! Some hiking trails are located in the 35,000 acre San Jacinto Wilderness area managed by the US Forest Service. Other trails are within the 10,000 acre Mt San Jacinto State Wilderness, administered by Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking at the trailhead and wilderness permits (free) are required for both the National Forest and the State Park Wildernesses. Wilderness permits are available at no cost from the San Jacinto State Park headquarters on Highway 243 or at the Idyllwild Ranger Station at Highway 243 and Pine Crest Drive.
You can also purchase the National Forest Adventure Pass at many Big 5 Sporting Goods store locations, or at many other locations in both in Idyllwild and the Coachella Valley. There is a daily pass which will cost you $5, or you can buy a yearly pass for $30. When purchasing the yearly pass you can also purchase a Secondary Vehicle pass for an additional $5, which is worth it if you are going with several people in two vehicles. For more information on the National Forest Recreation pass click here.
Idyllwild Hiking Trails
To view information on the Hiking trails click the links below
- Ernie Maxwell Trail
- Deer Springs Trail
- Devil’s Slide Trail
- Fuller Ridge Trail
- Seven Pines Trail
- Pacific Crest Trail
Weather Conditions at The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Check the weather conditions at top of the Tram before going on any hike in the Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness. Even in the summer storms can pass through which can make hiking dangerous. During the winter knowing if a storm is coming can save your life. Click here for weather conditions at top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Please use caution hikers!
Hiking in and around Palm Springs and at the top of the tram in the Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness can be very dangerous, and many people have to be rescued from the area at the top of the tram each year. Usually it is due to lack of preparation, such as having proper hiking equipment, plenty of water and also a map of the area. Just because it is a desert doesn’t mean it will not get cold in the winter, and it definitely gets very hot in the summer. Weather at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway can be hot in the summer, and very cold in the winter, and it can be windy and very dangerous. Wear proper clothing, have proper equipment and follow these hiking tips or you may pay with your life.
Also, please stay on the trails. There is no reason to get lost in this area if you stay on the trails and use common sense.
