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Inland Empire Hikes
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Inland Empire Hikes Overview
Hiking trails are availble throughout the mountainous borders of the Inland Empire as well as the foothills of Chino and Riverside. Climb to the top of San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California. Ride the tram from Palm Springs to San Jacinto State Park at over 8,000 feet above sea level, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll through fields of spring flowers in Chino Hills State Park. We provided all the pieces you need to start your adventure including detailed maps, directions, website links and trail information.
Use this link to download USGS topographic maps like some of those we use below.
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Chino Hills State Park is located off Highway 91. This 12,000 acre park on the edge of urban development offers approximately 40 square miles of trails to explore. Popular with hikers and mountain bikers, trails lead over rolling hills and through oak shaded creek beds. The vistas offer panoramic views and surprising serenity. Spring and Fall are the best seasons for temperature and the rolling green hills. The most popular trail is the Hills-for-Everyone Trail.
DISTANCE: 14 mi / 22.4 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: East Entrance: From the 91 Freeway take Highway 71 north. Exit Soquel Canyon and turn left (west). Turn left on Elvinar Road and follow through the residential neighborhood. Once Elvinar turns becomes Sapphire Road the park entrance will be on your right. West Entrance: From the 91 Freeway take the 57 Freeway north. Exit Lambert Road and turn right (east). At Telegraph Canyon Raod will be a trailhead.
Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills, California 91709
(951) 780-6222
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Hotel |
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Sycamore Canyon Regional Park is located off Highway 215/60 west of Moreno Valley. This large city park is a protected open space on the edge of urban development. At approximately 3-miles in length it offers just enough room for both mountain bikers and hikers to enjoy. Trails lead over rolling hills and through oak shaded creek beds. The vistas offer panoramic views and surprising serenity. Spring and Fall are the best seasons for temperature and the rolling green hills.
DISTANCE: 3 mi / 4.8 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Highway 215/60, exit Central Avenue and head west. Watch for the park on your left. The most popular starting point is from the north off Central Avenue.
Sycamore Canyon Regional Park
Central Ave & Lochmoor Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
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Hotel |
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Box Springs Mountain Reserve is located off Highway 215/60 west of Moreno Valley. This large regional park offers 1,155 acres of trails for equestrians and hikers to enjoy. Trails follow rugged granite paths to Box Springs Mountain. The park is approximately 4-miles in length.
DISTANCE: 4 mi / 6.4 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Highway 60, exit Pigeon Pass Road just east of Interstate 215. Head north on Pigeon Pass approximately 2.5 miles and turn left on Box Springs Mountain Road.
Box Springs Mountain Reserve
9699 Box Springs Mountain Road
Moreno Valley, California 92557
(951) 684-7032
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The Cajon region is at the eastern edge of the San Gabriel Mountains. This region offers deep canyons and steep slopes with cliffs and narrow ridges. Evevation varies from 2,000 feet above sea level to over 9,000. Because of its elevation, snow play is available throughout including ski resorts.
Obtain maps, wilderness permits and trail information from the Lytle Creek/Cajon Ranger Station. From Interstate 15, exit Lytle Creek Road and head north. Continue for approximately 8-miles and the Ranger Station is just past the town of Lytle Creek.
Cajon Ranger Station
1209 Lytle Creek Road
Lytle Creek, CA 92358
(909) 382-2851
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Website
Cucamonga Peak
DISTANCE: 6.0 mi / 9.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: From the 210 Freeway, exit Mountain Avenue/Mt. Baldy exit and head north. Continue through a residential community at one point looping to the right then left and north again. Mountain Avenue eventually merges with Mt. Baldy Road and continues north. The Cucamonga Peak trailhead is located on right off Mt. Baldy Road approximately 1.5-miles beyond the town of Mt. Baldy.
DETAILS: Hike up Icehouse Canyon to the Cucamonga Peak Trail. Follow through thick chaparral of Cucamonga Canyon to Cucamonga Peak. Cucamonga Canyon
DISTANCE: 2.3 mi / 3.7 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: text here
DETAILS: Trail winds up Cucamonga Canyon through thick chaparral and loops back down to near the starting point. Views of Cucamonga Falls from highest point of trail. Mormon Rocks
DISTANCE: 1.0 mi / 1.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: From Interstate 15, exit Highway 138 and head west. Trailhead begins at the Mormon Rocks Fire Station just a short distance from Interstate 15.
DETAILS: Trail leads to geologic sandstone formations that are riddled with holes and caves. This was once a part of the historic Mormon Trail that settlers used while migrating west. Chaparral Neighborhood
DISTANCE: 0.3 mi / 0.5 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Exit Interstate 15 at Lytle Creek/Sierra Avenue and head north. Follow for approximately 9-miles through the town of Lytle Creek. Trail is found at the eastern edge of the Cajon Ranger Station.
DETAILS: Trail traverses a pine forest that was planted in the 1960's intermingled with native chaparral.
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Lake Arrowhead is located off of Highways 18 and 173 west of Big Bear. The lake is surrounded by conifer forest and ranges in altitude of 4,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation above sea level.
Obtain maps, wilderness permits and trail information from the Arrowhead Ranger Station. Located on Highway 18 in the town of Skyforest, approximately halfway between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear.
Arrowhead Ranger Station
28104 Highway 18
Skyforest, CA 92385
(909) 382-2782
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Website
Little Green Valley
DISTANCE: 4.6 mi / 7.4 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Trailhead on the north side of Highway 18 across the road from the Snow Valley Ski area.
DETAILS: Trail climbs steeply through a pine forest to a meadow before looping back again.
MAP Children's Forest Trail of the Phoenix
DISTANCE: 0.8 mi / 1.3 km
DIFFICULTY: Paved
START: Off Highway 18, turn right (south) on Kellar Peak Road just a short distance east of the community of Running Springs. Follow to the National Children's Forest.
DETAILS: Relatively flat, paved trail is specifically designed and maintained for the enjoyment of the blind and disabled.
MAP Children's Forest Exploration Trail
DISTANCE: 4.4 mi / 7.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Off Highway 18, turn right (south) on Kellar Peak Road just a short distance east of the community of Running Springs.
DETAILS: Choose from two trailheads either from the base or top of Kellar Peak. Great views from trail.
MAP Seeley Creek/Heart Rock
DISTANCE: 0.5 mi / 0.8 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: From Highway 138 turn off on Forest Service Road 2N03, about 1/4-mile south of Camp Seeley.
DETAILS: Cross Seeley Creek and follow creekside to the Heart Rock overlook.
MAP Hot Springs/Goat Trail
DISTANCE: 1.8 mi / 2.9 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Forest Service Road 3W02 near Bowen Ranch.
DETAILS: Descend rapidly to the south and Deep Creek. Hot Springs are located on the other side of Deep Creek. See the Deep Creek Hotsprings web page for more information on the hotsprings.
MAP Crab Creek/Fisherman's Camp
DISTANCE: 2.3 mi / 3.7 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead is 1.3-miles west of Crab Flats Campground off Forest Service Road 3N34.
DETAILS: Trail provides access to the Fisherman's Group Camp. Descend heading westward, making two creek crossings (Crab Creek & Deep Creek) before reaching Fisherman's Camp.
MAP Hawes Peak
DISTANCE: 4.5 mi / 7.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Forest Service Road 3N34, turn on FSR 2W08 just a short distance beyond the Tent Peg Campground.
DETAILS: Hike 1.3-miles to the Pacific Crest Trail. Follow the Pacific Crest Trail east 1/4-mile to FSR 2W14. Head left(north) on FSR 2W14 for 3.3-miles to Hawes Peak.
MAP Holcomb Crossing
DISTANCE: 1.6 mi / 2.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead about 1/2-mile west of Crab Flats Campground on Forest Service Road 3N34.
DETAILS: Trail descends rapidly to intersect with the Pacific Crest Trail. Only 1/4-mile further is the Holcomb Crossing Trail Camp.
MAP Heaps Peak Arboretum Sequoia
DISTANCE: 0.9 mi / 1.5 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: Approximately 1.4 miles east of Skyforest on Highway 18.
DETAILS: Self-guided interpretive trail. Learn about native plants and wildlife.
MAP Splinters Cabin/Pacific Crest Trail
DISTANCE: 40.0 mi / 64.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Entrance at Forest Service Road 3N16(Crab Flats Road) where it crosses Holcomb Creek. Exit at Boundary Ridge north of Cleghorn Mountain.
DETAILS: The Pacific Crest Trail follows the ridgeline of the San Bernardino Mountains as it passes through on its way from Canada to Mexico. Entry and exit points are found throughout, making it ideal for all skill levels.
MAP Northshore Trail/Little Bear
DISTANCE: 1.9 mi / 3.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Turn east on Torrey Road across from the Lake Arrowhead Marina. Make the first left and follow for 0.5-mile to Forest Service Road 2N25. The trailhead is on the right side of FSR 2N25 between North Shore Campground and Papoose Lake.
DETAILS: Trail slowly descends to Little Bear Creek and FSR 2N26Y.
MAP Metate/Rock Camp
DISTANCE: 0.4 mi / 0.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: From Highway 18, head north on Highway 189. Turn on to Grass Valley Road and continue north approximately 5-miles to Highway 173. Turn left on Highway 173 and continue to Rock Camp. Trailhead just east of Rock Camp Station on Highway 173.
DETAILS: Trail leads to bedrock mortars that were created by the Serrano Indians to grind acorns to flour.
MAP Pinnacles
DISTANCE: 1.8 mi / 2.9 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: From Highway 18, head north on Highway 189. Turn on to Grass Valley Road and continue north approximately 5-miles to Highway 173. Turn left on Highway 173 and continue north past Rock Camp. Trailhead is at the rifle range entrance off Highway 173.
DETAILS: Ascend quickly to the top of Pinnacles Peak for panoramic views. Sign-in book is at the top. Traversing this trail requires climbing over large boulders.
MAP
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Big Bear is located east of San Bernardino off Highway 18. Big Bear features campgrounds, cabins, hiking trails, ski resorts, a large lake for boating and fishing and more.
Obtain maps, wilderness permits and trail information from the Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center. Located on Highway 38 on the north side of Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center
41397 North Shore Drive
Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2790
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Website
Alpine Pedal Path
DISTANCE: 5.1 mi / 8.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Paved
START: Either the Discovery Center on the north shore of Big Bear Lake or from Stanfield Cutoff at the northeastern shore.
DETAILS: Paved bike path that cuts through meadows to follow the shoreline of Big Bear Lake. Popular with walkers, joggers, bikers, skaters and comfortable for strollers and wheelchairs. Connects the Discovery Center with Serrano Campground.
MAP Glory Ridge
DISTANCE: 0.7 mi / 1.1 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Off Highway 18, turn south on Glory Ridge Road 2-miles west of the Big Bear Lake Dam. Continue approximately 2-miles further to the trailhead that completes the rest of the journey to Bear Creek.
DETAILS: Trail drops steeply into a canyon via switchbacks.
MAP Castle Rock
DISTANCE: 2.4 mi / 3.8 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Turnout on south side of Highway 18, 1-mile east of Big Bear Dam.
DETAILS: Steep climb to Castle Rock which offers panoramic views. The second half of the trail levels out a bit.
MAP Champion Lodgepole
DISTANCE: 0.6 mi / 1.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: From Highway 18, head south on Mill Creek Road and follow for approximately 4.5-miles. Turn right on Forest Road 2N11. Parking and trailhead are at the end.
DETAILS: Short nature trail to a 115-foot Lodgepole Pine, one of the largest in California.
MAP Bluff Mesa
DISTANCE: 0.4 mi / 0.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: From Highway 18, head south on Mill Creek Road and follow for approximately 4.5-miles. Turn right on Forest Road 2N11. Parking and trailhead are at the end.
DETAILS: Starts at Champion Lodgepole Pine and heads to the Bluff Mesa Group Camp.
MAP Pineknot
DISTANCE: 3.2 mi / 5.1 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Highway 18, take Mill Creek Road south. Parking and trailhead are located at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area.
DETAILS: Steadily climb south to Grandview Point at over 7704-feet above sea level. Great panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and San Gorgonio wilderness from the top. Trail continues down the backside to San Gorgonio camps if you're in shape for it.
MAP Sugarloaf
DISTANCE: 0.0 mi / 0.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: From Big Bear, continue east on Highway 38 eventually curving south. Turn right on forest road 2N93/Hatchery Road toward Green Spot and Sugarloaf Trail. Continue approximately 4-miles to the Sugarloaf Trailhead.
DETAILS: Trail starts out on a dirt road and eventually follows a rideline west toward Sugarloaf Mountain. Sugarloaf is Big Bear's highest peak at over 9900-feet above sea level. Obscured views at the top.
MAP Woodland
DISTANCE: 1.5 mi / 2.4 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: Trailhead off Highway 38 approximately one mile west of the Big Bear Discovery Center.
DETAILS: Self-guided nature trail with pamphlets and posted stops describing botany, geology and wildlife of the region.
MAP Grays Peak
DISTANCE: 3.4 mi / 5.5 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Trailhead off Highway 38 a short distance west of Fawnskin.
DETAILS: Steadily climb north gradually lessening with the ultimate destination of Grays Peak at over 7900-feet above sea level.
MAP Grout Bay
DISTANCE: 13.0 mi / 20.8 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: text here
DETAILS: text here
MAP Cougar Crest
DISTANCE: 2.4 mi / 3.9 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead off Highway 38 a short distance west of the Big Bear Discovery Center.
DETAILS: Starts out easy and gradually increases in steepness. Heads north to meet up with the Pacific Crest Trail. You can continue east another mile on the Pacific Crest Trail to Bertha Peak at over 8200-feet above sea level.
MAP
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San Gorgonio is the highest peak in Southern California at 11,499-feet above sea level. Proper acclimation technique should be used when hiking to these heights. Usually an overnight stay at 7,000-feet before hiking will do the trick. The two most popular trails to the peak are the South Fork Trail from the north and Vivian Creek Trail from the west. The Vivian Creek Trail is shorter in distance but has a more strenuous elevation gain.
Obtain maps, wilderness permits and trail information from the San Gorgonio Ranger Station on the way up. You'll find them on the right side of Mill Creek Road (Highway 38) after driving through Mentone, and right before you begin the uphill climb.
San Gorgonio Ranger Station
34701 Mill Creek Road
Mentone, CA 92359
(909) 382-2881
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Interactive Topo Map |
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Website
South Fork Trail
DISTANCE: 11 mi / 17.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Take Jenks Lake Road off Highway 38. A parking lot is located at the trailhead.
DETAILS: This is the most popular route to San Gorgonio Peak. Narrow trail steadily climbs south passing several meadows. About halfway is a Y leading west to Dollar Lake and a two-mile shorter route to Gorgonio, or east to Dry Lake, Mine Shaft Saddle and several switchbacks to the peak.
MAP Vivian Creek Trail
DISTANCE: 7.8 mi / 12.5 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Turn off Highway 38 for the community of Forest Falls. Follow the road to the end where you'll find parking and the trailhead.
DETAILS: Second most popular route to the peak and shortest but steepest. Aggressively climb from start to finish with little rest at an average of 700 feet per mile.
MAP Aspen Grove Trail
DISTANCE: 2.0 mi / 3.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Highway 38, head south on Forest Service Road 1N02 approximately 6-miles east of the Barton Flats Visitor Center. Head right at the fork up 1N05 and follow to the trailhead parking. You can choose to hike from the 1N02 and 1N05 fork to avoid the rough 1N05 road.
DETAILS: From the 1N02/1N05 fork the going is easy at first and gradually increases to a moderate climb. From the trailhead parking at the end of Road 1N05, there's a small stream crossing into a grove of Quaking Aspens.
MAP Fish Creek Trail
DISTANCE: 5.7 mi / 9.1 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Highway 38, head south on Forest Service Road 1N02 approximately 6-miles east of the Barton Flats Visitor Center. Head right at the fork up 1N05 and follow several miles to the south to the trailhead parking.
DETAILS: Trail follows Fish Creek and heads west toward the San Gorgonio summit. Access to Dry Lake, North Fork and Sky High Trail. From Mine Shaft Saddle, add another 4.2 miles to the summit.
MAP Lost Creek Trail
DISTANCE: 6.3 mi / 10 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead parking lot across Highway 38 from the South Fork Campground.
DETAILS: Follow the Santa Ana River trail under the bridge and head right on the first dirt road. Follow the dirt up approximately 1-mile and veer off on the Lost Creek Trail. Trail follows the ridge to the west of Lost Creek up to Grinnell Ridge Camp. Continue another mile past Grinnell Ridge to meet up with the South Fork Trail.
MAP Big Falls Trail
DISTANCE: 0.1 mi / 0.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: From Highway 38, turn east on Valley of the Falls Road toward the community of Forest Falls. On the other side of the town, park in the big parking lot on the left before the picnic area.
DETAILS: Follow the creek to a crossing where you can then continue another short distance to an overlook that views one of Southern California's tallest waterfalls.
MAP Forsee Creek Trail
DISTANCE: 8.2 mi / 13.1 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: From Highway 38 and west of Barton Flats, turn of Jenks Lake Road. Turn right at the first dirt road and follow to the end where there is trailhead parking.
DETAILS: Climb steadily to the south toward San Bernardino Peak while crisscrossing Cienega and Stetson Creeks. Approximately 5-miles from the trailhead is Jackstraw Springs Camp and only another 3-miles to the San Bernardino Peak Trail.
MAP Ponderosa Vista Nature Trail
DISTANCE: 0.7 mi / 1.1 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: Highway 38 and west end of Jenks Lake Road.
DETAILS: This easy trail has interpretive markers and passes scenic points.
Santa Ana River Trail
DISTANCE: 33.0 mi / 53.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead parking lot across Highway 38 from the South Fork Campground.
DETAILS: From this starting point, the trail continues east approximately 5-miles to Heart Bar before meeting up with the Pacific Crest Trail. Heading west from this starting point follows the Santa Ana River down from the mountains for approximately 30-miles.
MAP Whispering Pines Trail
DISTANCE: 0.7 mi / 1.1 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: Highway 38 and west end of Jenks Lake Road.
DETAILS: This easy trail has interpretive markers and passes through a forest covered in wildflowers.
Rio Monte Trail
DISTANCE: 2.3 mi / 3.7 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Barton Flats Visitor Center
DETAILS: Trail follows an old logging road to Jenks Lake.
Jenks Lake Trail
DISTANCE: 1.1 mi / 1.8 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Barton Flats Visitor Center
DETAILS: Short, steep hike up to Jenks Lake. Connects with Barton Road and an old logging road to the lake.
Momyer Creek Trail
DISTANCE: 9.5 mi / 15.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: From Highway 38, turn east on Valley of the Falls Road toward the community of Forest Falls. On the other side of the town, park in the first parking lot on the left before the fire station.
DETAILS: Steep climb that passes several camps before reaching Dollar Lake Saddle. Choose from three trails that branch out from Dollar Saddle to San Bernardino Peak, San Gorgonio Peak or Dollar Lake. This is one of the most underused trails in the park.
MAP North Fork Trail
DISTANCE: 2.0 mi / 3.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Highway 38, head south on Forest Service Road 1N02 approximately 6-miles east of the Barton Flats Visitor Center. Head right at the fork up 1N05 and follow several miles to the south to the trailhead parking.
DETAILS: Follow Fish Creek Trail for approximate 6-miles. The North Fork/Whitewater Trail branches off to the south just before Mineshaft Saddle. Follow the North Fork trail to Mineshaft Flat and Big Tree camps.
MAP San Bernardino Peak Trail
DISTANCE: 10.2 mi / 16.3 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Highway 38, turn east on Manzanita in the town of Angeles Oaks. Make an immediate left, follow to Forest Road 1W07 and turn right. Follow the dirt road approximately 300-yards. Trailhead is behind the Angeles Oaks Fire Station.
DETAILS: Trail heads east toward San Bernardino Peak and passes two camps along the way. Trail connects to Forsee Creek Trail and San Gorgonio Peak Trail less than a mile past San Bernardino Peak. Great views from most of the trail.
MAP
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San Jacinto is located off highway 243 south of interstate 10 in Idyllwild. At 10,804 feet above sea level, Mt. San Jacinto is the second highest peak in Southern California and features pine forests, mountain meadows and granite rock formations. The park has two drive-in campgrounds near Idyllwild and hike-in camps at higher elevations. The Pacific Crest Trail that follows the highest peaks from Canada to Mexico passes through this park. A hiking trail links Idyllwild with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Palm Springs Tram. This was one of California's earliest parks and contains old-growth pine trees throughout. See our Cool Towns page for more details on Idyllwild.
Obtain maps, wilderness permits and trail information from the Idyllwild Ranger Station. If driving south from Interstate 10, you'll find them at the intersection of Highway 243 and Pine Crest Avenue just before entering the town of Idyllwild.
Idyllwild Ranger Station
54270 Pine Crest Avenue
Idyllwild, California 92549
(909) 382-2921
Map |
Interactive Topo Map |
Topo Map |
Website
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
DISTANCE: 3.2 mi / 5.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Interstate 10, head southeast on Highway 111 to Palm Springs. Turn right on Tramway Road and follow to the parking lot at the end. Take tram to the San Jacinto State Park at the top.
DETAILS: Several trails branch out from here going to various destinations like Round Valley, San Jacinto Peak, Willow Creek and much more. Mileage given is for Round Valley, which is the most popular trek from the upper tram station. See our Point of Interest page for more information on the Palm Springs Tram.
MAP Black Mountain
DISTANCE: 3.6 mi / 5.8 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Highway 243, 1.3-miles south of the Vista Grande Fire Station.
DETAILS: Trail climbs nearly 3,000-feet to the east and ends at Black Mountain. Views of the Banning Pass and San Gorgonio to the north.
MAP Fuller Ridge
DISTANCE: 7.5 mi / 12.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Deer Springs Camp deep in the San Jacinto Mountains. Other trails need to be taken to reach this trail.
DETAILS: The Fuller Ridge Trail starts near the Deer Springs Camp and follows the Pacific Crest Trail to the north. Trail follows the ridgeline to Fuller Ridge and Castle Rocks. Panoramic views.
MAP Deer Springs Trail to Suicide Rock
DISTANCE: 3.3 mi / 5.3 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Deer Springs Trail turnout 1-mile north of the town of Idyllwild.
DETAILS: Trail climbs nearly 2,000-feet. At 2.3-miles is a junction for San Jacinto Peak or Suicide Rock. Head right another mile to the top of Suicide Rock. Great views of Strawberry Valley and Idyllwild from the top.
MAP Marion Mountain
DISTANCE: 6 mi / 9.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Approximately 5-miles north of Idyllwild, turn off for the Stone Creek, Dark Canyon, Fern Basin and Marion Mountain Campgrounds. Follow the signs to the Marion Mountain Campground where you'll find the trailhead.
DETAILS: This is the shortest route to San Jacinto Peak. Trail climbs the ridge to Deer Springs Camp just below Marion Mountain. Continue on the Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak. Over 4,000-foot elevation gain rewards panoramic views from Southern California's second highest peak.
MAP Seven Pines
DISTANCE: 1.2 mi / 5.3 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Approximately 5-miles north of Idyllwild, turn off for the Stone Creek, Dark Canyon, Fern Basin and Marion Mountain Campgrounds. Watch for a left turn shortly after Stone Creek Campground that leads to Dark Canyon Campground. Follow the campground loop and make a right onto the dirt road and follow for about 1.5-miles to the trailhead.
DETAILS: Trail climbs southwest to meet up with the Pacific Crest Trail just a short distance west of Deer Springs.
MAP Pinyon
DISTANCE: 4.9 mi / 7.9 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Pinyon Flats Campground off Highway 74.
DETAILS: Trail heads west to meet up with the Palm Canyon Trail within the Santa Rosa Mountains.
MAP Devil's Slide
DISTANCE: 2.5 mi / 4.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Highway 243 in Idyllwild, turn east on Pine Crest Avenue. Follow several blocks. Shortly after merging with North Circle Drive, make a right on South Circle and a quick left on Fern Valley Road. Follow Fern Valley Road to the end where you'll find Humber Park and two trailheads. The first trailhead on the right is the Ernie Maxwell Trail and the one further up the road is Devil's Slide.
DETAILS: Trail ascends quickly to Saddle Junction. From Saddle Junction are several trails to choose from leading to the destinations of San Jacinto Peak, Palm Springs Tram or Tahquitz Peak.
MAP
Ernie Maxwell Trail
DISTANCE: 2.6 mi / 4.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
START: From Highway 243 in Idyllwild, turn east on Pine Crest Avenue. Follow several blocks. Shortly after merging with North Circle Drive, make a right on South Circle and a quick left on Fern Valley Road. Follow Fern Valley Road to the end where you'll find Humber Park and two trailheads. The first trailhead on the right is the Ernie Maxwell Trail and the one further up the road is Devil's Slide.
DETAILS: Trail slowly decends heading south along the southern edge of Strawberry Valley. Views of Suicide Rock and Tahquitz Peak along the way. Eventually connects to the southern end of the town of Idyllwild.
MAP South Ridge
DISTANCE: 4.5 mi / 7.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead off of Saunders Meadow Road or Tahquitz View Drive in south Idyllwild. Turn off on Forest Service Road 5S11 and follow to the trailhead.
DETAILS: Climb 2,000-feet to Tahquitz Peak along the ridgeline. Excellent views of Strawberry Valley and Idyllwild.
MAP Spitler Peak Trail
DISTANCE: 4.1 mi / 6.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Apple Canyon Road in Garner Valley.
DETAILS: Ascend over 2,000-feet in elevation to intersect with the Pacific Crest Trail north of Spitler Peak.
MAP Climbers Trail
DISTANCE: 1.5 mi / 2.4 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: From Highway 243 in Idyllwild, turn east on Pine Crest Avenue. Follow several blocks. Shortly after merging with North Circle Drive, make a right on South Circle and a quick left on Fern Valley Road. Follow Fern Valley Road to the trailhead. If you've reached Humber Park, you've gone too far.
DETAILS: Trail provides access for rock climbers to Suicide Rock.
MAP Palm Canyon
DISTANCE: 9.0 mi / 14.4 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead off Highway 74 west of Pinyon Flats Campground.
DETAILS: Descends north through Palm Canyon ending in Palm Springs. Permission required from the Agua Caliente Band of Indians - 760.323.6018.
MAP Sawmill
DISTANCE: 3.5 mi / 5.6 km
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous
START: Across from the Pinyon Flats Campground off Highway 74.
DETAILS: Follow the Sawmill Truck Trail approximately 5.5-miles up to the Sawmill trail. Over 4,000-feet elevation gain awards huge views of the Coachella Valley.
MAP South Fork
DISTANCE: 4.0 mi / 6.4 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Parking at a Caltrans cinder bin turnout off Highway 74.
DETAILS: Trail descends to the South Fork San Jacinto River before climbing to Rouse Ridge Road (5S15).
MAP Ramona Trail
DISTANCE: 3.6 mi / 5.8 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead off Highway 74 approximately 3.5-miles south of Lake Hemet.
DETAILS: Trail ascends 1,500-feet to Toolbox Springs along Thomas Mountain Road. Views of Garner Valley.
MAP Fobes Trail
DISTANCE: 1.7 mi / 2.7 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead off Fobes Ranch Road to the east of Anza.
DETAILS: Trail ascends to intersect with the Pacific Crest Trail between Spitler and Palm View Peaks.
MAP Cahuilla Mountain Trail
DISTANCE: 2.5 mi / 4.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead at Cahuilla Saddle on Forest Road 6S22 east of Anza.
DETAILS: Trail climbs over 1,000-feet to the top of Cahuilla Mountain at 5,604-feet in elevation.
MAP Webster
DISTANCE: 2.5 mi / 4.0 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Forest Service Road 5S10.
DETAILS: Trail descends to the North Fork San Jacinto River. An 1800-foot elevation gain awards views of the San Jacinto and Hemet Valleys.
MAP Cedar Spring Trail
DISTANCE: 3.0 mi / 4.8 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Trailhead off Morris Ranch Road in Garner Valley.
DETAILS: Dirt Road climbs to connect with the Pacific Crest Trail south of Palm View Peak.
MAP Cactus Spring Trail
DISTANCE: 4.5 mi / 7.2 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
START: Across from the Pinyon Flats Campground off Highway 74. Look for trail at the east end of the parking lot.
DETAILS: Trail descends to Horsethief Creek and on to Martinez Canyon at Highway 86.
MAP
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