BearRoam Idyllwild
11 verified trails near Idyllwild. Distances and permits are permanent trail facts — for today's conditions and closures use the agency links below.
Conditions are not the same as trail info
We do not estimate snow, mud, fire closures or water crossings. Check the managing agency the day you go.
Hard · 2.4 mi · 1,654 ft gain
Trailhead: Humber Park, Idyllwild
Main access route into the San Jacinto Wilderness, climbing steadily from Humber Park to Saddle Junction.
Permits: Wilderness day-use permit required; limited Saturday/Sunday quota Memorial Day–Labor Day (self-issue at Humber Park or Ranger Station).
Moderate · 5.2 mi · 675 ft gain
Trailhead: Humber Park / Fern Valley, Idyllwild
A gently rolling, well-shaded trail skirting Fern Valley, popular as an easy family option overlooking the Idyllwild area.
Permits: No wilderness permit required (outside designated wilderness); Adventure Pass may be required for Humber Park parking.
Moderate · 7 mi · 1,830 ft gain
Trailhead: Deer Springs Trailhead, Hwy 243, Idyllwild
Climbs through oak and pine forest to a granite outcropping overlooking Idyllwild and the surrounding peaks.
Permits: Free wilderness day-use permit required for the San Jacinto Wilderness portion.
Hard · 3.8 mi · 2,400 ft gain
Trailhead: South Ridge Trailhead, off Hwy 243/Tahquitz Peak Rd near Idyllwild
Moderately strenuous climb beginning at 6,450 feet to the historic Tahquitz Peak fire lookout, with views of the Desert Divide and Strawberry Valley.
Permits: Free wilderness day-use permit required.
Hard · 12.4 mi · 4,500 ft gain
Trailhead: Marion Mountain Campground, Hwy 243
The steepest of the standard San Jacinto Peak routes, gaining over 4,000 feet from Marion Mountain Campground to the 10,834-foot summit.
Permits: Free wilderness permit required; Adventure Pass required for vehicle parking at trailhead.
Hard · 7.7 mi · 2,687 ft gain
Trailhead: Black Mountain Trailhead off Hwy 243 near Idyllwild
Climbs to the Black Mountain fire lookout at 7,772 feet, passing a grove of giant sequoias planted in 1974.
Permits: Adventure Pass required for parking; outside wilderness boundary so no wilderness permit required for day hiking.
Hard · 8 mi · 3,600 ft gain
Trailhead: Seven Pines Trailhead, Fuller Ridge Rd (Forest Route 4S01)
A quieter, longer approach into the San Jacinto Wilderness that connects to the Pacific Crest Trail near Deer Springs.
Permits: Free wilderness day-use permit required beyond the wilderness boundary.
Hard · 30 mi · 7,000 ft gain
Trailhead: Highway 74 near Paradise Café / Fuller Ridge
This section of the PCT climbs from the desert floor near Garner Valley up and over the San Jacinto high country before descending toward I-10, passing near Idyllwild for resupply.
Permits: Long-distance PCT permit recommended for thru-hikers; wilderness permit required within San Jacinto Wilderness.
Moderate · 4.5 mi · 800 ft gain
Trailhead: Caltrans cinder-bin turnout on Hwy 74, west of Mountain Center
Descends to the South Fork of the San Jacinto River providing access to fishing, then climbs gradually to Rouse Ridge Road.
Permits: Wilderness day-use permit not required (non-wilderness trail).
Easy · 2.5 mi · 406 ft gain
Trailhead: Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Hwy 243, Idyllwild
An easy out-and-back trail through old-growth forest with large trees and granite boulders inside the county park.
Permits: No wilderness permit required; nature center day-use fee applies.
Moderate · 3.2 mi · 785 ft gain
Trailhead: Idyllwild Nature Center, 25225 Hwy 243, Idyllwild
A local-favorite loop around the perimeter of Idyllwild County Park with some steep sections through the county's 5+ miles of trail.
Permits: No wilderness permit required; nature center day-use fee applies.
Hiking
Idyllwild is the gateway to the San Jacinto Wilderness. Many trails need a permit, and current conditions come only from the agencies below.
Wilderness permits, closures and fire restrictions
State park trails, permits and current advisories