Lauren’s Guide to Idy

Lauren
Lauren’s Guide to Idy

Neighborhoods

It’s important to be a good Neighboor. When visiting, please be respectful of our community and help to keep it the quiet charming mountain town it is. If you are looking to enjoy some party time, idyllwild is not that town. There are very strict rules & guidelines for vacation rentals to be able to operate in idyllwild. Every surrounding neighbor (no matter where you stay in Idy) has your host’s info & a 24hr complaint hotline #. Don’t be the reason a host loses their operating permit. You’ll be asked to vacate premises immediately with no refund.
Айдилуайлд-Пайн-Ков
It’s important to be a good Neighboor. When visiting, please be respectful of our community and help to keep it the quiet charming mountain town it is. If you are looking to enjoy some party time, idyllwild is not that town. There are very strict rules & guidelines for vacation rentals to be able to operate in idyllwild. Every surrounding neighbor (no matter where you stay in Idy) has your host’s info & a 24hr complaint hotline #. Don’t be the reason a host loses their operating permit. You’ll be asked to vacate premises immediately with no refund.

Things to do

Idy is known for Lilacs! Beautiful Lilac bush garden just a few blocks from the cabin. Bring some wine or a picnic and enjoy the space. They open while the lilacs are in bloom… usually sometime in April through May/June.
Alpenglow Lilac Gardens
25025 Fern Valley Road
Idy is known for Lilacs! Beautiful Lilac bush garden just a few blocks from the cabin. Bring some wine or a picnic and enjoy the space. They open while the lilacs are in bloom… usually sometime in April through May/June.
Meet the Mayor, Mayor Max (yes, we actually elected a dog as our Mayor!) He is usually in town weekdays at 4pm & weekends @ 2pm. You can also meet his “deputies” Mitzi & Mikey, and Vice President Meadow (His siblings😂). You can also call to arrange a private meet & greet.
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Idyllwild-Pine Cove
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Meet the Mayor, Mayor Max (yes, we actually elected a dog as our Mayor!) He is usually in town weekdays at 4pm & weekends @ 2pm. You can also meet his “deputies” Mitzi & Mikey, and Vice President Meadow (His siblings😂). You can also call to arrange a private meet & greet.
Explore the shops of Downtown Idyllwild! There are so many cute little shops to buy souvenirs and check out local artwork.
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Idyllwild-Pine Cove
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Explore the shops of Downtown Idyllwild! There are so many cute little shops to buy souvenirs and check out local artwork.
Pines-to-Palms”scenic byway: This is a famous, beautiful stretch of highway 74 that takes you from idyllwild to Palm Springs…takes about an hour each way. Beautiful day-drive.
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Idyllwild-Pine Cove
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Pines-to-Palms”scenic byway: This is a famous, beautiful stretch of highway 74 that takes you from idyllwild to Palm Springs…takes about an hour each way. Beautiful day-drive.
Check out a movie at the rustic… a neat theater in the middle of downtown.
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The Rustic Theatre, Idyllwild
54290 N Circle Dr
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Check out a movie at the rustic… a neat theater in the middle of downtown.
Living Free is a nonprofit animal sanctuary whose primary mission is to rescue dogs and cats whose time is up at public shelters. Also home to War Horse Creek, an immersive transition training program using rescued wild mustangs to assist veterans as they adjust to civilian life They offer tours of 5 people or less at a time. Call to reserve.
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Living Free Animal Sanctuary
54250 Keen Camp Rd
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Living Free is a nonprofit animal sanctuary whose primary mission is to rescue dogs and cats whose time is up at public shelters. Also home to War Horse Creek, an immersive transition training program using rescued wild mustangs to assist veterans as they adjust to civilian life They offer tours of 5 people or less at a time. Call to reserve.
Bring your fishing gear or have a picnic by the lake. There is a little cafe and a store that offers boat rentals and fishing licenses. An adventure pass is required to park there. Swimming is not permitted.
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Lake Hemet
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Bring your fishing gear or have a picnic by the lake. There is a little cafe and a store that offers boat rentals and fishing licenses. An adventure pass is required to park there. Swimming is not permitted.
Stop by the Idyllwild Museum and soak up some history.
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Idyllwild Area Historical Society
54470 N Circle Dr
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Stop by the Idyllwild Museum and soak up some history.
Stop by the silver pines lodge and check out the large Koi pond.
Silver Pines Lodge
25955 Cedar Street
Stop by the silver pines lodge and check out the large Koi pond.
Check out the FREE summer concert series starting Thurs July 7th, and every Thursday after that for 8 consecutive weeks.
Butterfield Amphitheater
54201 CA-243
Check out the FREE summer concert series starting Thurs July 7th, and every Thursday after that for 8 consecutive weeks.
Annual tree lighting ceremony! Saturday after thanksgiving, festivities start at 2pm: Santa visits, live music, vendors, games, and more! Tree lighting is at sundown (around 5:15pm)
Town Center
54265 Village Center Dr
Annual tree lighting ceremony! Saturday after thanksgiving, festivities start at 2pm: Santa visits, live music, vendors, games, and more! Tree lighting is at sundown (around 5:15pm)
The Great Annual Pumpkin Carnival -Halloween celebration! Costume parade downtown starting at 4:15pm on Halloween. trick or treat at downtown businesses, live music & vendors, costume contests for kids, adults , & dogs!
Town Center
54265 Village Center Dr
The Great Annual Pumpkin Carnival -Halloween celebration! Costume parade downtown starting at 4:15pm on Halloween. trick or treat at downtown businesses, live music & vendors, costume contests for kids, adults , & dogs!
A paint your own pottery store in the middle of downtown idyllwild.
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Earth 'n' Fire
54225 N Circle Dr
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A paint your own pottery store in the middle of downtown idyllwild.
Fun little arcade in the middle of downtown!
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Mountain Maniacs Arcade
54225 N Circle Dr
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Fun little arcade in the middle of downtown!
Live music at cafe aroma this summer
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Cafe Aroma
54750 N Circle Dr
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Live music at cafe aroma this summer
Call to schedule a pottery class during your stay!
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Mountain Pottery
54240 N Circle Dr
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Call to schedule a pottery class during your stay!
Need to hit the gym during your stay? Check out this new establishment that welcomes both locals & visitors.
Pharos Athletic Club Idyllwild
Need to hit the gym during your stay? Check out this new establishment that welcomes both locals & visitors.
There is a self service laundry mat in town as well as a laundry pick up & delivery service
Idyllwild Laundry Service
There is a self service laundry mat in town as well as a laundry pick up & delivery service
Idyllwild delivery service There are only 2 small markets in town. If you need items from a store such as sprouts, etc… you can schedule a delivery from this Lady who will drive down the hill & pick up your groceries for you.
Айдилуайлд-Пайн-Ков
Idyllwild delivery service There are only 2 small markets in town. If you need items from a store such as sprouts, etc… you can schedule a delivery from this Lady who will drive down the hill & pick up your groceries for you.
Sunset!!! This is a really beautiful spot to go check out a gorgeous sunset. A little hard to find through maps, but if you take double view rd to the end you will find it. There are often other people here, playing music & doing artwork.
Инспирейшен Пойнт, Айдилуайлд-Пайн Ков, Калифорния 92549, США
Sunset!!! This is a really beautiful spot to go check out a gorgeous sunset. A little hard to find through maps, but if you take double view rd to the end you will find it. There are often other people here, playing music & doing artwork.

Food scene

Great food & drinks… close to the cabin. This is the best spot in idyllwild. Many vegan & gluten free options as well. This is a busy spot, I recommend making reservations. -Dog friendly
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Cafe Aroma
54750 N Circle Dr
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Great food & drinks… close to the cabin. This is the best spot in idyllwild. Many vegan & gluten free options as well. This is a busy spot, I recommend making reservations. -Dog friendly
Try the pork chop or chicken cordon bleu & Manhattan cocktail. The patio has a great view of Tahquitz Rock. -Dog friendly
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Restaurant Gastrognome
54381 Ridgeview Dr
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Try the pork chop or chicken cordon bleu & Manhattan cocktail. The patio has a great view of Tahquitz Rock. -Dog friendly
Excellent breakfast spot. Everything is delicious! Great patio to sit and people watch. Dog friendly.
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Mama's Egg House
54241 Ridgeview Dr
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Excellent breakfast spot. Everything is delicious! Great patio to sit and people watch. Dog friendly.
Great spot to grab an ice cold beer after a long hike :) huge shaded patio area that looks out to the pines. They have a food menu (with doggy options!) as well.
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Idyllwild Brewpub
54423 Village Center Dr
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Great spot to grab an ice cold beer after a long hike :) huge shaded patio area that looks out to the pines. They have a food menu (with doggy options!) as well.
Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer overlooking town center.
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The Wine Finch
54225 North Circle Drive
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Enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer overlooking town center.
Great brunch / lunch spot that just opened up in 2022.
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Alpaca Coffee & Tea
26600 CA-243
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Great brunch / lunch spot that just opened up in 2022.

Hiking

This is a popular spot located about 1 mile from the cabin. I recommend going early on the weekends as parking fills up. There are two trailheads, a large parking area & restrooms (parking lot for humber park is closed in the winter… the Ernie maxwell trail can be accessed via the south ridge trail road - you’d be starting the trail from the end vs. the start) Ernie Maxwell Trail: Probably the most popular hike in Idy. No permit needed, dogs allowed. Great for kids as it’s not too long, relatively flat, and lots of shade. Devil’s slide trail This is a steep hike, beautiful with lots of views. Go as far as you like. Bring crampons with you through May (Ice). Dogs allowed. You’ll need to grab a permit at the ranger’s station across from Idy Sushi before going.
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Humber Park
24559 Fern Valley Rd
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This is a popular spot located about 1 mile from the cabin. I recommend going early on the weekends as parking fills up. There are two trailheads, a large parking area & restrooms (parking lot for humber park is closed in the winter… the Ernie maxwell trail can be accessed via the south ridge trail road - you’d be starting the trail from the end vs. the start) Ernie Maxwell Trail: Probably the most popular hike in Idy. No permit needed, dogs allowed. Great for kids as it’s not too long, relatively flat, and lots of shade. Devil’s slide trail This is a steep hike, beautiful with lots of views. Go as far as you like. Bring crampons with you through May (Ice). Dogs allowed. You’ll need to grab a permit at the ranger’s station across from Idy Sushi before going.
Tahquitz Rock Via Friction Route - Great short hike, but steep! Close to the cabin. Amazing view from (almost) the top of Tahquitz rock. Use the Ernie Maxwell trailhead. Recommend using the All Trails app as the turn off is unmarked. I do not recommend bringing dogs or kids as it is steep, slippery, and breezy at the top.
Tahquitz Rock (Lily Rock)
Tahquitz Rock Via Friction Route - Great short hike, but steep! Close to the cabin. Amazing view from (almost) the top of Tahquitz rock. Use the Ernie Maxwell trailhead. Recommend using the All Trails app as the turn off is unmarked. I do not recommend bringing dogs or kids as it is steep, slippery, and breezy at the top.
This is a small day use lake with picnic tables & restrooms. There is a walking trail that goes around the lake. Really pretty drive to get there and tons of trailheads up the road on the 243 from the house. It can be closed in winter.
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Lake Fulmor Day Use Area
Hall Decker Road
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This is a small day use lake with picnic tables & restrooms. There is a walking trail that goes around the lake. Really pretty drive to get there and tons of trailheads up the road on the 243 from the house. It can be closed in winter.
South ridge Trail” Hard, 8 mile out-and-back hike (steep) great hike for winter hiking (bring crampons!) Not far from the cabin, great views along the way or even just a good place to go play in the snow. The road is usually closed, so you’ll have a pretty step hike for about a mile & a half before getting to the trail. There are dispersed camping spots along the way to the trail.
Сан Джацинто Уайлдернесс
South ridge Trail” Hard, 8 mile out-and-back hike (steep) great hike for winter hiking (bring crampons!) Not far from the cabin, great views along the way or even just a good place to go play in the snow. The road is usually closed, so you’ll have a pretty step hike for about a mile & a half before getting to the trail. There are dispersed camping spots along the way to the trail.
Deer Springs Trail Beautiful hike with creek crossings. Grab a permit from the ranger station across from Idy Sushi before going. No dogs allowed on this trail. Located off the 243 highway on the right across from the wilderness center.
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Государственный парк Маунт-Сан-Хасинто
25905 CA-243
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Deer Springs Trail Beautiful hike with creek crossings. Grab a permit from the ranger station across from Idy Sushi before going. No dogs allowed on this trail. Located off the 243 highway on the right across from the wilderness center.

Рекомендации для путешественников

Транспорт

Adventure Pass required

An adventure pass is required to be displayed in your vehicle on most trails in Idyllwild. We have one at the cabin for you to use during your stay. They can also be purchased from the village market and the gas station. $5 for a day pass, $30 for a year pass. Cash only.
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Plan your dining

Depending on the time of year, many restaurants in town are closed mon-weds, or have early closing hours, plan ahead when possible so you don’t miss out on an experience. The village market is a great store that has everything you need to make a delicious meal at the cabin :)
Не пропустите

Farmers Market

Usually on sundays from 9a-2 by town hall. Full of all kinds of neat finds!
Что взять с собой

Cramp-ons / shoe spikes

Be aware of icy / snowy hikes. I always suggest bringing cramp-ons/spikes for your boots if you’re hiking in fall-spring. The San Jacinto Mountains go to almost 11kft elevation
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Poison Oak

There is not much poison oak in Idyllwild, but it does exist, be aware. It can be very abundant on trails down the mountain and near creeks. Use caution. We have poison oak wipes at the cabin for your use (ok to use on pets too) just in case!
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Uber / Lift

Can be difficult to find… plan on walking and/or driving. There is usually plenty of parking available around town.
Что взять с собой

Snow chains

Check the weather! Chains will be required for any vehicle that is not 4wd with snow tires in snowy/icy conditions. Check the cal trans website for road conditions & chain controls.
Транспорт

BBQ Permits

Anyone using a BBQ has to get a free permit from the fire dept. charcoal BBQs are not allowed.
Забронировать до поездки

Be prepared!

If traveling in winter, carry chains. Even if you have 4wd w/ snow tires. Weather changes quickly on the mountain, and roads are icy in the morning & evening hours due to snow melt. Download the Caltrans QuickMap app for road conditions, & weather underground for accurate, detailed weather forecast by the hour.
Транспорт

Trail permits

Some trails in idyllwild (such as devils slide) require hikers to have a permit (and yes, rangers are on the trail & check for this!) They do this to know who’s on the trails & control over-crowding. You can pick up a permit at the ranger station across from Idy sushi. Go early or the day before so they don’t run out of permits.