1. You need a wilderness permit(can get at ranger station). 2. The road going out to the trailhead is really bumpy/unpaved. 3. Switchbacks on the steeper parts with good stopping points/views the whole way up 4. You can bring dogs– yay 5. 30% shade, 70% sunny 6. 8 miles round trip to look out point and back(4 miles each way)
Becky W.
Classificação do local: 5 Riverside, CA
This trail has amazing views. We hiked it when there was a solid cloud coverage in the valley so by the time we were only a ¼ mile in we were above the clouds. It has a very serious incline and I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners. The fire look out wasn’t open yet and we only saw about 10 other people on the trail. We were pretty well shaded on the way up but we started pretty early. If you start later in the day the sun will bake you once it is over the peak. Oh did I tell you the views are AMAZING! Oh yea I did. Check out my blog to get more details with trailheads and permit information. Happy Hiking Lovz2hike
C E.
Classificação do local: 5 Redlands, CA
This was our second time traveling this trail. The first time I had a head cold and didn’t make it past Lunch Rock(about 2 miles up the trail with a GREAT view!) but this time we made it all the way to the Fire Watch monument. Take your car up the dirt road until you get to the trail head sign. The dirt road has some ruts and gullies but our minivan make it just fine cuz we were careful. Once you park and start the hike, it doesn’t take long to start seeing some incredible views. We started at about 12:30 p.m. and I would recommend you start earlier and catch the morning cool air. There was shade along the way to take an edge off the heat. The hike just kept getting prettier and prettier. The last mile of the hike becomes steeper and more challenging. When you get to the junction sign pointing the way to Saddle Junction/Idyllwild, look for the little path that will take you to the Fire Lookout house.(It’s actually more like a shack!) The people inside were super friendly and it was nice to visit with them, sign the guest book, and get my «Squirrel Card,» which is something I’ve always wanted since hiking back when I was 6 months pregnant with my now-28 year old son! Bring a lunch and plenty to drink and sit on one of the many rocks overlooking Suicide Rock, Marion Ridge, Thomas Mountain, and yes! Palomar Observatory. All in all, we took 6 ½ hours to hike up and back and that included eating, stopping to catch views, and talking to the couple at the Fire Lookout. It was a beautiful hike!
Karma S.
Classificação do local: 4 San Diego, CA
South Ridge Trail is a rather underrated hiking trail in the Idyllwild area that is definitely off the beaten path. You’ll need to drive through 1 mile of dirt road to get to the summit. Besides the fact that you’ll have mostly this trail to yourself, another big plus to South Ridge Trail is that it allows dogs. This is a high quality trail from an aestethic standpoint that will not disappoint. The trail will take you through oak, chinnapquin, chapparal, and eventually a pine forest as you wind through numerous switchbacks. As you travel along the trail, you’ll also be treated to ample views of various-sized boulders that are scattered to the side. My dog Dharma and I hiked this trail in early April 2012 and couldn’t resist taking time away from the hike to go play on the boulders-some of which are towering and will challenge. The top of the trail is Tahquitz Peak which you’ll recognize by the lookout– often manned by park rangers. Be sure to have a permit to avoid getting a lecture. I wasn’t in very good shape on this day, so the hike up was on the strenuous side– nonetheless it was all worth it once I reached the summit and was able to take in the magnificent view. The round trip up and back is 8 miles.
