This was a nice and easy hike around 5 miles round trip. It's pretty much out and back. Theres a good amount of parking near the trail. The parking can get busy since there's other trails nearby. Where we started, there was a creek right in the beginning. There's a distinct trail to follow and the terrain isn't too bad. Theres some rocks here and there. The views were amazing as we were able to see different types of trees, mountain, birds, and squirrels. It got a little repetitive towards the end because it looked like we were passing by the same thing over and over. read more

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This is such a perfect hiking trail!!! It's called the scenic route but I think the distance and slow incline are a perfect workout for those of us that don't go hiking too often. It's a very beautiful trail with a couple creeks and lot of people with their dogs. Would definitely hike this trail again just for a calming walk with nice views. read more

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very easy, meh hike. You can park along the road & do the uphill portion first (I recommend doing it this way) Or you can park in a parking lot and do the uphill on the way back to your vehicle. It's an out and back trail. About 2.5 miles each way from trailhead to trailhead - takes around 2 to 3 hours. Path is kept clear - we saw lots of families and dogs on this trail. It just didn't have spectacular views in my opinion, making it a mehhhh hike. read more

Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail - Hiking Near Me

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Moderate hike, half shaded, with some pretty nice Yosemite-esque views! I enjoyed some fall foliage in mid-November. Nothing mind blowing, more like a nice walk with some incline to get your cardio in. Dogs allowed on leash and limited parking available at trail head. read more

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Great trail! Easy to follow trail with great views. Elevation is slight. There is minimal water this time of year. Parking was easy but it was a slower hiking day. Be prepared to be creative with parking. read more

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Easy and nice, We were able to use our America the beautiful pass that Rdawg has. You did need a special permit to go up to hike devils slide hike, the ranger stopped us to let us know and was turning people back to get one. We walked down to the entrance for Ernie maxwell scenic trail. It was an easy trail and glad we started around 8 am any later it would have been too hot. We had enough shade and were able to hike without getting wet. We passed a couple streams with flowing water. read more

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Can't wait to go back. Beautiful scenery everywhere. It was difficult at all. Everyone we walked by were friendly. Pet friendly as well read more

A great hike, I recommend starting at the bottom of the hill so that your walk back is easier! read more

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This is an easy hike and be in nature minutes away from town. You ll enjoy it Highly recommended read more

This is a very nice hike. Parking is rough, though. You park along the side of the mountain and hopefully, leave enough space for cars to still pass by. At the time of our visit, no Adventure Pass was required for parking but please do your own homework and don't send me your parking ticket. We didn't complete the full hike but I understand it's an out and back, 2.3 miles each way. The elevation gain is very gradual throughout and I would definitely classify this as an easy hike. There's plenty of shade, too, which is very nice. There are also very nice views throughout the hike and plenty of places to rest (just on rocks and such, no benches or anything like that). It wasn't too buggy during our visit and there were plenty of birds and squirrels to enjoy. Well worth a visit. read more

Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail - Beautiful views throughout the hike. - Hiking Near Me

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This was a ~4.6 mile round trip that took ~2.5 hours to complete. Trail was easy to follow; microspikes were helpful. There were 3 or 4 small stream crossings; all do-able without getting wet. Furthermore, there were 3 areas with downed trees on the trail. This was a peaceful and enjoyable hike. Unfortunately, the end of the trail was anticlimactic as it ends at a road without any exceptional view. Parking was limited since there are many popular trails in the same area. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/R9bkBHtQfQY read more

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Easy trail to get to and to walk on. Very family friendly. Gets hot in the summer and during midday. Parking is easy. Make sure you get adventure pass about few miles away in town , at ranger station or the gas station around the ranger station. Overall enjoyed the hike. Good scenery and best of all lots of shades. Would definitely recommend for anyone seeking an easy and leisurely trail walk. read more

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A great hike with great scenery, definitely not difficult at all. Plenty of areas of shade even at high noon! Very small stream crossings but tons of wild life. Be cautious of rattle snakes! Encountered one on my last visit. Also the area can have poison oak, so keep an eye out for that.. especially by water and at the base of trees. Mountain lions are also possible but more likely to be spotted at dusk and dawn (DO NOT RUN, make yourself big & loud, do not turn your back) Please take care of the trail(: pack out what you packed in read more

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Great there and back trail. Well maintained. Amazing to sit and listen to the falling water and the various birds singing in the background. Wide path, not too steep, relatively shady for a trail on June 24 at about 1pm. read more

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Although it's an easy trail, I'd like to warn those who are afraid of height to prepare for some areas that are steep. This trail can be seen on your right side, immediately after turning right by the Humber park sign. Do not go all the way up as it will lead you to the San Jacinto Wilderness Park. Unless, of course, if you want to take that trail too. . read more

Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail - Trail entrance - Hiking Near Me

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This is one of my favorite trails in Idyllwild! It is very scenic like its name and there is so much to see. Definitely one of the better and interesting trails to be in. I love natures and plants and there are so much to see, you can also see the many different pine cones on this trail. Also, if you're up for it, you can totally do a nice trail run on this. read more

Beautiful and easy trail! We started from the southern entrance because it is free parking and you start uphill, then when your tired you can go downhill . read more

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Idyllwild is a great place to hike and has some of the funnest trails in the area. The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail might be the most used out of all of them. In order to hike this trail from Humber Park you'll need to purchase an Adventure parking pass at the ranger station in town ( $5 for the day or $30 for a year). However, unlike the other trailheads that originate from Humber Park, you DO NOT need the Wilderness pass. The Wilderness passes are distributed on a first come / first served basis at the Ranger station downtown Idyllwild and they DO run out during the summer weekends! The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is really popular because it's relatively easy and good for newbies, families, and senior citizens. It's about 4.5 miles there and back, but don't underestimate it's lack of huge elevation jumps as it not being able to kick your butt. You are at some elevation and it might be very hot/cold depending on the weather. Bring way more water than you think will be required ( and bring some food like apples / bars). PROS - No Wilderness Pass required ( Remember, you still need to buy an Adventure parking pass) - The whole family (all ages) can hike this trail. Dogs too.. CONS - It's popular and at times it's hard to feel like you're outdoors on busy days. - There and back can be a bit boring on this trail because it all looks mostly the same. - A lot of dogs unleashed, but not were scary. And no POOP on the trail ( Which is a pro) read more

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I am not going to fool anyone! If you are just beginning to wake up your muscles and you are just blubber like me. This is your beginners trail. It is really and easy one and super shady. Really pretty and peaceful especially if are alone. Trust me this is a piece of cake hike. the only thing you need to maybe worry is the thin air. That is the only thing that really slows me down. I have been coming out and about to this trail for about seven years. I have never seen a bear or mountain Lions. Only people and dogs. No bathrooms only at Humber Park. So yes pack TP and H20. read more

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This is a fun and scenic trail. It's not a loop trail. The path is well defined. It took us about two hours. read more

Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail - Hiking Near Me

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. The advice we got was to get a parking pass before you come here. They were right, we saw people getting ticketed. This is a really beautiful trail and very scenic. We got out pass at the ranger station and then went up to walk the trail. We came with out pitbull mix puppy who absolutely loved it. There was a little stream, lots of little places to sit down along the walkway and it was actually very populated. Now I see why! It's about a 5 mile hike if you do the whole thing, we only did about 2 miles of it but it was very beautiful. We saw lots of large lizards and birds along the way, this is just a really nice hike. It's great for beginners or people who aren't really into hiking. This felt a little more just like walking. Highly recommend, it's very important to go out there and experience nature. read more

The terrain is easy to moderate hike. Very appropriate for beginners. If you enjoy nature, this trail is a treat. Full of beautiful things to enjoy. Flowers in different colors: pink (Manzanilla), red, yellow, purple and orange. There were at least 5 different running creeks (big and small). Very peaceful and pretty. This trail, to me, offers a lot for a short hike of 2.6 miles round-trip. It is well worth the hike. Bring water and snacks to enjoy along the way. Happy trails! read more

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Make sure you stop at the Ranger Station to get a parking permit before you arrive. If you don't, the drive back isn't too far but it is something you don't want to forget to do. The parking lot is pretty small so the earlier you arrive it's probably better. The trail is fun and has lots of things to look at as well as very nice views. The hike is easy so it is great for beginners. The trail is fairly flat and wide so it is a comfortable walk. read more

Absolutely LOVED this trail!! Very scenic and lots of shade. We took our time and enjoyed every moment. We had our Golden retriever with us too. She had plenty of rest stops along the way. Highly recommend!! read more

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Definitely go early on the weekends and also because once that sun hits it'll get toasty. Great trail for beginners, just don't underestimate the return trip. Im in fair shape, and still made it through. Ah-mazing picture opportunities for scenery and fashion shots. read more

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If you've been level 1 hiking on flat terrain and are ready to level up to a little elevation, this is the perfect trail. I've been on this "DOG" friendly trail a number of times and it's perfect for families. There's little creeks crossing the trail periodically(great for dogs), plenty of shade, and the grade isn't that intense. Recommend during the warmer months you hike earlier in the morning but, even then it's not that bad. There are rattlesnakes so just be aware. Further, I like to stop at the bottom hike up then back down rather than starting in Humber park. The bottom trail head is on Tahquitz View Dr. I shouldn't be telling you this because I don't want to compete for parking down there but, there you go hehe. read more

Absolutely wonderful. A pretty easy trail to walk, beautiful views. Just make sure you have an Adventure Pass so you can park there (which you can get from the ranger station, which is on the way into the park, or from the grocery store next door if the ranger station is closed!) It's definitely worth your time. read more

Excellent 5 mile hike. You can either start at fern valley road or tahquitz view drive. If you just want to see the mini waterfall you can just park at fern valley road and walk down about 100 feet to see it. We wanted to work for the reward of seeing the waterfall so started on the Tahquitz View Drive and climbed the 859 elevation. The trail itself is well maintained. It's a rocky hike with lots of rocks and on a bit of a slant so wear comfortable shoes and be careful. There is little coverage from trees so be sure to where a hat and apply SPF. You will be able to find nice patches of shade along the hike though. Beautiful flowers in full bloom so the air smells like perfume. We saw two baby rattle snakes, but fear not. If you don't hurt them, they will not hurt you. Their rattle is simply to let you know that they are around, so watch out for them. Great workout. Please help keep trails clean too by taking out all trash read more

Very bful. Easy. Great for kids. Had fun hiking this trail with kids and friends. If looking for easy trail with kids then you must go with this one. Good views. read more

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Nice spot - hike as far as you want. Neat rock formations, views up and down hill. Fine with tennies. Lots of dogs - all on leash.