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    Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail

    4.8 (30 reviews)

    Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Photos

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    William T.

    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.

    Aaron S.

    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.

    Daisy A.

    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.

    Heather B. S.

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

    Beautiful views throughout the hike.
    Craig W.

    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.

    Ed T.

    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

    Kevin L.

    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.

    California Mountain Kingsnake

    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

    Lupine on the trail
    Ryn A.

    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.

    Trail entrance
    Joy T.

    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. .

    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 .

    Marcus F.

    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)

    Laura N.

    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.

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    5 years ago

    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.

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    Ask the Community - Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail

    Review Highlights - Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail

    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.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail

    Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail

    4.8
    (22 reviews)
    4.8 km

    Oh hell yeah, this is a monster day hike! Did the shorter version of this trail yesterday and my…read moreGarmin measured 10 miles with 2375' elevation gain. The end of the trail is close to 9000 foot elevation with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and there's an old fire tower at the top. I'd say the first 2 1/2 miles are the most physically challenging. It's a pretty steep grade and it just grinds on you. Once you get past that it's much easier. We got started a little bit later in the day then we initially planned so we did not do the version of this trail that included the Caramba Trail. We've done it before and the Garmin clocked 13 miles. For the first 2 miles there were a lot of bugs. I was wishing I had a little hat. Two of them got up my nose dang it. After that, no more bugs until you got to the top and then there are some bees by the fire tower but not too crazy. You do have to get a permit, you can get it from the Ranger station in town. But if you get it in the most busy summer months before Labor Day, you actually have to fax in a permit request ahead of time and they only allow 30 permits per day. You also have to either have an adventure pass for parking or you can have the America the beautiful pass and put it on your dashboard. There are bathrooms available at the trailhead. No water source along the trail. I drank almost my whole reservoir which is 2.5 L. Perfect way to spend my 7 year Anniversary with my love

    First of all, nowhere along this hike were there any Takis. Not even a suspiciously rolled tortilla…read morechip. I packed light thinking, "Surely a peak with this name will provide." It did not. Just switchbacks. Endless switchbacks. Furthermore the snack shack at the top was closed. If you're looking for Takis, I would strongly recommend sourcing them elsewhere because this peak will not be assisting.

    Photos
    Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail
    Parking.
    Parking.
    Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail

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    Lake Hemet

    Lake Hemet

    4.1
    (80 reviews)
    11.3 km

    Great location for families with kids! Cabins clean and comfortable! Great amenities for the family…read moreto enjoy.

    Great place and well kept, people are nice, fellow campers respectful. Beautiful location, very…read morecrowded place too, sites are close together. Dogs welcome. Well stocked RV Masters store down the hill if you have any issues. If you are bringing a trailer or RV and expect to have full hookups, please be warned. The location of the sewer hookup on many sites is at the back end of the site that is uphill from your dump outlet and no way you can actually use it even with hose supports. The water hookup is also in some cases a shared 4 bib in the adjacent camp so you will be tripping over your hose. So be prepared to dry camp so your trip isn't stressful. Meaning fill your water and drain your tanks. Electrical worked fine for us. But the outlets are 30a so if you have a 50a rig, bring your adapter. The fire rings can be moved if you need them in another place to not have smoke in your rv so that nice. There is a store and the bathrooms are real toilets not pit, cleaned and kept stocked and they have showers if you need. They have 2 RV dump stations that are free when you stay but only 1 has working water for flushing. Overall , we would camp again with the expectation of dry camping, but the prices should reflect the inability to actually have "full hookups".

    Photos
    Lake Hemet
    Beautiful Lake Hemet at the summer low point
    Beautiful Lake Hemet at the summer low point
    Lake Hemet

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    Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail - hiking - Updated July 2026

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