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.

I visited this trail on a Sunday morning and it was quite busy! I suppose this is one of the more…read morepopular hikes in the area and would probably be much more enjoyable during a weekday. It was about 4 miles to the top with just over 1800 feet of elevation gain on an easy-going trail. The views from the top are quite nice looking over the Idlewile area and the mountains above it. Great spot for a picnic or just to hang out for a bit and appreciate nature.

Great work out thru the snow!! Start with your free permit from the Forest Ranger 1/2 before you…read morepark at Deer Springs Trail. Parking is free. Don't leave any valuables in your car. Do your leg stretches before and after your hike. Bring your hiking ribbons, waterproof hiking boots with added spikes or cleats (for snow), hiking poles/sticks, sun hat, sunscreen, backpack with water, electrolytes, snacks, extra jacket, tissue, mini medic kit, antibacterial spray, music speaker, and a positive attitude!! This is a great hike for healthy athletic souls! Ask your doctor before going I highly recommend it. It's about 9 miles total there and back and 7 hours total in snow! Plan ahead you cannot rush or accidents happen! I hope I helped you guys out before going! -A

The actual center has local animals in taxidermy and some live ones as well. They also have a…read morevariety of plants and bugs on display which helps to learn about the area. The lady working was knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely stop by.

Cute little place. Perfect for nature lovers and families with little kids. Multiple options for…read moretrails. Price is extremely affordable!!

One of the most beautiful trails in Southern California…read more No parking lot. Parking is on the dirt mountain and must use your gps to find. This is a lovely hike and will test your endurance and patience the beginning 1.5 miles be used it's steep. It seems like your going up and up, just go slow and at your pace. Lots of trees and boulders. Lots of stunning views and area for a small picnic. Dogs are allowed on trails with leash and pls remember to pick up after their poop. Many different variety of plants. Enjoy this lovely trail.

1. You need a wilderness permit (can get at ranger station)…read more 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)

Looking like nothing more than a scenic view point, there's actually some interesting hiking trails…read moreif you're adventurous. Is this a must stop? I think so. There's a nice little walk to the actual viewing area. If you continue down the hill you will walk across a "Jeep Trail" which is really cool especially when drivers go down the dirt road.. I'm not sure how you get access to this trail, but it appears to be owned /maintained by a local Jeep Drivers club ( Hemet Jeep Club) Hiking Trails are not clearly marked..

Scenic drive from Banning, recommend to do first 10 miles, enjoy the amazing view and check out…read morewhich lookout points to stop, then U-turn back to stop and take pictures. This is best part of scenic panaromic highway, unless you enjoy winding drive to Idyllwild continuing to Palm Springs where the last 20 miles of Palm to Pines highway offers impressive views.

My first San G hike. For some reason, I was really intimidated by this one since it's the highest…read morepeak in SoCal. However, very doable. It took me about 7 hours hiking time discounting summit picture time. We started early at 6:30 and the weather was great with shade. However that changes as the sun becomes more prominent. About 3 miles to summit is full exposure. I hike with an umbrella and people are jealous... but seriously please bring plenty of water and covering. The summit is beautiful. There is a sign for photo op. The down was a bit slippery from the loose rock and gravel. I used poles for the down. Parking lot provided and an adventure pass is needed. Also need a permit to day hike Please come and create your own adventure.

+ Exhilarating experience. Good altitude training before bagging a 14er like Mt Whitney…read more + Peaceful trail. I went on a weekday. There were only 5 cars in the parking lot, and at most 10 people on the trail. I was on my own, so I made sure to prepare well. Bring +3 L of water. + I met park ranger John, who was very friendly and knowledgeable. After he checked that I had my permit for this hike, he shared a lot of info about hiking preparation. I felt resassured and safe knowing that staff are monitoring these trails. . Lot of loose rocks. Ankles rolling left and right. Hiking poles help maintain balance on uneven terrain, clearing spider web, and sharing the backpack weight off your spine. + Glorious summit. Couple large handheld signs up there for photo ops. + Not a lot of annoying flies flying at my face on this trail like at Mt Wilson. - No restrooms on this trail. - The restrooms at the parking lot don't have hand sanitizer. + But they have strong running water. . The trail has just a few small streams. . First time I did it 2 yr ago, I experienced strong AMS symptoms: nausea, fatigue, strong lightheadedness. This time I'm in much better shape. Only felt some windedness, but taking breathing breaks, drinking water, taking time to stretch took care of that no problem. . Parking in the San Bernardino National Forest requires a pass. I use the $5 day Adventure Pass. . Towards the end as the trail got dark, I think I saw a few bats flying around. Don't wanna stick around to discover if they're the bloodsucking kind! Tips: . If you're day-hiking, start before 7am. I started 8:30am, took two meal breaks, and ended around sunset at 7:30pm. I was afraid they'd close the parking lot gate before I could drive out. Now I realize the rangers close the gate at 10pm, but preferably you won't rely on headlamps. . I recommend downloading CalTopo app and adding San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek trail from HikingGuy to keep your gang on track. . Using a GPS smartwatch like Garmin fenix also helps you find your way back. The first third of the trail is well marked. The second third becomes kind of an unclear network of trails. Easy to get lost. The last third becomes well marked again.

Easy to book online. Relatively cheap! About $15/night. The spaces are pretty spread out. I…read morebelieve most spaces have or are near a water source. Pros + the ranger we spoke with, is very friendly. + dumpsters are on site Cons - bathrooms are literally a hole in a ground. Beware it does smell - far from the main freeway - no showers on site - hard to find the actual site, no signs anywhere...

Not far drive from Riverside, beautiful area, well priced! No showers, restrooms can be a little…read morenasty later in the day. Great camping spaces & staff of friendly & easy going

The Rangers here are so nice! If you need directions, recommendations, or have questions, they are…read morehappy to help! I came here wanting to know where I could go for a short little walk and they told me to actually drive down the road a little further to go to the "Idyllwild Nature Center" vs here at the State Park. The State Park only really has serious hiking trails, not something easy/short. I was very grateful for the suggestion and we shared a few laughs! Wonderful experience!

The rangers here were really nice and funny, and they gave my spouse and I great recommendations on…read morewhere to hike that wasn't too difficult for us. Thank you so much!