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

Idyllwild Nature Center - Nature walk trees - Hiking Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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

It's huge. Trails everywhere, always a fun time learning about the birds and animals I live with

Another family fun snow trip! Was a little worried that we came too early as there wasn't much snow on the drive up like last year in March, but there was way more than enough for the kids to have fun for an hour and a half. We opted to park across the street and play on that side instead of fighting for parking and the crowds. Thank you for sharing a piece of your town with us! read more

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What a wonderful place! With a very nice museum, knowledgeable docents, nature trails, picnic area, and activities indoors and out, the Idyllwild Nature Center is a gem! read more

Came here with family during Memorial Day weekend because they had an event showing for the kids. It was pretty awesome to see their displays of local flowers and wildlife. Everything was set up nicely and they even had cool activities for the kids (microscopes for looking at local flowers). Enjoyed our short time here. Volunteer staff was extremely friendly and informative. Would love to stop by next year ! read more

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Definitely an amazing place to go hiking. One of my favorites in so cal. It's only a couple hours away from San Diego and we'll worth the drive. Leashed pups are allowed. Beautiful sights. Just a luscious forest. read more

Idyllwild Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Idyllwild, California

Beautiful nature center with a few small trails, bird watching deck and a scenic viewpoint. Small little museum , tiny rock maze , amphitheater and barely there creek. A small puppet show interactive displays. Great for the family but clearly needs more volunteers to have better service. Most activities are on your own. read more

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The nature center itself is beautiful and the trails are very well kept. Five stars for that! The reason for a star drop is due to a few things: - The only map is on the side of the building so a quick snapshot with the iPhone is all you get. Difficult to read on the phone while hiking and the map itself isn't very descriptive. We ran into a couple other groups of people trying to find trails but going the wrong way frustrated. Would much prefer a printed map to carry along to see all trails at once and hold the right direction for our travels - There are apparent markers with numbers on the trails but nothing to reference them to. I'm sure there was a lot of history and things to learn but we had no idea where to get that info - Entering the park the fees are well marked but nobody at the booth and confusion by a few people trying to figure out where to pay. I found a sign taped to another sign that said pay at the Nature Center and helped the other couple that was confused. - Entering the nature center I expected a warmer welcome. I popped in and said "Hi, is this were we pay?" got an expressionless "yeah", was asked if I wanted my receipt and I said only if it's need to put in the car for parking, "no" was the response. I asked if there were any maps besides the one on the exterior wall and again, one word, "no". There were a lot of cool things, stuffed wild animals and books inside, but we didn't feel very welcome so just took to the trails. That part was beautiful, though finding the trails we wanted to take was confusing and we just sort of gave up and wandered through the park. It's not very big so a great place if you don't want to hike longer than an hour or so.. There are lots of other fantastic places in this area, so we will likely try another place to hike next time we are in the area. read more

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This nature center is a wonderful place to hang out and be with nature. It offers a wide variety of trails, different lengths and climbs, basically you will probably be able to find something that would fit your level! This nature center has trails that connect to many other different trails in the area. Come explore! The center's visitor center is not opened for viewing, but they are opened with a ranger there daily to give you pamphlets and info on the center and nearby area. They also have local items for sale. Everything you purchase will help fund the center and the people so please be generous. There are also fees when you visit, you can also donate more than the fees. It really helps keep the center and the animals and people who are taking care of the place! This center is so beautiful, many variety of trees and you can get a pamphlet and follow the loop to read up on all the markers of all the historical information of the area. I love the manzanita trees in Idyllwild, I think this is one of the many beautiful signature of this town. You will also run into plenty of wild animals here since it is their natural habitat. Lots of squirrels and chipmunks. We saw a couple deers and many beautiful birds. Normal birds feeding time is not operated right now because they cannot afford to have full staff, but please don't feed the animals any of your leftovers.. And please pick up your trash too! Lastly, the public restroom is surprisingly very clean and well ventilated. Masks required. Overall I would really recommend anyone in Idyllwild to come check this beautiful place out! read more

Idyllwild Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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One of our favorite spots to hike. Trails for every age and fitness level. Perimeter trail is moderate but does have some steep climbs/descents. Nature trail is easy and good for kids. Summit trail is short but climbs quite a bit. My 6 & 10 year olds are able to finish with a little help from me in a couple spots. Views from the Summit Trail are amazing. You can see for miles in both directions from the top. There are several downed logs and large rocks on the trail if you need a break or just want to sit and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The Nature Center is also very cool. There's a lot of history about the area and a few live animals for viewing as well. There are events fairly regularly which just enhance the activities for kids and adults. Parking is located very close to the nature center and trail heads. Great day trip for the family. read more

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Come here on the snowy days. Definitely recommend for families with children as it offers parking and is a lot safer to be on the trails to play in the snow. Parking was $20 and worth it. There's a lot of great views of mountains and trees. Always so much fun coming here! read more

Idyllwild Nature Center - Hiking Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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Beautiful public park with lots of walking trails and beautiful views It's worth a visit read more

I would highly recommend you start your Idyllwild trip here! They have nature trails for you to explore, and an indoor nature center with fun displays of local flora and fauna. There are maps and the staff there can answer any questions you may have about the area. They also have a large picnic section right by the parking lot with tons of shade. It is also very dog friendly! Dogs on leash can explore the outside trails and even the indoor center. A small entrance fee is totally worth it! read more

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We came here on both days that we were in town. We were lucky to arrive on a weekend of the snow storm and went sledding at this park while it was snowing flurries! So beautiful. Lots of little hills inside for sledding and it's a scenic walk. Not many people when we came on Saturday (found a parking space in the lot) but it was super packed on Sunday (you can park on the side along the main road). Fun times!! read more

Idyllwild Nature Center - Snowing flurries! - Hiking Near Me - Idyllwild, California

Everything you need right outside of downtown. We enjoyed our morning exploring all over the nature center. The gentleman working inside was super friendly and gave us great recommendations. Be sure you pack lots of water and are wearing good shoes. The hikes can get HOT when there is no shade around! Gorgeous area and so glad we got to explore most of it! read more

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One of the most beautiful trails in Southern California. My review is on the South Ridge Trail... 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. read more

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The Idyllwild Nature center is a wonderful family-friendly museum and trail system. I've been coming here annually for many years because it's a good place to tucker out the kids before the long drive home from Idyllwild (family owns a cabin in the area). When you arrive, the parking lot is down the small road. You buy the parking pass from inside the Nature Center building. Seeing that you're paying the fee at the nature center, you might as well check out the museum. This should be mandatory if you have children as it seems to be more focus for them. The Nature Center property also has the best beginner trails in the area. Younger kids and people with medical issues can thoroughly enjoy the flat looped nature trail. For the more adventurous, the hillside and steep trails are my recommendations. It's actually not a bad hike for any skill level. Note that there is a fee for day use in the park. I've never seen anyone enforce parking, so it may be the honor system. Adults - $4 Children 12 and under - $3 Children under 2 - Free Dogs - $1 An annual pass is available for those that live up in the area or visit the area a lot. read more

This place has great hikes to take your dog on! It also has a pretty short hike to a viewpoint. We took our small bichon dog in the snow and he didn't have a problem throughout all the hikes we went on. Parking price is by person - when we went it was $4 per person. The lot can fill up pretty fast as well. We arrived a little after 9am and we're the first ones in. However, by 11am the lot was packed. You can also find street parking and walk in, however, it is a bit of a walk. read more

The nature center itself isn't much to look at. It's probably a cool place to hike or something.

Oh my goodness we stopped here to have a picnic breakfast and ended up staying for 4 hours! We hiked the nature trail, hillside and summit trails! The summit/hillside loop was great and scenic! A good amount of elevation gained and some great rocks to stop and enjoy the view on. We enjoyed the nature center and got lucky enough to go Birding with Ranger Steve! That was a highlight! If you come, bring binoculars and enjoy all the birds there are to see! From chickadees to the beautiful acorn woodpeckers! The bird deck on the side of the nature center is so beautiful and a fun place to see some birds. read more

Idyllwild Nature Center - Acorn woodpecker! - Hiking Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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Enjoyed my time taking a couple leisurely walks around the Idyllwild Nature Center. Went here during a recent longer weekend trip up to Idyllwild. We did two relatively easy hikes / walks. One which took us to a beautiful view and the other which was a nature walk by different interesting areas. The nature center itself is relatively small and the staff wasn't the most helpful or friendly, but it had a few interesting artifacts and local animal specimens. They also had a few different live bugs and spiders. Overall, probably wouldn't go here again unless I was bringing someone who hasn't been to the area before, but it was a great introduction to Idyllwild and it's history with family friendly hiking trails. read more

Went here while on vacation to Idyllwild. Hiked the short trail because it got really warm and we didn't bring sufficient water. The gentleman that took our money for a parking pass was extremely helpful in showing us the trail map and a guide map to take with us. Our experience was short but good. We will be back. read more

We came when the center itself was closed everytime but there are plenty of things to do outside. Plenty of hiking trails and there was snow so we walked around in the snow. Lovely time and I would recommend coming here everytime you come to Idyllwild if you have kids. read more

Just rented out the nature center for my sons birthday party! We decided to stay indoors for the hot hours of the day and until the center closed at 4 then there were plenty of picnic tables to hangout at! Unfortunately the bathrooms do close at 4. Sonny the park ranger was friendly and helpful. I would do this again 100% it was a great experience read more

We enjoyed the small but interested exhibit on animals & Native Americans of the area. Then we had a very relaxed & easy walk on Nature Trail & Perimeter trails. read more

Such a great place to visit with the kids. They loved the critters, drawing activity and the puppet play area. We also loved the hiking trails. read more

Love this place such a relaxing atmosphere great place to get away and relax best hiking trails and especially great for kids! Highly recommend read more

Idyllwild Nature Center - This place has the best hiking trails I highly recommend it nice place to get away with family! It's a great place for kids overall nice! - Hiking Near Me - Idyllwild, California

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This is a nice, quiet little place with several hiking trails. The center itself (where you walk in to pay a small fee) has some stuffed animal exhibits and a little turtle cage outside. I think there was also a compost class today and I saw a small tour group. Aside from that, the trails were clear on a Saturday morning. We went at 9:00 am, right when they opened and were able to enjoy the nature trail and perimeter trail by ourselves. There are lots of squirrels and lizards, which my dog would try chasing. The trail is clearly outlined and hard to miss, but it is quite dusty around this time of the year. It probably looks better during winter! Nice weather today and pretty shady thanks to the trees. There are two water fountains close to the center as well as restrooms. The nature trail and perimeter trail is good for beginner hikers. Those are the ones we took, since my dog is a lazy oaf. He still managed to carry our two water bottles, his poop bags, and collapsible water bowl, and still had the energy to bust through the trails and sneer at me huffing behind him. If you're more active and have a dog with you, try the more difficult trails. Idyllwild is a great dog friendly vacation spot. I have a nervous, fear reactive dog, so it's difficult to take him to places. I'm so glad we found this little town! The nature center was awesome since the trails were nice and quiet. Perfect for my pup. read more

Idyllwild Nature Center - By one of the benches. Dust off your seats before you sit down. I had a needle stuck to my butt after sitting on this bench. - Hiking Near Me - Idyllwild, California

Excellent facilities and friendly and knowledgeable staff!

This review is for the perimeter trail adjoining trails. The area was super clean and the hiking paths were very well signed. Since it was a holiday and also a Monday, the Nature Center was closed. We will return as we've heard amazing things about this place especially for the children. read more

A big shout out to Ranger Steve. We took a group of 7th graders to the Nature Center, he sat with our class and talked to them about native plants/ trees, animals- all sorts of species, and the environment. He was patient with all the questions from our kids. A big thank you for being flexible on our timing (we hiked from Idyllwild Pines Camp- arrived a little early) read more

Good starting point for your hikes with a bit of history and wildlife exhibits inside. Complete with the unpleasant reminder that snakes exist. I'm sure they are essential for the eco system and I had to look tough in front of the kids so I (barely) flinched. Snakes.... shiver.... read more

The Idyllwild Nature Center is the best one-stop destination for young families and casual hikers, who want to spend time in the woods. The starting point is the small museum, with displays and information about the area. There are short and long hikes available, based on age, ambulation and enthusiasm. Leashed dogs are also welcome, and may even come into the museum! read more

The trails here are nice and well kept! Parked closer to visitor center but you have to pay so you can park further out for free lol Dog friendly trails, bring water in the summer, it can be super hot and higher elevation means u get dehydrated faster. read more

Very cool little nature center! Drive in past the first parking lot, just a short distance. There's another parking lot right outside the center. You can pay use fees at the center. Center is small with some exhibits showing native cultures and animals. Staff are helpful and will recommend some trails you can take. Views are amazing, and trails range from easy to a little more challenging than moderate. If you're hungry after your hike, town is close, with many great eateries. read more

This was a nice little excursion in Idyllwild. It is small but filled with lots of interesting things to look at. There is a lot of taxidermy if you are into that kind of thing. There are also tanks of live animals, including several snakes, turtles, tarantula, and (my favorite), hissing cockroaches. It's super kid friendly. There are lots of books and puzzles for the younger set. Older kids will enjoy the displays of skeletons, baskets, mortar/pestles, and dioramas. One of our favorite displays was of the paw prints and poop (called scat) of local wildlife like deer, coyote and raccoon. Yea, we do have a real warped sense of humor. They have soda, water, and snacks for purchase. Outside, there were numbered markers for different plants, trees, and cacti. However, there were no placards with descriptions. We received a map when we paid for admission but it only listed hiking trails and didn't provide any info on the marked trees and plants. ???? We must have missed something there. Oh well. We did venture on one of the trails and it was very easy to walk along (nice because I was just wearing sandals). It was relaxing being among all the trees, and there were benches along the way to just sit on and breathe in the fresh mountain air. There are several picnic tables right by the center so if you are so inclined, bring your lunch and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We stayed for about an hour and a half and even though our visit was short, it was very satisfying, fun, and educational. read more

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Returned a second time and decided to add a well-earned fifth star. Easy access, trails easy enough for kids but enough for adults to sweat a bit, beautifully maintained and diverse grounds, and helpful staff. A nice intro to the area and it's hiking trails. read more

This place was pretty awesome to come and hike a bit. A way to get out of the city and just enjoy nature. Dog friendly also and pretty nice trials they have paved. There is a camp site and a nature center with some great history. Worth the drive and the weather up here is awesome. Fresh air smells so goooood!! Please bring your dogs here as it is so much fun!!! Be responsible and pick up after your four legged friends. read more

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The nature center has a long driveway going in, you can either park along the road and walk the trail in, or just drive all the way in and park in their parking lot. The center is a very small establishment, definitely perfect for families and young children. They have some pretty cool exhibits with stuffed animals, dioramas of native crafts, insects, birds, deers, tanks with live snakes and turtles, cool gifts and books and souvenirs. Just lots of random nature stuff to look at. read more