Hiking Trails

Get back to nature and discover the amazing vistas, crystal clear streams and waterfalls, and spectacular pine forests of the Idyllwild area and the San Jacinto mountains. Over 275 miles of hiking trails criss-cross the mountains and remote back roads. Hikes range from short walks to challenging treks — like the 7.5-mile ascent to San Jacinto Peak(also reachable by the Palm Springs Tramway). Ask the innkeepers for a map of area hiking trails or check out the hiking page on the Chamber of Commerce website.

Rock Climbing

Rich in rock-climbing lore, the Idyllwild area offers two of the best known granite cliff faces in southern California: Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. Tahquitz Rock has long climbing routes, is shaded most of the day, and offers good crack climbing. Suicide Rock has more climbing routes on its face and is in the sun most of the day. For information on rock-climbing guides and classes, try the Vertical Adventures Rock Climbing School.

Fishing

What better way is there to spend an afternoon in the mountains than floating on a lazy lake with the sun warming your skin and a paddle in your hands? At the intimate and hidden Lake Fulmor, just 10-15 minutes away from ‘home base’, you can discover a tranquil and peaceful setting. Check the link for details and seasonality; equipment is not available at this small hideaway lake. Lake Hemet features fishing, boating, and kayaking with day use area or paid camping and boating area.

Mountain Biking

With 200 miles of dirt roads and 40 miles of trails, Idyllwild is a mountain biker’s mecca. The challenging 17-mile Ramona Trail loop on Thomas Mountain is considered one of the best rides in the area. Easy and scenic, two-mile Coyote Run offers a different pace for day pedalers. Check out the San Bernardino National Forest page on trails and biking in and around Idyllwild and easy access from the inn.

Fishing

Fishermen will be in heaven rowing into pristine waters on Lake Fulmor. About a 10-15 minute drive from the inn, the lake offers a bevy of reeling opportunities for anglers. The Department of Fish and Game stocks rainbow trout from spring through late fall in Lake Fulmor. Largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill also populate the lake.

Watching Wildlife

The San Bernardino National Forest’s diverse habitat and climate support more than 2,000 native plants, 75 mammals, 55 reptiles, 13 amphibians, and almost 300 birds. Deer, squirrels, rabbits, quail, and toads are frequent callers, and an occasional coyote sighting is not uncommon.

Bird Watching

A terrific place for bird watching, many species fly, hover, and perch all over town and on our grounds. Feathered visitors include Steller’s Jays, California Quail, Purple Finches, Western Tanagers, Mountain Bluebirds, several species of Hummingbirds, Acorn Woodpeckers, Mountain Chickadees, and Northern Harriers.

Geocaching

Whether you’ve been enjoying this exciting combination of hiking and treasure-hunting for years, or you’ve been wondering what it’s all about, we’ve got the perfect launching point for your next geocaching vacation. With 40-plus caches (and growing!) just within a 5-mile radius of the center of town — including a unique cache right here on our grounds — Idyllwild has attracted geocachers from around the world thanks to its unparalleled natural beauty and plethora of hiking trails. It’s a great way to explore the untouched beauty of the San Jacinto mountains, with the added benefits of joining an active community of geocachers, achieving a series of goals, benefitting from the trail recommendations of other hikers, and giving back to the Earth and its inhabitants (‘cache in, trash out’ and ‘take something, leave something or equal or greater value’ are basic tenets of the geocaching community). Geocaching is also a great activity to enjoy with your sweetheart or love interest, or with friends. Visit Geocaching.com for more information on this fascinating sport and the variety of geocaches Idyllwild has to offer.

Artist Galleries & Events:

Named one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America by the popular book of the same name (by John Villani), Idyllwild proudly boasts more than 15 art galleries featuring works by local artists. The Art Alliance of Idyllwild, the premier art group, holds numerous art events throughout the year. Ask the innkeepers for a seasonal Visitors Guide or an Art Alliance brochure, which includes a map and a description of each gallery.

Idyllwild Area Historical Society and Museum

Founded to promote public awareness of local history and preserve the stories of the native Americans, loggers, pioneers, and miners, the Idyllwild Area Historical Society and Museum (951-659-2717) features museum photos, furniture, and other memorabilia of the mountain communities encompassing Idyllwild, Garner Valley, Pine Cove, Pinewood, Stone Creek, and Mountain Center.

Make-Your Own Pottery

Create your own functional art at Earth ‘n Fire (951-659-4481). Design and paint your own pottery, dinnerware, and kitchen tiles in this beautiful, rustic studio. Trace a stencil, press a rubber stamp, or pat a sponge and take home art of your own.

Dining:

With so many great options, it’s hard to recommend just a few…

Idyllwild Brewpub 951-659-0163 Serving local made Brews and American dishes. with life entertainment and complimentary WiFi for diners. Friendly atmosphere, pet friendly outdoor patios.

Mile High Cafe Restaurant – (961) 659-2008 Serving American and Korean dishes. WiFi for diners. Friendly atmosphere, pet friendly outdoor patio, and overflow parking if needed. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, and dinner throughout summer or non-summer weekends.

Fratello’s Italian Ristorante — (951) 659-3900. A little more casual, with lots of outdoor seating in the heart of the village. One of our top recommendation, great for Italian dishes and artisinal Pizza.

The Gastrognome — (951) 659-5055. The local favorite, “special occasion” restaurant. Although all the restaurants in Idyllwild are pretty casual, The Gastrognome has a more upscale, “dining room” ambiance with a large fireplace. Relatively adventurous menu that is well executed.

Pure Bean Coffeehouse — (951) 659-1379. The perfect mountain hideaway to curl up with a good book and a hot cider. Specialty coffees, warm cookies, fruit, and fresh pastries are also available to keep you company. Much like the Strawberry Creek Inn, all of the coffee at Higher Grounds is certified organic and fair trade.

Links to General Information:

Idyllwild Nature Center

James Reserve

Mount San Jacinto State Park

San Bernardino National Forest

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

S&V

Wedding Day

5:00 PM–5:30 PM

Ceremony

5:30 PM–9:30 PM

Reception