The Best Hike in Idyllwild California
If you’re looking for where to hike in Idyllwild, California look no further than Suicide Rock via Deer Springs Trail. This is the perfect weekend California hiking trail and offers the best views of the Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Fern Valley. Never heard of Idyllwild? Get ready to fall in love with this mountain oasis just 2.5 hours east of Los Angeles.
AllTrails Stats
Suicide Rock via Deer Springs Trail
Type: Out & Back | Rate: Moderate | Traffic: Heavy | Length: 6.7mi | Elevation Gain: 1,866ft
This trail is a steady up hill incline the whole way, but isn’t technical at all.
What is Idyllwild, California?
Tucked away in the San Jacinto Mountains just 2.5 hours from the sprawling megalopolis of Los Angeles is “Mile-High Idyllwild.” This California resort town sits at 5,413 feet of elevation and is my favorite weekend trip out of LA. Ironically enough the best part about Idyllwild is that there isn’t a ski slope there so you get the wonderful feel of a little mountain town, but without the large crowds of tourists in ski towns such as Big Bear. (Watch my hike of Castle Rock Trail in Big Bear.)
Why is it called Suicide Rock in Idyllwild?
Just like Southern Californians today, Idyllwild was the summertime retreat for the native Cahuilla tribe escaping the heat of the lower valleys. Legend has it that a princess and her lover decided to fling themselves off the rock in a final flight of defiance and love instead of being separated as they were ordered to do. The view from Suicide Rock across the valley is of Lilly Rock in the foreground and Tahquitz Peak behind which is inhabited by the evil spirit of Chieftain Tahquitz who is trapped beneath the rock forever entombed with a rattlesnake and condor as company.
You can see Lilly Rock in the foreground of pictures 3 & 4. Tahquitz Peak is behind.
Follow me on Instagram @mshepjordan9 for more photos from my hike!
More Southern California Hiking Trails
Echo Mountain | Los Angeles
Castle Rock Trail | Big Bear
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The Equipment and Gear I’m using to film my YouTube hiking videos
APP
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PACK
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*I like this hydration pack better than what comes with the Wenzel.
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