Best Walking Trails & Routes in Idyllwild-Pine Cove

One of the very finest hikes in Southern California. Or all of California, for that matter. As John Muir put it, the view from the summit certainly IS one of the most sublime spectacles on Earth. The summit of San Jacinto Peak can be reached in a few different ways. The easiest route to the summit is from Palm Springs by means of the tram. And certainly the most difficult is by the challenging Cactus to Clouds Trail. Somewhere in between would be one of the various routes from the Idyllwild area. The Marion Mountain Trail is one such route from Idyllwild. This particular trail starts from near the Marion Mountain and Fern Basin Campgrounds. It should be noted that this hike is significantly longer than the indicated 5.25 miles. This hike requires a wilderness permit. Permits are free, and can be self issued at either the Stone Creek Campground or the ranger station in Idyllwild.