Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail
Idyllwild, CA
$5/day Adventure Pass to park at Humber Park
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.7(211 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Around five miles out and back, mostly under tree cover. Starting from the top means the climb comes on the way back, which catches people out, so bring water and snacks. There are narrow sections with a slippery edge. Parking is tight on busy days and needs an adventure pass. Go in the morning.
A mellow, mostly flat 2.5-mile-each-way trail through shady pines and cedars — one of the best beginner and family hikes in the San Jacinto Mountains, with no hiking permit required (unlike the steeper trails nearby). Park at Humber Park with a National Forest Adventure Pass, and pack water since altitude dries you out.
Happening near here
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Fern Valley Rd, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549, USA
Map
What visitors say
- The Bennett Kingdom★★★★★
We started at the northern trail head and hiked down the 2 1/2 miles. It's very scenic with lots of trees and vista views and most of the trail is covered by shade canopy from the wilderness. We saw frogs and squirrels along the way and stopped for pictures every now n then. Once we got to the bottom at the south end of the trail there's a road down there too so sometimes people park there instead as their starting point and then hike uphill. We then proceeded to hike back up to the top since we had no choice as our truck was parked up there. Joyous just go back the same way you came down. It was more grueling on the way back up so bring lots of water and maybey a few energy snacks as well. At leat there's a mini rock waterfall at the start of the northern trailhead, that was a nice surprise to see. Overall pretty fun hike. I would rate it as a beginner to intermediate difficulty. The path is pretty easy to follow as well. We went in March so the early spring weather was great! Definitely recommended for a mini adventure if your in the area.
6 months ago
- Serenity Crane★★★★★
Moderate, partial shade trail with beautiful views. Enjoyed the scenery. Birds and squirrels. Go before noon, not in the summer. Busy trail with some narrow spots. Few rocks and roots to climb over. No water or stream in June. Difficult to find parking on a Friday. Use adventure pass when parking. Overall nice hike!
3 months ago
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