Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail

Idyllwild, California
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Local Phone: (909) 382-2921

Level: easy
Elevation Gain: 300 ft.
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Trail Length: 5 miles
Parking Permit: not needed

This easy, scenic, 2.6 mile hike begins at 6,400 ft. and crosses seasonal streams along the way. It descends 700 feet from Humber Park. There are also good views of Suicide and Lily Rocks. This trail goes into the San Jacinto Wilderness area where mountain bikes are not allowed.

Parking at Humber Park requires an Adventure Pass or an Interagency Card. Fees Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted. For more information, please visit the USDA Forest Service recreation pass page.

For more information, call the San Jacinto Ranger District Office in Idyllwild at (909) 382-2921.

Directions to trail head:
Drive into Idyllwild on Hwy. 243 from I-10 in Banning, or take Hwy. 74 and Hwy. 243 from Palm Desert. In Idyllwild, turn east on North Circle Dr. at the Fort Retail shopping center. Proceed north for over a mile until you reach S. Circle Dr. Turn right, and then take your first left onto Fern Valley Rd. Follow Fern Valley to Humber Park (about two miles from downtown). Just before reaching the topmost parking area, you will see the sign marking the entrance to the Ernie Maxwell Trail.