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Idyllwild and the San Jacinto Area

Idyllwild and the San Jacinto Area reference article on thruhikingwiki.com.

Overview

Idyllwild is a mountain town serving the San Jacinto region of the Pacific Crest Trail, accessible from several points between roughly miles 151 and 179. It is a major resupply and rest hub in Southern California.

Key points

  • Accessible from Highway 74 near mile ~151 and from side trails near mile ~179 (e.g., Devil’s Slide toward Humber Park).
  • Serves as a key resupply point before or after traversing the San Jacinto high country.
  • Offers groceries, restaurants, lodging, and other town services.
  • Frequently used for rest days and for gear adjustments related to higher-elevation conditions.
  • Multiple access routes give hikers flexibility depending on snow, closures, and personal plans.

Details

Idyllwild functions as a primary town hub for the San Jacinto segment of the PCT. Hikers can reach it from the south via Highway 74, often stopping at or near roadside establishments before hitching into town, or from the north and east via trail junctions that lead to Humber Park and then down into Idyllwild.

Because San Jacinto can retain snow and experience cooler temperatures, Idyllwild is often where hikers review their equipment for higher-elevation travel. The town’s range of lodging and services makes it a natural choice for rest, recovery, and planning before continuing north toward the I-10 corridor and the next desert valleys.

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Illustrative hiking footage

The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.