This Alpine Wonderland is a Southern California Backpacking Dream
Ferns along the trail to Little Tahquitz Valley Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear sturdy hiking boots to provide both ankle support as well as limited protection against the rattlesnakes, which like to sun themselves on trails.While most visitors venture up Mt.
San Jacinto’s slopes via the aerial tram in Palm Springs, hikers and backpackers know the real treasure of the mountain awaits on its western side near the hilltop hamlet of Idyllwild.
Rattlesnakes are a frequent sight along the trails Idyllwild is a community intent on keeping its quirky, small-town vibe. There are no chain stores or fast-food restaurants.
The town has plenty of accommodations available, from campsites and cabins to hotels and Airbnb rentals, and a range of dining options, but there’s a near-zero corporate presence in the town, a welcome change from some overly commercialized mountain resorts.The town serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the mountain’s backcountry trails, and its proximity to Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties make it an ideal weekend destination.
