Hiking Trail Guide: Ernie Maxwell Trail

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Ernie Maxwell Trail

Distance
5 miles

Elevation
400 feet gain

Difficulty
3/10

City
Idyllwild ,CA (92549) 90.37 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From the 10 near Banning, take highway 243 to the town of Idyllwild. On the south edge of Idyllwild, take Saunders Meadow Road past Desert Sun School, turning left on Pine Avenue, then right on Tahquitz View Drive. Drive past the South Fork Trail junction to the start of the Ernie Maxwell trail. There will be a trailhead marker on the right side of the dirt road. Note that you can also start the hike from the opposite end just below Humber park, but you wind up walking uphill on the way back

Description

This is a perfect setting for a leasurly family hike. The trail acends very gently from the south end of Idyllwild to Humber Park, passing through a wonderful dense forest of pines. As you approach Humber Park, spectacular views of Suicide and Tahquitz rocks come in to view. Once you reach Humber Park, walk up the road a few hundred yards to the Devil's Slide Trail head and find a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch.

If you still have some energy left, hike a half mile or so up the Devil's Slide trail for unbelievable views of both Tahquitz and Suicide rock. Return the way you came.

Map / Directions: