4 miles
1300 feet gain
4/10
Idyllwild ,CA (92549) 90.37 miles from you Weather Map
From Highway 243, turn north on Riverside County Playground Road. Travel west beyond the Idyllwild County Campground entrance. Park in the day use area near the picnic area and restrooms (a Day Use Fee is charged to park here). The Campground Trailhead is along the road, just beyond campsite #6.
This hike not only provides an excellent introduction to the variety of flora in the Idyllwild area, but also some magnificent views of the San Jacintos and a reasonably complete aerobic workout. The most interesting (moderately strenuous) option for completing this trail combination is to begin along the Campground Trail and continue until its junction with the Hillside Trail, where a sign will direct you west (left) to the Loop Trail (the "loop" consists of the Steep Trail and the Hillside Trails). Continue west, crossing the creek, until you reach the signed junction of the Steep and Hillside Trails. Most hikers prefer to hike up the Steep Trail first (wear good lugsoles, as some of the trail involves a little bit of rock scrambling and is in "dicey" condition), continuing downhill after reaching the summit, then traveling back up the Hillside Trail with a downhill return along the Campground Trail back to the trailhead.