After 5 months of no travel, I was really excited to go to Idyllwild. Only an hour and a half from my place, Idyllwild is a small town in the San Jacinto mountains. I have seen several trails that I wanted to explore there, but was never determined enough to drive the distance when I have similar options nearby (or so I thought...). It exceeded my expectations.
On a July 4th weekend, I anticipated crowds and noise, but was met with smaller crowds and peace. My rental apartment was wonderfully secluded and private, only a mile and a half away from the town, and close to hiking trails. I even had a mini porch where one day I sat on a rocking chair watching the birds. Some would say it is a boring activity, but to me it allows to be fully present.
On the first day, I left home and drove straight to the trailhead to hike Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail. I knew beforehand that I needed two things: a permit to hike and my National park pass (aka America the Beautiful). I proactively filled out the form and faxed it over to the state park office, and within a week received my permit. You can also pick up a permit at one of the two ranger stations, fill them out, drop one copy in the permit box and take one on a hike with you. While my permit was not checked, there are signs that a citation might be given if one hikes without a permit. The permit can be picked up 24/7 at the ranger's station.
I arrived at the trailhead at 7.20 AM and the parking lot was already 70% full. This is apparently the most popular trailhead in Idyllwild. The hike is pretty tough, but the scenery is worth it.
The weather was mild enough to not wear a hat on the way up, and my mask was safely stored in my pocket when there were no people around. The last mile or so is pretty steep, but the reward is totally worth it!
After spending 15-20 minutes at the top and making a short video to give some better insight on what the views were like, I headed back down.
Many more people were just on their way up around 11 AM. Bad decision - the heat was building, and the elevation gain was unforgiving.
I drove to the local coffee shop The Town Baker to pick up some coffee and food, and was not really impressed. The guy at the checkout was very friendly and kind. My cappuccino, on the other hand, just was subpar. I also ordered a BLT on a sourdough bread and was not impressed with it either. It tasted like several separate ingredients vs. a sandwich. It was dry and lacked flavor. Next time, I would try another coffee shop right next to it.
After checking in my Airbnb, I decided to go on another hike right across from my rental place. While I did not do the full Idyllwild Park Trail route, I was hot and tired and had to use the bug net. After an hour hiking, it was time to relax.
I returned to my apartment, took a shower and ordered a takeout of Philly roll from Idy Sushi Rolls. Not a bad establishment, although it was rather pricey for 8 pieces for Idyllwild. I guess a tourist town, even in the middle of the pandemic! I also picked up some eggs and tofu noodles for tomorrow so that I don't have to waste money on restaurants. I might as well use the kitchen in the rental apartment!
I spent the evening reading listening to the birds outside.
On a July 4th weekend, I anticipated crowds and noise, but was met with smaller crowds and peace. My rental apartment was wonderfully secluded and private, only a mile and a half away from the town, and close to hiking trails. I even had a mini porch where one day I sat on a rocking chair watching the birds. Some would say it is a boring activity, but to me it allows to be fully present.
On the first day, I left home and drove straight to the trailhead to hike Tahquitz Peak via Devils Slide Trail. I knew beforehand that I needed two things: a permit to hike and my National park pass (aka America the Beautiful). I proactively filled out the form and faxed it over to the state park office, and within a week received my permit. You can also pick up a permit at one of the two ranger stations, fill them out, drop one copy in the permit box and take one on a hike with you. While my permit was not checked, there are signs that a citation might be given if one hikes without a permit. The permit can be picked up 24/7 at the ranger's station.
I arrived at the trailhead at 7.20 AM and the parking lot was already 70% full. This is apparently the most popular trailhead in Idyllwild. The hike is pretty tough, but the scenery is worth it.
 |
| Some wildflowers were still blooming near the streams |
The weather was mild enough to not wear a hat on the way up, and my mask was safely stored in my pocket when there were no people around. The last mile or so is pretty steep, but the reward is totally worth it!
 |
| This is a view from the fire tower, which was closed at the moment |
After spending 15-20 minutes at the top and making a short video to give some better insight on what the views were like, I headed back down.
Many more people were just on their way up around 11 AM. Bad decision - the heat was building, and the elevation gain was unforgiving.
I drove to the local coffee shop The Town Baker to pick up some coffee and food, and was not really impressed. The guy at the checkout was very friendly and kind. My cappuccino, on the other hand, just was subpar. I also ordered a BLT on a sourdough bread and was not impressed with it either. It tasted like several separate ingredients vs. a sandwich. It was dry and lacked flavor. Next time, I would try another coffee shop right next to it.
After checking in my Airbnb, I decided to go on another hike right across from my rental place. While I did not do the full Idyllwild Park Trail route, I was hot and tired and had to use the bug net. After an hour hiking, it was time to relax.
I returned to my apartment, took a shower and ordered a takeout of Philly roll from Idy Sushi Rolls. Not a bad establishment, although it was rather pricey for 8 pieces for Idyllwild. I guess a tourist town, even in the middle of the pandemic! I also picked up some eggs and tofu noodles for tomorrow so that I don't have to waste money on restaurants. I might as well use the kitchen in the rental apartment!
I spent the evening reading listening to the birds outside.
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