DAY TRIP IDYLLWILD
Looking for a great day trip to break up your visit to the desert? Why not “Mile High Idyllwild”? This is a favorite for locals and travelers. This rustic and charming art-filled village is tucked into the San Jacinto mountains at an elevation of just over 5000 ft. The drive is about 80 minutes up the mountainous and winding Route 74 with several vista turnouts available to enjoy views of the entire Coachella Valley.
Downtown Idyllwild consists of about 6 blocks where you will find shops, galleries, funky thrift stores, and some amazing restaurants and cafes. They also host several annual events such as the Idyllwild Jazz Festival, The Art Walk, and The Autumn Leaf Walks. They are also very serious about Halloween with events throughout the month of October like Hallow’s Eve Parade, Ghost Town Haunted Maze, and a Zombie Run!
For our hiking enthusiasts, this is a perfect spot to hit as the area boasts some world-class hiking. For those more ambitious, you can try out the San Jacinto Mountain Peak Loop of about 18 miles of amazing wilderness. For those more novice hikers, there are some wonderful (and shorter) trails starting at the Idyllwild Nature Center.
It’s always worth checking out upcoming events at Idyllwild when you will be in Palm Springs. You never know what quirky and fun things they have planned, and it is always worth the trip!
Here are a few helpful links:
A great guide to restaurants in Idyllwild