RESTAURANTS & EATS:

Atomic Cow

Cafe Aroma

Ferro

Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

Gastronome

Idy Sushi

Idyllwild Brewpub

Lumber Mill Bar & Grill

Mama Mia’s

Manzanita Cantina & Grill

Mile High Cafe

Raven Hill Bagels

Red Kettle

Sunflower Bakery

The Peak @ Tahquitz Pine Retreat

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:

Desert View Trail - scenic desert views

Idyllwild Nature Center - learn about local flora & fauna - guided nature walks available

Lake Fulmor - bird watching, fishing

Mount Jacinto State Park & Wilderness - hike, camp

San Jacinto Mountains - hike, mountain bike, rock climb

Tahquitz Peak & Suicide Rock - famous, iconic rock climb

HIKING:

Deer Springs to Jan Jacinto Peak - very strenuous 18.4-mile

Deer Springs to Suicide Rock - strenuous 7-mile loop

Devil’s Slide Trail to San Jacinto Peak - very strenuous 16-mile

Ernie Maxwell - relaxed 3-mile loop

Idyllwild Nature Center - family-friendly for all skill levels

Marion Mountain Trail to San Jacinto Peak - very strenuous 13.8-mile

Panorama in Mount Jacinto State Park - easy 1-mile loop

Yellow Pine Trail - easy 5-mile hike

ARTS & CULTURE:

Idyllwild Arts Academy - renowned arts school

Idyllwild Historic Museum - history & heritage

  • Local History: exhibits focus on the history of Idyllwild and the surrounding communities in the San Jacinto Mountains

  • Artifacts: houses historical artifacts, photographs, and relics from the area

  • Ongoing Exhibits: You can find displays on topics like:

    • 19th Century Logging Camps

    • Cattle Ranching

    • Early Kitchen Equipment

    • Mountain Recreation

    • Filmmaking

    • Idyllwild Sanatorium

    • Mountain Road Travel

  • Archives: archive and research center that houses documents, photos, and other historical artifacts

  • Kid-friendly space: designed to be a kid-friendly space

  • Volunteer organization: operated by the award-winning Idyllwild Area Historical Society, a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the history of the San Jacinto Mountains

  • Publications: the society publishes a newsletter called "Arti-Facts" with articles on local history.

Idyllwild 2nd Saturday Art Fair - local arts & crafts

  • May to October, 10 am to 5 pm

  • takes place at the ICC property under the trees

  • features over 35 local artists and musicians, showcasing a variety of art forms like ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, glass art, fibers, and woodworks.

  • The fair introduces visitors to Idyllwild's vibrant arts community and its unique mountain town charm

Town Gallery - local art & culture

  • hub of the town's vibrant art scene

  • showcases a variety of local art

  • located in the heart of downtown Idyllwild, surrounded by restaurants and shops

    • Idyllwild itself has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Art Towns in America", and the Town Gallery is a major contributor to that reputation

COOL SPOTS FOR VIEWS & FUN:

Eastside Reservoir Project - recreation area

  • The Eastside Reservoir Project based in Idyllwild, near Diamond Valley Lake (which has supplied water for over 60 years), is a reservoir project estimated at 1.9 billion dollars.

    • When complete, 987 million cubic meters will be its capacity.

    • The construction will be earth core and rock fill.

    • Started in order to get more water to California.

    • Two mountains are being used to create a natural barrier:

      • Domenigoni & Diamond Valley

    • The construction created three dams scheduled to be completed in 1999, with the reservoir site done in 2002.

    • The process for filling the site required 4,500 acres of reservoir space.

    • The project is nearly complete as of 2010 providing water for seasonal, drought and emergency needs.

    • Water is also sent from the Colorado River Aqueduct to feed the reservoir before going to San Diego Canal.

Idyllwild Park - picnic area and recreation facilities

  • 202 acres of beautiful open space, mature forest and breathtaking hiking trails

Indian Vista Scenic Overlook - panoramic views

Middle Ridge Winery - store, music, events & tasting room

  • Middle Ridge Winery is a unique establishment known for its combination of a winery tasting room and an art gallery.

  • Located in the heart of Idyllwild and is Idyllwild's own winery, established in 2006.

  • The tasting room is a 4000 sq ft "Tasting Gallery" where visitors can enjoy award-winning wines, gourmet light bites, live music, and art exhibits in a rustic yet elegant setting.

CAMP @ Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument:

*The Monument was established by an Act of Congress on October 24, 2000, "in order to preserve the nationally significant biological, cultural, recreational, geological, educational, and scientific values found in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains" (Public Law 106-351)*

Pinyon Flat - $8/night, family-oriented, 18 first-come-first-serve sites, 14 day max w/ potable water, toilets, fire rings, tables, & parking spaces - climb, hike, mountain bike

Ribbonwood Equestrian @ Pinyon Flat - $15/night, 2 corrals per site, tables, fire rings, hitch rack, potable water, toilets, & showers (reservations are required & at least 3 days in advance @ www.recreation.gov))

Dispersed Camping - Check with the Bureau of Land Management for possible permits & requirements

Call

"Will on The Hill"

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Idyllwild real estate REALTOR®

Idyllwild

aka

"The Hill"

... a peaceful, charming mountain town known for its majestic beauty, rustic charm, jazzy culture, and relaxed atmosphere ... where we all connect with nature.

ICC - Idyllwild Community Center Calendar

Idyllwild Business Directory

Idyllwild's emergency radio station WNKI 1610 AM is operated by the Mile High Radio Club with oversight from the Idyllwild Fire Protection District, part of the Idyllwild & San Jacinto Mountains Emergency Outdoor Warning System.

Riverside County Alerts

Email

"Will on The Hill"

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Education:

Hemet School District

Idyllwild Arts Academy

Mission & Philosophy:

Programs:

  • Arts Academy: A residential high school for grades 9-12 and postgraduate, offering intensive arts training in various majors including Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual Art, Creative Writing, Film & Digital Media, InterArts, and Fashion Design.

  • Summer Program: Offers workshops for all ages and abilities, attracting students and artists from around the world. These include immersive experiences in different art disciplines.

  • Unique Offerings: The summer program has featured notable artists and includes specialized programs like Jazz in the Pines and Native American Arts.

Community & Student Life:

  • Diverse and inclusive: Idyllwild Arts welcomes students from different backgrounds and cultures, fostering a vibrant and multicultural community.

  • Strong student-teacher relationships: Teachers are described as passionate and supportive, creating a nurturing environment for students.

  • Challenging but supportive: The curriculum is rigorous, but students are encouraged and supported to reach their full potential.

  • Focus on wellness: The academy provides resources and support services to foster the well-being of its diverse student population.

Astrocamp

... a residential camp that focuses on physical science, astronomy, and space exploration, alongside traditional adventure activities, offering hands-on experiences with telescopes, rocketry, and planetary science, alongside outdoor activities like campouts, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

  • Science Focus:

    Astrocamp emphasizes astronomy and the exploration of space, providing opportunities for campers to engage with telescopes and learn about planets and the sun.

  • Adventure Activities:

    In addition to science, the camp offers a variety of traditional outdoor activities, including camping, mountain biking, archery, rock climbing, and bouldering.

  • Residential Camp:

    Astrocamp is a residential program, meaning campers stay overnight and participate in a structured program that combines science and adventure.

The San Bernardino National Forest is a vast natural area in Southern California encompassing over 823,816 acres.

The mountain community of Idyllwild serves as a gateway to the San Jacinto Wilderness within this forest.

The San Jacinto Mountain range contains several significant peaks and rock formations:

  • San Jacinto Peak: This is the highest point in the San Jacinto Mountains and the second highest in Southern California, reaching an elevation of 10,834 feet (3,302 m). It is a popular destination for hikers and offers panoramic views. A strenuous but shortest route to the summit is the Marion Mountain Trail. The peak is part of the Mount San Jacinto State Park.

  • Tahquitz Peak (and nearby Lily Rock): This is a large rock formation famous for rock climbing. It is associated with a Cahuilla legend about a chieftain named Tahquitz.

  • Suicide Rock: Another large rock formation known in rock climbing circles. It can be reached via the Deer Springs Trail.

  • Mount Atlas: A smaller rock formation also flanking Idyllwild.

  • Toro Peak: Located about 31 miles east of Temecula, it is the highest mountain in the Santa Rosa Mountains. It is accessible from State Route 74 via a dirt road. Part of the mountain is under the jurisdiction of the San Bernardino National Forest, while another portion, including the summit, is controlled by the Santa Rosa Indian Reservation.

  • Marion Mountain: Located near Idyllwild and is part of the San Jacinto Mountains. It is a popular destination for camping and hiking, with the Marion Mountain Trail providing access to San Jacinto Peak.

  • Jean Peak: Located south-southwest of San Jacinto Peak, it's often climbed as part of a long day hike that includes San Jacinto Peak.

  • Thomas Mountain: Part of the San Jacinto Mountains, located further south than Idyllwild.

  • Cahuilla Mountain: Another prominent peak in the San Jacinto Mountains, located to the south of Idyllwild.

    • The California State Parks website offers various maps and resources for Mount San Jacinto State Park, which encompasses much of the surrounding wilderness areas.

Idyllwild

"The Hill":

a mountain community nestled in the

San Jacinto Mountains,

lies within the bounds of the

San Bernardino National Forest:

Emergency Preparedness

Radio: WNKI 1610 AM

INFD: Idyllwild Fire Protection District

RVC Fire: https://www.rvcfire.org

Riverside County Alerts

Idyllwild History

Early Tourism and Resort Development:

In 1917, Claudius Emerson's purchase of the Idyllwild Inn and surrounding land marked a turning point, shifting the focus from a summer retreat to a more permanent, resort-based community.

Rock Climbing's Birthplace:

Tahquitz Rock, also known as Lily Rock, became a focal point for the development of technical rock climbing in America, with routes established in the 1930s and the Yosemite Decimal System being created in the 1950s.

Filming Location:

Cecil B. DeMille discovered Idyllwild in 1914, using the area for filming locations, including "The Girl of the Golden West".

Idyllwild Arts Foundation:

Founded in 1946 by Dr. Max Krone and his wife Beatrice, the foundation purchased land in the San Jacinto Mountains and began offering summer arts programs, further solidifying Idyllwild's reputation as an arts destination.

Bear Flag Festival:

Idyllwild hosted the Bear Flag Festival in the 1950s-70s, celebrating California's Bear Flag and commemorating the last grizzly bear in the area.

Climbing Reunion:

In 2009, the Idyllwild Area Historical Society and the Idyllwild Community Recreation Council hosted a reunion of early climbers on Tahquitz Rock, celebrating the area's climbing history, according to the Idyllwild Area Historical Society