RESTAURANTS & EATS:
Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
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'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.
"Will on The Hill"
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Education:
Mission & Philosophy:
Changing lives through the transformative power of art: This is the core mission of Idyllwild Arts.
Cultivating citizen artists: The academy aims to embolden students to become inspired citizens who use art for social, economic, technological, and environmental change.
Holistic development: Idyllwild Arts believes that art is the greatest teacher of humanity and emphasizes fostering empathy and inclusivity.
Supporting individual growth: The intimate and secluded mountain campus provides a sanctuary for self-discovery and independent artistic development.
Collaboration over competition: The academy fosters a supportive environment where students uplift and support each other.
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.
... 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.
Astrocamp emphasizes astronomy and the exploration of space, providing opportunities for campers to engage with telescopes and learn about planets and the sun.
In addition to science, the camp offers a variety of traditional outdoor activities, including camping, mountain biking, archery, rock climbing, and bouldering.
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:
© Will.iam Halfhill - "Will on the Hill"
Emergency Preparedness
Radio: WNKI 1610 AM
INFD: Idyllwild Fire Protection District
RVC Fire: https://www.rvcfire.org
Cal Fire Station Pine Cove:
Cal Fire Station Garner Valley:
in Mountain Center
CalTrans District 8 (Hwys):
San Bernardino, CA · (909) 383-4631
INCIWEB (Incident Information Center):
USFS (US Forest Service):
National Weather Service (forecasts):
Riverside Sheriff:
RivoCo EMD (Riverside County Emergency Mgmt. Dept.):
USGS - US Geological Service - Earthquake:
RivCo Animal Services:
SoCal Edison - power outages, etc.:
Cal Trans Quick Map:
Local Snow Info:
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.
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.
Cecil B. DeMille discovered Idyllwild in 1914, using the area for filming locations, including "The Girl of the Golden West".
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.
Idyllwild hosted the Bear Flag Festival in the 1950s-70s, celebrating California's Bear Flag and commemorating the last grizzly bear in the area.
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

