5S06 Idyllwild Control

Total Miles
6.1

Elevation

1,544.15 ft

Duration

1 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Overview

5S06 Idyllwild Control is a 6-mile point-to-point trail rated 3 of 10 located within the San Bernardino National Forest, San Jacinto Ranger District. 5S06 climbs from Highway 74 nearly 3,000 feet, ending at the intersection with Apple Drive in Idyllwild. The road is open to highway-legal vehicles only. This scenic drive was the original route from Hemet to Idyllwild in the early 1900s until the main road was opened in 1929. The main road at that time was a graded gravel road but today is paved. The first 2.5 miles from Highway 74 is considered a shelf road. Continuing up to Idyllwild the road widens some and there is more room for oncoming traffic to pass. Over the last several years the road has been closed on several occasions so it is advisable to contact the Forest Service to ensure the road is open. Cell phone service is intermittent. The nearest services are located in Idyllwild and in Hemet.

Photos of 5S06 Idyllwild Control

5S06 Idyllwild Control
5S06 Idyllwild Control
5S06 Idyllwild Control

Difficulty

The trail consists of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slick rock surfaces. Mud holes are possible, but there are no steps higher than 12 inches. 4WD may be required, and aggressive tires are a plus.

History

Roads around and within San Bernardino National Forest are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/conditions/?cid=FSEPRD538928

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Charlie Brown
Mar 23, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Went both directions. Never used lockers or 4x4. Great views.
Louis Lopez
Feb 25, 2024
4x4
Temporarily Closed
Posted Sign
Posted county update mentions closure from February 9th to 2025, no disclosed date or month.
Taylor Sanchez
Jan 06, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
Rough/Deteriorated
One particular spot near the bottom of the trail was a bit rough with some rocks that push you close edge even if you drive over top of them. Decent amount of washed out areas, but still a few lines available for a stock truck to make it up if smart with their lines. You'll want high clearance

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