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.

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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

Marc Mason

Dec 20, 2025

Open

I ran this trail from top to bottom. There are sections of the trail that have moderate ruts at best. Any vehicle with a modest lift and larger than stock tire size, can easily navigate the trail. Whether you are descending or ascending either way you can have fun. Some sections of the trail are narrow or difficult for vehicle passing .

David Shah

Nov 11, 2025

Open

This is not green rated trail , it had deep ruts and will require 4x4 going up. I have 35’s and some of the ruts were deep, so if it rains again this will definitely get more harder.

Milan de la Rocha

Oct 26, 2025

Open

Was the only vehicle on the trail. Went from Idyllwild down to 74. Rutted but easy.

Kenny Jenkins

Oct 10, 2025

Open

Jason Smith

Sep 25, 2025

Open

Easily done with 2WD prerunner, even at night and after the rains. Had some mud puddles but coasted right through. Lots of fun!

Artem Orekhov

Sep 21, 2025

Open

As all others reports -- agree it's a fun trail with couple technical places. Most of fun is the lower 1/3 of the trail. Higher clearance is recommended

Adam Messineo

Jul 12, 2025

Open

VONG DO

Jul 12, 2025

Open

We did the trail from top to bottom. Some sections have deep and off-camber ruts. Definitely not all Green trail rating. Need high clearance 4x4 and good line choice. Fun trail.

robert o

Jun 08, 2025

Open

It wasnt bad but at the Entrance there was a big rock that i had trouble getting my Truck through. Ended up clipping it.. not sure if we are allowed to move it but if its there when i go next time, im definitely moving it out of the way

Captain CruchyPants

May 26, 2025

Open

Trail seemed more difficult than other 3/10 trails. I’m a beginner so this one added a large pucker factor multiple times. I’m in a 2500 HD which made things harder. My daughters Tacoma was able to stay out of some of the tougher spots due to it being narrower wheelbase. Overall a fun and beautiful trail. Saw two other vehicles on the route.

Igor M

May 25, 2025

Open

Overall, the trail conditions ranged from easy to moderate. Most sections were smooth, but a few areas required precise driving and extra caution.

Victor Beltran

May 15, 2025

Open

Very beautiful trail. One of the best ones I’ve done in the area. Not too rough for my stock jeep with RT tires. Any stock 4x4 should be good.

Freddy Orozco

Apr 03, 2025

Open

Super fun trail ! You can tell the rain made some uneven parts. The end point is a little sketchy because you can’t really see on coming traffic to get out so be careful. Definitely great place to test out my new Falken 285 tires

Steven Rapata

Mar 22, 2025

Open

The trail 5S06 is Open was Never Closed I personally confirmed this with the forest service 4x4 is a must at the start of the Trail there are Large boulders just drive by them and if airing down pull in far enough to allow others to air down as well fairly easy trail Do not bring a low clearance vehicle especially after the rains/ snow you will get stuck a Stock Jeep should not have any problems for an experienced driver

Chris Thomas

Mar 09, 2025

Open