Indian Mountain Trail

Total Miles
4.2

Elevation

1,756.59 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

7

Difficult

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Indian Mountain is a two-way trail between the Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Highway (SR 243) and the San Jacinto Ridge Trail (FS 5S09) in the San Bernardino National Forest. Comprised of mostly hard-pack dirt, the trail weaves through chaparral and pine trees to the summit of Indian Mountain at 5,790 feet. Breathtaking views of Hemet and Diamond Valley Lake are visible to the west, while Mount San Jacinto towers overhead to the east at 10,800 feet. The most significant obstacles are steep climbs and deep cross-trail rain ruts that will test the suspension capabilities of most street-legal vehicles. Sway bar disconnects along with limited-slip or locking differentials are highly recommended due to the likelihood of momentary tire lifting. The trail can be traveled in either direction, however, less capable vehicles should transit north to south due to steep off-camber climbs when traveling the opposite direction. Due to occasional snowfall, this trail is best traveled between April and November.

Difficulty

Deep cross-trail rain ruts will test the suspension capabilities of most street legal vehicles resulting in momentary tire lifting and a high potential for roll-overs on steep, off-camber sections of the trail.

History

The Indian Mountain Trail (FS 4S21) lies along the Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Highway which is part of the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway. The highway was originally completed in 1910 and officially designated as State Route 243 in 1970.

Technical Rating

7

Status Reports

Jeff Neubauer
Mar 16, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Traveled from South to North (uphill). About a mile in was really rutted out up a steep section. Another vehicle was with me was not capable of the deep holes. The lower half of this trail is significantly harder than the upper half.
Cobbie Campbell
Mar 16, 2024
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
Rough/Deteriorated
Trail was heavily washed out. Ran it North to South, never got stuck but other person with me took some damage. Couple inches snow made it look awesome in some places.
Andy X
Nov 14, 2023
4x4
Open
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Steve Hernandez
Oct 26, 2023
4x4
Open
Normal

Access Description

Indian Mountain Trail can be accessed from the north along State Route 243, just west of the Indian Vista Overlook near milepost 14. The overlook parking area provides a great staging location for a multi-vehicle trail ride. The trail can also be accessed from the south along the San Jacinto Ridge Trail (FS 5S09).

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