Special Notice -Welcome -Content of the Site -Transportation
SPECIAL NOTICE FOR SECTION B
Check the trail section about the the one areas of Fire Closure> {updated Feb. 22, 2021}
The Snow Fire Closure has been Lifted as of April 3, 2021 and the Trail is Open. {mi 191-206) Black Mountain Road towards Interstate 10. Hiking only, no camping for 16 miles. {update Apr. 2, 2021}
At the Rockslide mile 172.5 of May 24, 2019 is a rope around it that some people have been using.
- Use the trail section fine alternate ways to move on if this passage way is to dangerous for you to cross.
State of California has changing the rules on Jan 29, 2021 Friday!! and again for March 15, 2021.
All Lodging are open.
All restaurant and the food Establishments are open by using takeout and limit outside seating.
- As of March 15, 2021 many are going limited indoors seating like many areas in Calif.
Just new the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ReOpen Feb. 18, 2021 but limited needs to make advance ticket.
- The state park ranger says if you are going one way (down) and get there before six pm on one of the five open days you can ride
- For further information go above to Trail Closure Ahead and push the Details here.
The Riverside County Parks are currently open for camping Note: Fri. Sat, & holidays can fill up on reservations.
- [call to check out current information].
- Regular campsite are now $30 night
- Can be change at any time
State Parks will reopen Feb. 12, 2021
- to camping in Idyllwild Campgrounds and Fri. & Sat. fill up on reservation.
- camping requires a permitted in the four camping areas in the State wilderness.
- except for normal seasonal closed campgrounds
- Mid-March PCT section opened up 10 of its 22 people count per COVID-19
- first come service
- must pay and check-in before entering the park
- [call to check out current information].
- Can be change at any time
US Forest Service early Feb. 2021 after the state change to purple (COVID-19) requirements in the state of Calif.:
- opened up to for camping again except for the normal seasonal closed campground, and weather problems, fire closures and other closure for special reasons [call to check out current information].
US Forest Service wilderness is open with permitted in our region.
Since Jan. 8, 2021
WELCOME TO THE IDYLLWILD AREA - SECTION B - Content Topics
Welcome to Section B. Hope this site can be helpful to you.
Many changes in what and how things are open and all inside buildings require mask to wear for all of Calif and outside areas were there are people mask are require to use. {current Jan. 2021}
This web site to help you to your needs. Use the bars at the top for the section of the list below:
- Home - This Section
- TRAIL & WATER Current Condition & Web sites
- Need Transportation for long trips
- Fires current status effect on the trail - Open/Closure
- About This Site
- Start this section by starting at Paradise Valley Cafe
- Words about - MAYOR MAX
- Trail Info - go to this section for details Including Desciption of Section B
- Exit/Entry Trail, Alternate Route & maps
- One major part of the PCT Snow Fire Sept 2020 6,000+ acres
- Black Mountain Road mile - 191 to paved Falls Creek Road mile - 206
- This section was under closure until April 3, 2021 when the trail was open not for other usage (camping)
- One trail in the May Valley Road & Bonita Vista Road [Bonita Fire] on 15th Jan. 2021 over 700 acres
- Fire out and the area is open to Hike
- Trail & Forest roads from Hurkey Creek Campground to Idyllwild - Now Open
- Place to Stay
- Many places are are reopened for all to use as of May 23, 2020:
- IDYLLWILD INN, SILVER PINES LODGE, IDYLLWILD BUNKHOUSE, FIRESIDE INN, BLUEBIRD COTTAGE INN, IDYLLWILD’S STRAWBERRY CREEK VILLAGE, and CREEKSTONE INN {is closed and being worked on} these were the main ones open last year serving the PCT hikers
- Most of the others are now open
- Place to Eat: {Masks}
- many places were able to sit down service until the first Jan. 2021,
- others were mainly outside sitting until Jan. 2021, but many will reopen begining First of Feb 2021
- most can order in person, or call in and web for take out
- others window service only for take-out.
- days and hours are changing daily {call first}
- March 15, 2021 are limited opening indoors inside seating
- Stores {masks}
- Most are open a with limited number in at a time
- Nomad Ventures for Mountain Equipag - gear and etc. is reopen seven days a week now
- most stores are open
- Services
- Government Parks
- Library & Post Office
- Health
- Fire Dept.
- Doctors, Massage, Chiropractic, & Acupuncture
- Dentist
- Pharmacy
- Hair Care
- Other services
- Laundry & Local Shuttle
- Friendly
- Transportion for off the mountain
TRAIL & WATER Current Condition & Web sites for Sect B -All roads are open! Most of the Trails Open!
Trail Problems & Closures
All are open as of April 3, 2021!!
- One major part of the PCT Snow Fire Sept 2020 6,000 acres - Closure Area was until Apr 3, 2021 now Lifted and Trail Open for Hiking only - 16 miles.
- Black Mountain Road mile - 191 to paved Falls Creek Road mile - 206
- Second part of the Alternate Route of Spilter to Idyllwild trail and forest service roads in the May Area May Valley Road & Bonita Vista Road [Bonita Fire] on 15th Jan. 2021 over 700 acres
- Fire out and the Route is Open for Hiking (Feb. 2021)
- Trail from Hurkey Creek Campground to Idyllwild is Open
- Rock slide on the PCT trail between Antsell Peak and South Peak around mile 172.5 but open see in this section
Valentine's Day 2019 Road Damages All repairs just finished up Jan. 2021
- Road condition after the flooding of Feb. 14, 2019 effected Hwy 74 and Hwy 243
- Certain roads will washed out completely and others badly damages
PCT Water Report
Twitter PCT weather updates can be sent by SMS to your phone if you text “follow @pctwx to 40404” even if you don’t have a twitter account.
Part One this will download to a pdf file
"San Jacinto Trail Report" (for Section B Only)
All major roads in the area are open as of Nov. 01, 2019 with Hwy 243 and Jan. 2021 the last one to finish with repairs.
A GUIDE TO THIS FIRST SECTION
Need Transportation for long trips?:
Need Transportation for long trips: around problems [like closure or trail problem like weather]?
Rock Slide on PCT - Exit/Entry
05/24/2019 there was a ROCK SLIDE AT 172.5 mi
Six locations to Exit or Entry
Fires current status effect on the trail - Open/Closure
Fires current and passed status effect on the trail: all open for travel
- 2021 Bonita Fire effects Alternate Route last part of Section B as Feb. 2021 the Route is Open for Hiking
- 2020 Snow Fire From Black Mountain Road mile 191 to mile 206 Closed until Oct. 2021
- Was revisited and lifted April 3, 2021 Now Open for Hiking 16 miles (No camping)
- 2018 Cranston Fire Closure Area Now Open Aug. 1, 2019
- 2013 Mountain Fire Closure Area Now Open Dec. 15, 2018!
Valentine's Day Storm 2/14/19 Rain Damage
Rain damage 2019 to roads: After nine months all roads are open as of Nov. 1 at 6 PM Hwy 243 finally opens (to Interstate-10).
About This Site
Philosophy of This Site.
The Paths We Travel - Idyllwild
The Outline of Information to Guide you to the Idyllwild's Resources for Your Trip.
Start this section by starting at Paradise Valley Cafe
This is the place to get a great start for Section B.
A place on the Hwy 74 just one mile from the PCT mi. 151.
A place to find rides to Idyllwild and other place.
{Before you head for the high wilderness above 8,000 ft.}
Words about - MAYOR MAX
As Idyllwild is a non-incorporated town, it has no human mayor. Upon his arrival to Idyllwild, Max was accompanied by two deputy mayors: Mikey and Mitzi (Mikey Mighty-Dog Mueller and Mitzi Marie Mueller). The trio is often referred to as "the Mayor and the spares" or simply "the Mayors of Idyllwild."
Need Transportation for long trips?:
Local persons that does rides for a price off the mountain area:
Steve's Transportation Service 1(951) 659-4335 at Silver Pines Lodge ask for Steve
- Local trailheads
- Idyllwild to Banning or I-10 Trailhead PCT
- Other long distance locations
Idyllwild Transport (951) 265-6755
- Airports ONT & PSP
Terri French 1(619) 933-2306 {rates vary} plan ahead a set a time
- Idyllwild to Banning or I-10 Trailhead PCT $80
- to airports like at Palm Springs
Pearl Car Service 1 (951) 223-5812
- Idyllwild to Banning-I-10 Trailhead PCT [$100]
- or other locations
Off the mountain transportation service:
Discount Cab use 1 (951) 228-6858 plan ahead a set a time
- Idyllwild to Banning or I-10 Trailhead PCT around $60 up to seven persons
Other Ideas
There are Trail Angles for local trips and just a thumb with a pack gets friendly local residents - money not required but most will except tips.
- Check around with the Lodging place have numbers of people to help out
Talk to people for other possibilities. Like Grumpy.
gothook??
Fires current status effect on the trail - Open/Closure
Fires current status effect on the Trail - Open/Closure
2021 Bonita Fire May Valley Road & Bonita Vista Road on 15th Jan. 2021 over 715 acres
- Is now Open to Hiking (Feb. 2021)
- around Jan 26 the fire at 93% contained and then the storm came and put out the fire
- Second part of the Alternate Route of Spitler to Idyllwild trail and forest service roads in the
- Trail from Hurkey Creek Campground to Idyllwild
2020 Snow Fire Sept 17, 2020 6254 acres - Closure Area Now open
- revisited and lifted Apr. 3, 2021
- Since the Feb. snows it is out
- Black Mountain Road mile - 191 to paved Falls Creek Road mile - 206
- Apr. 3, 2021 this trail is reopened
2018 Cranston Fire Started Wed. July 25, 2018 just before noon Location: Now Open Aug. 1, 2019
- This created a fire closure area until 07/31/2019 included many forest roads and trails.
- The main trail PCT was opened for the Season 2019
2013 Mountain Fire Started July 15, 2013 PCT Trail reopen Dec. 15, 2018 Now PCT Trail Open
- Reopen in a set of stages with the main PCT and the Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route
- The PCT was closed at Hwy. 74 mi 151
- in 2017 open to Forbes Ranch - 2018 Spilter - 2019 To Tahquitz Creek {Dec. 2018}
Valentine's Day Storm 2/14/19 Rain Damage
Valentine Storm most damage was the Roads
Valentine's Day Storm: {All Roads open as of Nov. 01, 2019} (All Roads finished repair work Jan 2021)
- After Feb. 14 a day of 8 plus inches of rain with snow on the ground from the last storm [17 plus inches for Feb]
Roads were Effect by: {Feb. 14, 2019} Rainstorm Closure Hwy 74 West and Hwy 243 North
- Traveling between Hurkey Creek Park and Idyllwild on the Hwy 74 and Hwy 243 area were limited travel for a few days.
- The only way to Idyllwild was from the south from Palm Desert by Hwy 74 or from Temecula by Interstate 15 to Hwy 79 East to Hwy 371 through Anza to Hwy 74 North.
Then repairs were started:
Two ways to Idyllwild were closed down until repairs and rebuilding the roads From:
- North of Idyllwild/Pine Cove on Hwy 243 to Interstate 10 Banning closed down
- was later the road was open up at Pine Cove to Lake Fulmor
- for nine months the Banning side was not opened for any travel
- as of Nov. 1, 2019 the Hwy was fully opens
- Hwy 74 West at Mountain Center to Hemet was closed down at first for major work to be done: Then Limited escort started:
- after Easter: Escort 5-8am & 6pm-Midnight,
- then the beginning of June Escort 5-8am & 6pm-Midnight M-F and 4am-Midnight S-Sn
- On 09/03/19 was be opened 24/7 but Escorted [roadway repaired but not finish repaired and had up to a half hour wait] at times the total of an hour with travel
- As of Oct 3, 2019 is complete open (but some road work can being worked on with controlled flagging during the daytime {one lane traffic} 6am-6pm M-F until Oct 2020 up to 30 min delay.
- Still some work on weekday was going on in Feb. 2021
The weather winter season 2018-2019 start with a wet feed of air by tropical wet warm moisture (El Nino Year). 2018-2019 year was 37 inches for the year.
Feb. had a 8 inch plus day on Feb. 14 with a total of 17 inches recorded [but two days did not record of about two inch which would have made it the wettest Feb. around 19 inches] {July to June is 26 inches average}.
This year 2020-2021 is a major drought, having less than half the moisture, but most of the moisture is in low level snow. One inch of moisture can make ten inches of very light snow. from July to the end of March the total 11.40 and the year avg. is 26.46 inches. Currently the fourth driest year. {2017-2018 was 11.43)
Check the Trail Information Section for more details
For current trail with weather and water report for section B:
Contracts:
Calif. State Parks 1 (951) 659-2607
Daily 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636
About This Site
Philosophy of This Site.
I developed this site to help your trip in this section of the PCT. After a hundred plus miles from the south is my main focus {south to north} with many needs can develop on your challenge or a journey. Resupplying, replacing, and resting is the needed to complete the journey and hopefully without many instances.
The town of Idyllwild has services, stores, places to stay and friendly people who are willing to assist you towards your goal.
Oh, I am Steve. But I go by "GRUMPY" on and off the trail. It's not just a mood it's a lifestyle. I am not an trail angel, but an Angel Assistant and a section B web master. {40 plus years lived in Idyllwild} see Friendly People Section
Below picture, a look Eastward towards the town of Idyllwild at 5,397 ft. with the center part above the lowest part of the PCT in view at mi 179.4 - 8139 ft.
The Paths We Travel - Idyllwild
Some 180 or so miles from the boarder is the town of Idyllwild. I first seen this town before my teen years in the early 1960's. Since then I kept returning to enjoy the area and the high country unit May of 1978 which it became home.
SECTION B:
California Section B - 100 miles
Start - Hwy 79, mile 109.5 3,030 ft [near Warner Springs]
End - Hwy Interstate 10, mile 209.5 1,335 ft [near Cabazon]
Highest point at 9,048
The travel on the PCT after crossing Hwy. 74 at the 152 mile mark the route changes with elevation changes thru a mountain range of the San Jacinto with a peak 10,834 feet. The Pacific Crest Trail travels round the peak on the west side up to 9,000 feet. You start at Hwy 74 crossing mi. 151 at 4,900 feet to the highest part of the trail around mi. 182 and mi. 186
- [CS0181B - Several campsites - mi 181.3 - 9048 ft] &
- [WR186B - N Fork San Jacinto River Tributary - mi 186.2 - 8947 ft]. from the mi. 174 to mi. 190 is above 8,000 ft.
Weather becomes a problem in certain years making travel extreme for early in the year up to June.
This year 2020-2021 stared warm and dry until the end of Dec. 28. Then three storms at the end of Jan. a lot of snow and low elevations on some of the storms.
But still below average amount of moisture. (www.sanjacjon.com }.
The End of Section B:
Hwy10 - Interstate Hwy 10 - mi 209.5 - 1335 ft
Trail Angels are around for the season of Mar. to May.
Places that have some phone numbers are Idyllwild Inn, Silver Pines Lodge, {other places to stay has some limited transporting for their customers}, MountSan Jacinto State Park, San Jacinto Ranger District San Bernardino National Forest, Paradise Valley Cafe, Post Office and Normad Venture.
Locals residents help out too, only ask or put out a thumb with your pack.
Ask Mayor Max went he is in town. see the last part of this section.
Only public Transportation:
Except for the “IDYLLWILD SHUTTLE” on Mon. PALM DESERT & PALM SPRINGS & Wed. HEMET 1 (951) 426-9688 http://www.idyllwildshuttle.com
For other transportation push the button below (the information is on this page).
The Outline of Information to Guide you to the Idyllwild's Resources for Your Trip
- Trail Information
- Places to stay {a night or more}
- Places to eat
- Stores {groceries stores, equipment, boots, clothes, and gifts}
- Services: Government Parks {Forest Service, County, State Park}
- Services: - Government Library [computes, etc.] & Post Office
- Services: Doctors, Dentist, Hair Care, Pharmacy, and Fire Dept. [first aid]
- Other Services Laundry and Shuttle
- Friendly People {for sharing information}, Photo Gallery, Blog
Check the end of this section for information about MAYOR Max
Pacific Crest Trail Water Report:
Use the menu above in the header on the left side to move around for the information.
Start this section by starting at Paradise Valley Cafe
This is the place to get a great start for Section B
It is only one mile west of the hwy 74 crossing.
- To get water
- To get great food
- A place to stay over night
- Great people
- Find out the current trail information
- Transportion by Trail Angels stop here and can cafe staff has numbers to call for rides
- Use this web to call in to res. places to stay [ATT connection and no wi-fi]
- Other great things can happen here
- Sometimes you can see GRUMPY-Steve checking the place out for what is needed
- Just a great place!!!!
Paradise Valley Cafe
1(951-659-3663)
at hwy.74 151.9 mi mark go west one mile
The hours have changed due to the current criss, earlier closing time!!
Order while on the trail, package to go>
Come join us for a wonderful meal in the mountains. Located at the intersection of the 74 and 371 highways in Mountain Center, CA, we welcome Bikers, Hikers, and Horseback riders. Our dog friendly patio is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. So whether you are coming from the desert, the mountains, or the beach, we are here to offer you the best food in a great environment.
Open daily 8am to 3pm
Can get rides to Idyllwild here by Trail Angels!
Water during opertion hours only - well water.
1 mile W of PCT of the hwy 74 crossing.
Words about - MAYOR MAX
Mayor Max, I (the first) visited with Kirsten Garrett of Menifee, California on July 21, 2012.
Mayor Max, II, Deputy Mayor Mitzi, and Deputy Mayor Mikey with Idyllwild visitors, November, 2013
Mayor Max, I (the first) visited with Kirsten Garrett of Menifee, California on July 21, 2012.
Welcome to Mayor Max's website.
Max (Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller) was voted into office during an election held on June 11, 12, and 13, 2012 in Idyllwild, and was inaugurated to a one-year term on July 1, 2012.
As Idyllwild is a non-incorporated town, it has no human mayor. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), a non-profit 501(c)(3), spons
Welcome to Mayor Max's website.
Max (Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller) was voted into office during an election held on June 11, 12, and 13, 2012 in Idyllwild, and was inaugurated to a one-year term on July 1, 2012.
As Idyllwild is a non-incorporated town, it has no human mayor. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), a non-profit 501(c)(3), sponsored Idyllwild's first-ever mayoral election. Any local resident was permitted to nominate his or her dog or cat. 14 dogs and 2 cats were nominated and ran for office. Constituents cast their votes via $1 donations each, and all $31,000 of the proceeds benefited ARF.
Max won a full two-thirds of the votes, and became Idyllwild's first mayor.
Max's popularity moved the people of Idyllwild to appeal to ARF for his continuation in office beyond his one-year term. On February 9, 2013, ARF announced the extension of his one-year term to a second and final year, ending on June 30, 2014.
On April 2, 2013, Mayor Max passed away. The successor for the remainder of Max's term, Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, II, arrived in Idyllwild on July 21, 2013. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends approved his mayoral transition plan.
Upon his arrival to Idyllwild, Max was accompanied by two deputy mayors: Mikey and Mitzi (Mikey Mighty-Dog Mueller and Mitzi Marie Mueller). The trio is often referred to as "the Mayor and the spares" or simply "the Mayors of Idyllwild."
Mayor Max, Deputy Mayor Mikey, and Deputy Mayor Mitzi are all related to Mayor Max, I; all four dogs share a common ancestor. Mikey and Mitzi are siblings from the same litter, and Max is a cousin of theirs. Mikey and Mitzi were born in Ohio, and Max was born in California.
In March of 2014, as the June 30 end of Max's term approached, ARF solicited the town's interest in holding another election. Once again, the people overwhelmingly pled for Mayor Max's continuation in perpetuity. Mayor Max and his two deputies, Mikey and Mitzi, continue to serve the town of Idyllwild.
Feel free to contact the Office of Mayor Max of Idyllwild at any time.
Mayor Max, II aka: Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, II
Mayor Max, II, Deputy Mayor Mitzi, and Deputy Mayor Mikey with Idyllwild visitors, November, 2013
Mayor Max, I (the first) visited with Kirsten Garrett of Menifee, California on July 21, 2012.
Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild
P.O. Box 1848
Idyllwild, California 92549
1(951) 659-0283 Mayor Headquarters Office
1(949) 525-0100 Phyllis Mueller Mobile
When you come, please be sure we meet! I am in town daily, but always welcome visitors and locals to call and arrange meet-ups.
Mayor Max, II, Deputy Mayor Mitzi, and Deputy Mayor Mikey with Idyllwild visitors, November, 2013
Mayor Max, II, Deputy Mayor Mitzi, and Deputy Mayor Mikey with Idyllwild visitors, November, 2013
Mayor Max, II, Deputy Mayor Mitzi, and Deputy Mayor Mikey with Idyllwild visitors, November, 2013
Job Description
The Idyllwild Mayor shall do his/her best to be a positive representative for the communities of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Fern Valley, and Mountain Center.
The Mayor shall:
- endeavor to promote this mountain community on and off the Hill.
- support commissioners in their projects.
- strive to be present at community events suc
Job Description
The Idyllwild Mayor shall do his/her best to be a positive representative for the communities of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Fern Valley, and Mountain Center.
The Mayor shall:
- endeavor to promote this mountain community on and off the Hill.
- support commissioners in their projects.
- strive to be present at community events such as outdoor concerts, festivals, fairs, and the July 4 parade.
- do his/her best to accept invitations for official visits, such as ribbon cuttings, "mixers," etc.
- speak out on behalf of the animals of this mountain, domesticated and non-domesticated.