Welcome -The State & Forest Service Wilderness Problems
ALL TRAILS ARE OPEN!!
- SEASON 2023
Note as of May 26 Grumpy has stop his season for giving rides.
See down below of other angels under transportation.
In Section B area of higher elevation and of heavy snow pack of a year with major weather storms {past six feet or more}
[this snow pack did into June and patches into July {2023}].
THIS YEAR HAS THE BIGGEST SNOW PACK IN THE HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA::::
- [over 500 inches in Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and as of end of June 2023 over 200 inches and skiing into Aug 6,2023]. some areas did not melt to the ground in the very high area and limited the bike riding to three weeks.
For more information about the 2023 and other high years see "2023 and Past Weather"
Last up dated Oct. 26, 2023 -- some of the south bound are hitting our area.
Welcome - Content of the Site -with Transportation and Mayor
WELCOME TO THE IDYLLWILD AREA - SECTION B All Trails and Roads Open
This website is made and update by the owner known as Grumpy.
Welcome page with information with the next Section Contents:
- Trail & Water Current Conditions & website
- Transportation Short & Long
- On PCT to - Exit/Entry for Section B
- About This Site
- Paradise Valley Cafe
- Mayor Max
*MAJOR CHANGE: For Grumpy's transportation
- Section below "Need Transportation for short trips to/from trailheads or long trips?:"
WELCOME TO THE IDYLLWILD AREA - SECTION B - Content Topics
Welcome to Section B. Hope this site can be helpful to you.
Nov. 2022, this SITE had some changes because of some business changed ownership or out of Business befor the season of 2023.
Idyllwild is always changing, going thru the places listed to get better information on each.
With the COVID-19 all still around but no requirements.
A website on Idyllwild - called "Idyllwild, California" which has Translate website www.idyllwildcalifornia.com maybe help for you but with translations - has limited information.
We have lost a few business that I marked TEMPORARY or PERMANENTLY CLOSED.
This website is 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 short trailheads & long trips
- About This Site Philosophy and Idyllwild Area
- Start this section by starting at Paradise Valley Cafe
- Words about - MAYOR MAX
- Place to Stay
- they are listed by distance from the center of town to outwards
- IDYLLWILD INN, SILVER PINES LODGE, IDYLLWILD BUNKHOUSE, FIRESIDE INN, & BLUEBIRD COTTAGE INN, these were the main ones open last 2021 serving the PCT hikers during COVID-19
- Others reopened in 2022 and new ownership for two.
- they are listed by distance from the center of town to outwards
- Place to Eat:
- They are listed in groups of same type of business (restaurants, cafe ...etc.)
- Most locations have indoor seating and with outside covered/open
- Some only have window service Inside or outside for only for take-out.
- Most locations can be order in person, or call in and/or web for take out
- days and hours open does change by many factors so {call first}
- They are listed in groups of same type of business (restaurants, cafe ...etc.)
- Stores
- groceries stores, equipment, boots, clothes, and gifts
- Nomad Ventures for Mountain Equipag - gear and etc.
- most stores are open
- Services -
- Government
- Government Parks - US Forest, State, & County
- Government: Others
- Fire Department, Library & Post Office
- Business: Shipping
- Miss Sunshine Container & Shipping
- Business: Medical & other:
- Medical Services: Doctor (1), Dentist (2)
- and Pharmacy
- Medical other Massage, Chiropractic, & Acupuncture
- Other Business:
- Hair Care, Laundry & Local Shuttle
- Government
- Trail Info - go to this section for details Including Desciption of Section B
- Exit/Entry Trail, Alternate Route & maps
- with Four Alternate Routes - Because of weather and/or trail condition
- Trail History for 2013 to 2021
- Fire (2013 & 2015 major closures), Rock Fall (the big one -May 2019 to June 2021), and Weather - Roads damaged from a major rainfall (the big one day Feb. 14, 2019 eight plus inches)
- also it effect the roads - closed and/or one-way traffic for repair
- Friendly
- Transportion for off the mountain
Check the end of this section for information about MAYOR Max
- Mayor Max III takes office Dec. 10, 2022
TRAIL & WATER Current Condition & Web sites for Sect B -All roads are open! and Trails are Open!
- Trail Problems & Closures:
There has been trail problems and closure from 2013 to the beginning of 2021 other than normal winter time weather conditions includes; fires closures areas, rock slides, down trees, storm washouts of trail & road, COVID closures/requirments. 2022 season problems where heat and lack of water [one person did die in Anza area]. see the history of 2013-2021 section.
{Note: that summer time California had more than normal summer weather include at hurricane turn to major topical storm. The end of July Whitney Portal and Onion Valley trail head roads where damage and closed for one to two weeks. Even Death Valley got flooded and closed down twice.}
Temporary Closure was:
San Bernardino National Forest Closure March 3 to March 16
- related to the February Storms and public safety due to high snowfall and potentially hazardous conditions
State Park Wilderness - In the San Jacinto Mountain started March 1 and now Open since April 07
All trails are open as of April 3, 2021!!
All roads in the area have been repaired Jan. 2021
COVID NO requirements.
For others conditions:
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. also, can get a print out at the Idyllwild Library.
Part One this will download to a pdf file
"San Jacinto Trail Report"
https://www.sanjacjon.com (Section B Only) Trail reports conditions, and water
"independently run by Jon King"
Jon makes this report does this by his labor and time is volunteered, the San Jacinto Trail Report (completely depends on small private donations to cover operating cost). The Donate page can be found on his report just at the end of the day report. (Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal)
- He started making a trail report (hard copy) bulletins that Jon provided to local rangers to distribute to hikers.
He received a local award "Ernie Maxwell Community Spirit Award 2022" Recipient
- The award is given to recognize, effect on the community. The honor is given to an inidividual or group who represents EMax's spirit of community and volunteerism. Prior awardees took actions that created a spark sufficient to bring others into the fray just as Maxwell did with his activities involving the environment. {go to the story about Jon King for more}
- Idyllwild "Town Crier" Vol. 77 No. 42 Thurs. Oct, 20, 2022}
A GUIDE TO THIS FIRST SECTION
Need Transportation for short trips to/from trailheads or long trips?:
Need Transportation for short trips to/from trailheads or long trips: around problems areas [like closure or trail problem like weather], places to lodge, supplies, food, or medical?
About This Site
Philosophy of This Site.
The Paths We Travel - Idyllwild
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/from Idyllwild and other place.
{Before you head for the high wilderness above 8,000 ft.}
Words about - MAYOR MAX [Now Mayor Max III]
As Idyllwild is a non-incorporated town, it has no human mayor. Upon his arrival to Idyllwild, in the past was"Max was accompanied by two deputy mayors: Mikey and Mitzi (Mikey Mighty-Dog Mueller and Mitzi Marie Mueller)." The change a new and younger Max "Max III" with his sister and started His duties on Dec. 10, 2022 after the passing of Max II.
Transportation for short to/from trailheads or long trips
Local persons that are Trail Angels for transportation of the mountain areas, trailheads and town:
These names say that they do transportation in this area. I can not verify and not responsible for their actions and services. Many are for certain amount of money depending on the trip.
*Grumpy:: (951) 500-5954 Rides free but Will take tips!!
Season from March 15 to up to the Thursday of Memorial weekend
*Cierra (951) 322-2981 year round
*Steven P (858) 472-5804 year round - Part Time
*Marsha (951) 357-8509 $ year round - mainly local (but Airports at time)
Terri (619) 933-2306 leave a message
Maria (760) 458-7289 leave a message
Stephanie (760) 656-5405 (???-do not know if still working 10/23)
Marcia (951) 357-8509 (Tues/Wed/Thur)
*Steve's Transportation Service 1(702) 595-2502 $ year round (see below also long distance)
*Les 1(858) 866-6490 $ year round (see below also long distance) Holds up to six persons
*Peal Car (951) 223-5812 24 hours local $(see below also long distance) idytax.com
Local trailheads, and any where to any where (see below all long distance)
another place with angels: idyllwildpcttrailangels @facebook
Next section has a listing of roadways to leave this area:
- Exit/Entry locations to major road travel *2023 year round & 2024 drivers
*Grumpy: Oh yes this is my website! Since 2017 and picking up PCTers, but Limited only to Section B
MAJOR CHANGE: For Grumpy Trail Angel Service is: (951) 500 - 5954 Text and voice Only
- Seasonal {Mid-March to End 0f May}
Main Focus on these Routes::
- Black Mountain Road at Hwy 243; (190.7 mi)
- Devil Slide Trailhead at Humber Park - (179.4 mi)
- (most phones has little or no connection to servers - can higher up the trail).
- Spilter Peak Junction Trailhead at Apple Canyon Road; (168.6 mi)
- Fobes Ranch Road at Hwy 74; (166.5 mi)
- Cedar Springs Trailhead at Morris Ranch Road (162.6 mi) and
Always the PVC and trail head Hwy 74 at 151mi.
Limited only in Section B:: at 151 mile Junction of Hwy 74 near to Paradise Valley Cafe to Black Mountain Road Junction of the Hwy 243 (7+ miles north of Idyllwild on the Hwy 243) that leads up to the Junction of PCT at 191 mile.
Local persons that do rides for a price [Fee] off the mountain area:
These names say that they do transportation in this area. I can not verify and not responsible for their actions and services. all charge fees by mile or location.
Steve's Transportation Service 1(702) 595-2502
- Local trailheads
- Seating up to three
- Idyllwild to Banning or I-10 Trailhead PCT
- Other long distance locations - such as Airports
- Palm Springs area location
Les 1(858) 866-6490
- Holds up to six persons
- Local trailheads
- Airport (LAX-SD-PS-ONY)
- Off the mountain location
- other longer distance like Tehachapi, and other areas near that
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
- to airports like at Palm Springs
Pearl Car Service 1 (951) 223-5812 idytaxi.com 24 hrs. seven days a week
- local trailheads
- Idyllwild to Banning-I-10 Trailhead PCT
- Airports, any trail area in Southern California
- or other locations
Next section has a listing of roadways to leave this area.
Off the Mountain Transportation Service:
This is just a listing of a company off the mountain say it does service to this area.
Discount Cab Taxi Valley Cab Banning
1 (951) 228-6858
- Plan ahead to set a time
- up to seven
- Idylwild to Banning Or I-10 Trailhead PCT
- (around $75 price)
Other Ideas to look at:
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.
If need to leave the mountain area by hitching go to Paradise Cafe on Hwy 74 East - takes down to the Hwy 111 Palm Desert for other transportation!! It is about 25 miles away.
gothook?? new name a ownership change "FarOut"
{watch out for not updated all the information - some are not up data for years ago}
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. {45 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 Saddle Junction the highest in view on the right Tahquitz Peak Lookout at 8646 ft.
Not in view is Marion Man. at 10,362 ft. is the largest peak that can be seen from Idyllwild.
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 at the Junction with Wellmans Cienaga Trail at 9030 ft. 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. Normal moisture is 26.3 Since 1929-1930
The extremes is the only way to understand the climate in Southern California:
- Lowest is in 2001-2002 record of 9.60 inches
- breaking the old record in 1960-1961 of 10.59 in.
- The highest is in 1936-1937 record 54.92 in. ( a period of 11 years of at normal or above [7 of them])
- the second highest was closest on 1982-1983 at a 54.86 inches
- Most recent since the 2004-2005 of 40.65:
- 2016-2017 with 35.74 and
- 2018-2019 with 37.10 (February at 17.03 2nd wettest) created many rescues.
- 2022-2023 is at about 44+ inches of moisture and 80 or so of snow fall at May 2 will up date
{PCT 2021} Climate 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. Snow pack was very small and melted off early and fast.
- The year came out to a total 11.6 one of a hand full the lowest moisture.
- Was the year of many fires for closures and late Summer to early Fall (October) closure because of the dangerous conditions for starting of fires for many places [note was reopen for a few southbound to come back to trail to finish].
{PCT 2022} climate year 2021-2022 has a better state with July 2.32 with normal 0.63 but November we had zero with normal 2.35 and then the moisture are most stopped. Next three months less than 1/3 of normal moisture and drying up the water sources.
{PCT 2023} Climate year 2022-2023 year with rain through the summer into the Autumn September had a hurricane came up off in the water towards Southern Calif. bring that month up to 3.46 inches and with a twice the normal November. Then came January with almost 14 inches of moisture:
- Jul-Jan was a total of 26.9 inches of moisture which is the normal for July to June average.
- February the weather data had missed on four important days of most of the weather of Feb. only 1.7 reported and now it has been updated to 4.67 inches
- March 13.4 inches of moisture with total moisture is inches over 44 plus for the year
- April no moisture!!
- Jon King reports about 100 inches of snow for this year at the peak
- The system atmospheric river [pineapple express] that dropped the heavy amounts of rain and snow has broken down or quit developing at the end of March.
- This created a problem of hiking areas above 6,000 feet in elevation for the first half of the season.
- Then above 8,000 feet for the second half with many hikers using the Black Mountain Road to the junction of the PCT at 191 mi to leave the area.
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.
Find some of the phone numbers can be found here and some have number some phone numbers like the place to stay at Paradise Valley Cafe (many just show up) and Normad Venture.
- There are many locals help out when they can - like driving to or coming from home or go to a store. So Thumbs out!!
- Locals residents and visitors will help out too, only ask or put out a thumb with your pack.
- Ask Mayor Max went he is in town - even he will. 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).
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
- Grumpy does one day round trip to Idyllwild - also helps carry orders from Nomand Ventures or Post Office or left objects from taking {camp, places eating, resting, or rides/walking in his area: services
- Just a great place!!!!
New for 2023 season:: is a place across the is a house with special angel with:
- equipment like TreVor Spikes Program & ice axe from Nomand Ventures
- a place to stay
- a place to wash your clothes
- ask for Richard
Paradise Valley Cafe
1(951-659-3663)
at hwy.74 151.9 mi mark go west one mile
Order while on the trail, package to go>
Come join 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:
Sunday 8am to 3pm
Mon-Tue 8am-3pm
Wed-Sat 8am-8pm
Can get rides to Idyllwild for 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 Now Mayor Max III Arriving Dec.
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, II, Deputy Mayor Mitzi, and Deputy Mayor Mikey with Idyllwild visitors, November, 2013
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, 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.
Has pasted on 2022
Mayor Max III arriving soon - story at
{Idyllwild "Town Crier" Vol. 77 No. 42 Thurs. Oct, 20, 2022}
Mayor Max, III aka: Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, III
Mayor Max, II, Deputy Mayor Mitzi, and Deputy Mayor Mikey with Idyllwild visitors, November, 2013
Mayor Max, III aka: Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, III
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
On September 5, 2022, Mayor Max, III was born. He arrived home on November 6, 2022, along with his sister, Meadow. Mayor Max, III's debut to Idyllwild and c
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
On September 5, 2022, Mayor Max, III was born. He arrived home on November 6, 2022, along with his sister, Meadow. Mayor Max, III's debut to Idyllwild and commencement of duties was on December 10, 2022.
Mayor Max, III continues to serve the town of Idyllwild, along with Vice Mayor Meadow, Deputy Mayor Mikey, and Deputy Mayor Mitzi.
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.