Pacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B for the Trekkers

Pacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B for the TrekkersPacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B for the TrekkersPacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B for the Trekkers

Pacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B for the Trekkers

Pacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B for the TrekkersPacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B for the TrekkersPacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B for the Trekkers
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  • Place to Eat
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  • Trail History 2013-2021
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    • Home
    • Place to Stay
    • Place to Eat
    • Stores
    • Services Gov't-Business
    • Trail Infomation
    • Trail History 2013-2021
    • Friendly

  • Home
  • Place to Stay
  • Place to Eat
  • Stores
  • Services Gov't-Business
  • Trail Infomation
  • Trail History 2013-2021
  • Friendly

Welcome to Trail Info

Trail Information Overview and Trail Heads, and exit/entry, Alternate Routes:


  • The overview of Calif. Section B and Trail Information Web sites for the area


  • Roadways that can take you to ByPass parts or all of Section B
    • To major cities, rails, airports, & Bus terminals


  • Exit/Entry points in this section of Trail-Heads  


  • The Trail Information-Alternate Routes for when the Trail is to much [Dangerous]
    • {Alternate Routes Button below}
    • Map shows the PCT area with Four Alternate Routes From Paradise Valley to Idyllwild
    • Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route Map, Directions, Parks
    • Black Mountain RD0191 7689 feet for going around Fuller Ridge Trail Section


  • If at looks Dangerous change trail route or get a ride!!
    • Some hikers bypass the PCT by traveling the Hwy. Route {74 to 243}.
    • Planning for a ride - here are some pay transportation for bypassing part of the trail.


  • THE MAP OF THE TOWN & OTHER MAPS


Alternate Routes form Paradise Valley Open or Closed {press}

Trail information for Calif. Section B

The overview of Calif. 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


Check for information for this section about trails and updates:

  • PCTA.org  
    • https://www.pcta.org
  • US Forest Service at the San Jacinto Ranger Station at +1(909) 382-2921
  • Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail                USDA - US FOREST SERVICE 
    • https://www.fs.usda.gov/pct/
  • San Jacinto Trail Report [trail information, water, & weather]
    • 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.  You can visit the Donate page if you have found that his report was useful. Just at the end of the day report.
    • https://www.sanjacjon.com
  • Pacific Crest Trail Water Report: 
    • https://pctwater.com




Roadways in Section B on PCT - Exit/Entry Trailheads

Roadways in Section B near PCT - Exit/Entry TrailHeads

   

Roads that you can use to pass around this of PCT Section B {of Idyllwild} or protions of the area other than hiking are:


[A] Hwy 74 at 

Paradise Valley

turn on to Hwy 371 then 

West on Hwy 79 to 

Temecula

[Interstate 15]


[B] Hwy 74 at 

Paradise Valley 

East on Hwy 74 to 

Palm Desert & Palm Springs to

[Hwy 111/Interstate 10]


[C] Hwy 74 at 

Mountain Center

West on Hwy 74 to 

Hemet  

[Interstate 215]


[D] Hwy 243 at 

Mountain Center

North  @ Hwy 74 thru Idyllwild to

Banning.  

[Interstate 10]


[E] Hwy 243 at 

Idyllwild 

North on Hwy 243 to 

Banning

[Interstate 10] 


[F] Int-10 at 

Banning

East to Palm Springs or

West to Los Angles



Whitewater Canyon Road is open again this year 2020 then    Closed during crisis!! Fires and Flooding

As a result, the Whitewater Preserve is open, but for day use 8am-5pm {my last timed checked Feb. 2021}, according to the Wildlands Conservancy.

Then open for Camping per website.

PCT hikers are welcome!!.


1  (760) 325-7222

https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/whitewater 



Find out more - Area of Sec. B and Trailheads

Exit/Entry points in this section of Trail-Heads

  • North Bound PCT you can leave the trail at:
  • Most of the exit drops you to one of the Hwys
    • The highways are narrow curvy mountain road, often with little or no shoulder to walk on. It can be dangerous, especially during weekends with traffic. Hitch a ride, connect someone for a pick up, or Trail Angel !!] 
    • Check the section for paid ride


  • Hwy 74 - Highway 74, Pine to Palms Highway - mi 151.9 - 4906 ft  {18 miles south of Idyllwild} go west one mile to Paradise Valley Cafe for water & food
    • Water only when open!!  1(951-659-3663) 
  • CedarSprTr - Cedar Spring Trail Junction - mi 162.6 - 6765 ft paved road from Hwy 74
  • FobesRanchTr - Fobes Ranch Trail Junction - mi 166.5 - 6002 ft from a dirt road to/from Hwy 74 and crossing a river bed (most of the time dry)
    • Fobes Spring 2mi
    • Fobes Trail 4mi
    • Pacific Crest Trail 6 mi
  • SpitlerTr - Spitler Peak Trail junction - mi 168.6 - 7047 ft down the Apple Canyon Road to Hwy. 74 at Hurkey Creek Park  7.6 Miles
    • Spitler Peak Trailhead mile 4.7 good spot to get a trail angel by phone {Grumpy does pick up here}- check next note
    • [Limited ATT. Phone Service - call on the way down]
    • {Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Routes A & B by trail - click the red button below}
    • the Route B from Hurkey Creek Park to Idyllwild - (has been closed in the past due to fire closures) now open to foot and Bike travel
  • South Ridge Trail (3E08) turn off from TqtzPkTr - Tahquitz Peak Trail - mi 178 - 8616 ft 
    • some years can be very dangerous and deadly from the icy conditions (2022 one death)
    • to Idyllwild or from Idyllwild - just to the west down to Forest Road 5S11  
    • then Travel to the pave road called Saunders Mdw. Rd. at 5618 ft and follow it north 
    • and down to the Hwy. 243 turn right to town
  • SaddleJct - Saddle Junction, Devils Slide Trail to Idyllwild - mi 179.4 - 8139 ft to Humber Park, 2.6 miles W of PCT - mi 179.4 - 6552 ft {Once you reach Humber Park 
    • [No ATT Phone Service at Humber Park - call on the way down], 
    • it's another 2.6 mi. road-walk to center of the town Idyllwild 
    • at  PO0179 - Idyllwild Post Office, Idyllwild -5397 ft}
  • StrawberryJct - Strawberry Junction, Deer Springs Trail to Suicide Rock, Idyllwild - mi 183.4 - 8069 ft  {The 4 mile long Deer Springs Trail (4 miles N of Saddle Jc)] is another way to reach Idyllwild 
    • and you end up on Hwy 243 just 7/10th of a mile NW of the State Park Campground & center of Idyllwild]
  • RD0191 - Black Mountain Road, unpaved - mi 190.7 - 7689 ft  {seven miles to Hwy 243 (north to Banning or south to Idyllwlid} 
    • [Limited ATT Phone Service at the Hwy - call on the way down to the hwy]
    • ByPass was and still is (if this route is to much for you due to the snow or other weather conditions):
      • following the Black Mountain Road to Hwy 243 {eight miles} and 
      • then go north to Interstate 10 where you can connect back to the PCT at 209.5 mi
    • This highway is a narrow curvy mountain road, often with little or no shoulder to walk on. 
    • It can be dangerous, especially during weekends with traffic. Hitch a ride or Trail Angel !!]  
      • Can not do -  [Some hikers roadwalk the 8.2 miles of Hwy 243 from Idyllwild to reach Black Mountain Rd.}  
      • this was to connect back to the PCT at the RD0191 to leave the mountain


  • The start of Section C  at 209.5 mi
  • Interstate 10 - to the West about four miles to Cabazon by Railroad Ave south of Interstate 10 209.5 mi  
    • Morongo Casino Resort six miles west 1(951) 849-3080  www.morongocasinoresort.com
    • Desert Hills Outlets seven miles west 1(951) 849-5018  www.premiumoutlets.com
      • including many food places and Food Court, and yes Starbucks and many other fav
      • check out for section C & D fire closure areas


  • WHITEWATER PRESERVE  218.5 mi   +1 (760) 325-7222
    • Currently open in the day time  - 8am-5pm
    • Restrooms and water open during operation hours
    • Overnight camping open give a call.
    • https://wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/whitewater    
    • whitewaterpreserve@wildlandsconservancy.org
    • North on the trail Permits for preserve camping, backcountry trip parking, and afterhours hiking are available at the preserve ranger station during open hours, in person or by phone. 
    • Now open again 
      • after being the Feb. 14, 2019 flooding the area out and the road -
      • For daytime open and Camping open for 2022 & 2023
      • ?? 2024 call
  • TRAIL CONDITIONS
    • The Canyon View Loop Trail remains PARTIALLY CLOSED due to damage from Tropical Storm Hilary on 8/20/23. This is the trail section that crosses the riverbed north of the parking lot, and leads to the Pacific Crest Trail and Red Dome. Damage includes multiple steep cliff faces, and the riverbed trail is now a boulder and debris field. Additionally, there is no stone staircase or footbridge across the river. Much of the Canyon View Loop can still be enjoyed as an out-and-back hike beginning from the bottom of the parking lot. Visit the Ranger Station for more information and trail maps. 
    • Great place to stay
    • The Wildlands Conservancy 
    • 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road
    • Whitewater, Ca 92282




South Bound PCT you just reverse the order 


Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route Map, Directions, Parks

Four Alternate Routes From Paradise Valley to Idyllwild

Alternate Routes {A} Spitler to Hurkey Creek Park: {B} Hurkey Creek Park to Idyllwild {C} Walk along the Hwy 74 to join Route B: {D} Pick up a ride to Idyllwild or off the Mountain

Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route: Two parts of separate Alternate Routes {A & B} This route has been use for alternate route to Idyllwild for heavy snow, and other bad ice conditions, then for Fire Closures {now open} and Rock Slide {now gone}.

Push here: If at looks Dangerous change trail route or get a ride!!

Above is an Old USFS Fire Closure Maps {Modified} FOR ROUTES

ROUTES A & B A -For leaving the PCT Trail B-Another Route get to Idyllwild

The above ARE TWO DIFFERNET views is FOR SHOWING 

-Route A  in the Blue and Route B in the Green of the Spitler Peak to Idyllwild Alternate Route  

  • 14.1 miles in the map above.


  • Route A  -- The detour starts after Spitler Peak by trail to the  Apple Can. Rd {paved road.} to Hwy 74 at Hurkey Creek Campground has been open the last two years.  
    • Route A  in the Blue - see map above 7.6 mile


  • Between the two routes is camping
    • at hwy 74 and a Small Market


  • Route B   -- The Second Part starts at the County Campground following Forest Service trail and roads {May Valley Rd. 5S21} to Idyllwild. 
    • Route B in the Green 6.5 miles - see map above


Check the section down further for more information on using this one or two Routes.

Push here for: Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route Map, Directions, Parks

ROUTES C & D For staying out of the High Country C -Hiking along the road D -Drive Pick up a Ride Or off the mountain area

What Has not changed of the map:

  • Route C  -- is hiking the Hwy 74 north on the edge {shoulder} from the Paradise Valley Cafe to Hurkey Creek Campground for 8 miles then take the trail & forest service roads from there using the last part of the Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route (B) at 7.6 to 14.1 mi for a total trip of 14.5 miles.
    • This is shorter than following whole Hwy trip (74 to 243) which is about 18 miles.


  • Route D  -- is arrange a ride all the way at the Paradise Valley Cafe  to Idyllwild (they have some phone numbers) for Trail Angel or Hitch a ride - 18 miles. 
    • {Note if you are hitching a ride make sure they are going all the way to Idyllwild (a sign would help - Idyllwild) or you may get dropped off at mountain center for they are going to Hemet. 
      • Then you need another ride -  Oh, that last four miles is the most dangerous to walk for no side of the road!!}  
  • A Choice place to leave the mountain by a hitching: 
    • is one of the best place to get a connection to the Desert Towns and Hwy 111 and Interstate 10 - Plus Airport connection.  {Hwy 74 East}
    • or to Anza to Aguanga to Temecula at Interstate 15.   {Hwy 371 West to Hwy 79 West}

Closures that changed the travel over the Alternate Route A & B Since 2013 to 2020

  • Current State
  • Spitler Peak to Idyllwild Alternate is open, before the 2013 Mountain Fire and closure it was a route around the higher elevation dangers.


HISTORY  Last years starting 2013 to 2021

Fires, weather, & Rock Slides,


Has been open for 2022 for both Route A & B

Watch out for section B because of the Bike riding back again, but with out the races of the past.

For the History push the red Button




History 2013-2021 of the Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route

Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route Map, Directions, Parks

Spitler to Idyllwild Alternate Route

ROUTE A - Spitler to Hwy 243 at Hurkey Creek Park

ROUTE A - Spitler to Hwy 243 at Hurkey Creek Park

The detour starts after Spitler Peak to the Hwy 74 by trail to Apple Can. Road  {paved road.} Route A then to Idyllwild Route B Now Open again! TOTAL = 30.7 miles from the crossing of Hwy 74

ROUTE A - Spitler to Hwy 243 at Hurkey Creek Park

ROUTE A - Spitler to Hwy 243 at Hurkey Creek Park

ROUTE A - Spitler to Hwy 243 at Hurkey Creek Park


  • Route A blue color lines & dashes on the map
    • Frist part of this alternate route is used to escape the weather &/or trail conditions or the Rock Slide
  • Spitler Peak trail junction - mi 168.6 - 7047 ft start of Alternate Route mile 0.0 
  • SpitlerPeakTH - Spitler Peak trailhead Apple Canyon Road mile 4.7
  • Hurkey Creek Park  4436 ft Mile 7.6 This par


  • Route A blue color lines & dashes on the map
    • Frist part of this alternate route is used to escape the weather &/or trail conditions or the Rock Slide
  • Spitler Peak trail junction - mi 168.6 - 7047 ft start of Alternate Route mile 0.0 
  • SpitlerPeakTH - Spitler Peak trailhead Apple Canyon Road mile 4.7
  • Hurkey Creek Park  4436 ft Mile 7.6 This part can be reached by Hwy 74 from leaving or starting
    • Now only the HWYs. 74 & 243 are open most of the time except during heavy rain storms because this roads can flood!
    • Must use the Hwy 74 and Hwy 243 to get to Idyllwild {by vehicle for safety} if not using the trail and roads of the May Valley Area

Route B From Hurkey Creek Campground to Idyllwild of the Spitler Peak Junction to Idyllwild.

ROUTE B - Hurkey Creek Park to Idyllwild

ROUTE A - Spitler to Hwy 243 at Hurkey Creek Park

Route B green color lines & dashes on the map

  • to hike at a lower elevation to reach Idyllwild other than fining a ride
  • Off Road Bicycle Riding are using this route again 2023
  • the bike races are not back, yet.
  • At Hurkey Creek Campground hike to north part look for the gates mile 7.6 
    • [one by the creek {straight north leaving the creek} gate of 

Route B green color lines & dashes on the map

  • to hike at a lower elevation to reach Idyllwild other than fining a ride
  • Off Road Bicycle Riding are using this route again 2023
  • the bike races are not back, yet.
  • At Hurkey Creek Campground hike to north part look for the gates mile 7.6 
    • [one by the creek {straight north leaving the creek} gate of coyote run section], or 
    • [the back left towards the Hwy. {follows along the Hwy. than take road 5S05 East}]
  • The goal is to change over to the May Valley Rd.  5S21  North mile 9.7
  • Travel to the pave road called Saunders Mdw. Rd. and follow it north and down to the Hwy. 243  mile 12.3 (T - intersection)
  • Turn right which is east to town mile 13.5  {6.5 miles from the campground to Idyllwild}  14.1 miles Total  [All of this 14.1 miles].

Overview

Review: PCT 16.6 miles plus Alternate Route Spitler Trail 14.1 miles TOTAL = 30.7 miles

Two Campgrounds & Store

Two Campgrounds & Store

Hurkey Creek Park Cost $30 per site up to six personsis a campground with showers that is a part of the Riverside County Park system.  


Lake Hemet Park Campsites $45Only ten (10) lake view cabins are available. Reserve your cabin today by calling  at 

+1(951) 659-2680 

Lake Hemet Market 

Sun-Thur: 8am-5pm    Fri & Sat 8am-7pm


Just south of H

Hurkey Creek Park Cost $30 per site up to six personsis a campground with showers that is a part of the Riverside County Park system.  


Lake Hemet Park Campsites $45Only ten (10) lake view cabins are available. Reserve your cabin today by calling  at 

+1(951) 659-2680 

Lake Hemet Market 

Sun-Thur: 8am-5pm    Fri & Sat 8am-7pm


Just south of Hurkey Creek Park is Lake Hemet where:Classic shows such as Airwolf and Bonanza also had episodes filmed there. 


If at looks Dangerous change trail route or get a ride!!

Some hikers bypass the PCT by traveling the Hwy. Route {74 to 243}.

Before then go to the Paradise Valley Cafe - Take a load off, take care of the needs restroom, food, drink, rest and talk to others and get information.


A spot to take time to check your process and look for the plans ahead. 

Check which route is best for you at this time. 

If the PCT route is to dangerous for you this is a good time for an Alternate Route and/or transportation to go around the problem or just leave the PCT.  


Paradise Valley Cafe  

+1(951) 659-3663

www.theparadisevalleycafe.com  

at hwy.74 151.9 mi mark go west one mile:

While making a choice - enjoy a wonderful meal in the mountains (some say it is the best ever). Located at the intersection of the 74 and 371 highways in Mountain Center, CA. Great friendly patio is a wonderful place to spend the morning or afternoon.  

They will help by offering you the best food in a great environment. 

Also, they can get equipment from Nomad Venture (like mircospikes & ice axe).

Help you get Trail Angels.


Good place to use this web looking under Places to Stay to make reservation and know you have a place to stay 

  • (for Fri. & Sat do fill up and same for campgrounds).


Open daily:  

Mon-Tue 8am - 3pm

Wed-Sat 8am - 8pm

Sun        8am - 7pm


(They have some phone numbers for Trail Angels.)

Can get rides to Idyllwild here!  

Water inside only during hours open, 1 mile W of PCT.


Using the Hwy. 74 route traveling north has a shoulder until you reach Hurkey Creek is OK.  But, at this point use the trails and roads listed from the map starting at Hurkey Creek Campground. OR,  pick up a ride to Idyllwild [by Hwy 74 to Hwy 243] for this part of the trip. 


There is no place to walk this route {Hwy 74 & Hwy 243} without being on the road with the traffic .

Planning for a ride - here are some pay transportation for bypassing part of the trail.

Back to the home page under Transportation - use button below.


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 or gas money.  Talk to people for other possibilities, the business [gothook, oops - FarOut]. 


The best way off the mountain for hitching a ride is at Paradise Corner.  Going east on highway 74   less than 20 miles to highway 111 is Palm Desert. then you can get any type of transportation.


This is the heaviest travel tour to the greatest resource of transportation in a 15 mile radius from that point.

Need Transportation (Trail Angels) click here

THE MAP OF THE TOWN & LOCAL MAP

THE Paths We Travel - Idyllwild

TO FIND THE TRAIL HEADS BACK TO THE PCT.

THE COLORFUL MAP

Some of the buildings and businesses have changed.

HOPE THESE MAPS HELP YOU

Copyright © 2018 Pacific Crest Trail Calif. Section B   for the trekkers - All Rights Reserved.

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