Devil's Slide Trail Mt San Jacinto
Humber Park's Trailhead Leads to Pacific Crest, Tahquitz Peak & More
At the top of Devil's Slide is Saddle Junction where some trail choices are the Skunk Cabbage Meadow, Tahquitz Valley, and Pacific Crest trails as well as Tahquitz Peak.
Devil’s Slide Trail Facts
This trail is considered a moderate to strenuous 2.5 mile (one way) hike by most. With this in mind; make sure you evaluate whether your general fitness level is up to the challenge, pace yourself, and take breaks along the way. Devil's Slide to Saddle Junction is a total gain of 1700 feet Going all the way to Tahquitz peak from Saddle Junction; your gain and loss total is approximately 4400 feet.
Warnings on the Wilderness Trails
Mountain lion warning signs will be found at the trail heads, however it is rare one is sited by hikers. For recent mountain lion information call the Idyllwild Ranger Station at (909) 382-2921. Also remember to get there early since there are limited parking spots; otherwise you end up parking down the streets leading up to Humber Park. Be advised that the area is generally a safe area to park, but it is best to not leave valuables in sight.
Permits and Passes for the Wilderness Area Trails
The Devil’s Slide trail starts at Humber Park near the town of Idyllwild Ca. Devil’s Slide is a “Wilderness” trail, so stop by the Ranger Station in Idyllwild to obtain a permit for the day. Please note: They give out a limited supply each day, which means get it the day before or show up first thing in the morning. The Rangers do check hikers for their pass, so take it along. In addition, in order to park around Humber Park and other wilderness areas an “Adventure” pass will have to be purchased.
Trail Tips
All that is needed is a day or hip pack for food, water and extra clothing layers. It is important that hikers bring lots of water due to the altitude. Also, make sure a snack, protein bars or lunch is packed remembering to bring extra just in case. Packing Extra layers of clothing is important because the temperatures can very greatly from the bottom to the top of the trail, and from morning to evening. Remember to bring a camera as well.
Going Up the Trail
During spring and early summer you will hike by small streams and waterfalls along the trail, and native plants such as lupine in bloom. The trail traverses several ecosystems and geological strata adding interest for some and pure beauty for the rest of us. Continuing the hike up to Tahquitz Peak will reward hikers with one of the best Mt San Jacinto vistas.
Top of Devil's Slide: Saddle Junction and More
Saddle Junction is a natural place to take a lunch or snack break. Now is the time to choose whether to head back down Devil’s Slide trail, or continue on down the Pacific Crest trail to Tahquitz Peak which extends the hike by 3-4 miles round trip depending on whether a hiker takes the scenic loop on the way back to Saddle Junction.
Idyllwild: Dining, Shops and Events
A few dining options include The Hidden Village (Chinese), Red Kettle (American) and the Gastrogome (Continental, American). Upcoming events for the next few months are: The 5th Annual Audible Art Tour on April 5th; the 10th Annual Members Show (artists of all ages) on May 2nd and 3rd; on the first Saturday in June they have the 3-D Art Festival and Gallery Tour. A wide variety of shops include the Idyllwild: Candle Factory, Gallery of Fine Art, Gift shop, and Lady of the Lake Soap shop among others.
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