Deer Springs Trailhead - Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California

Andrea B.

This was an intense hike, I read online easy/medium difficulty but I say Medium/hard difficulty level!! Great workout uphill pretty much the whole way. I only saw squirrels and I asked other hikers if they saw any animals and they said “squirrels “ too. But that was my first time and I shall return!! I’m a regular hiker and this brought me a better workout and gorgeous trees, tree roots, rocks of all sizes and huge pine cones! Now this hike could be less intense if you sit and rest on a rock or tree stump along the way. But just know you will be going up, up, and up from the start!! Great cardio and peaceful place for meditation and such. At the end of my hike I saw a crow perched on a tree and he let me snap a photo so enjoy my pics! -A

Dabee C.

(Suicide rock 10/6/24) 🏔🏔

🔴Warning: You NEED a permit to go on this trail HOWEVER the permit is completely free. Just go to the ranger station down the road, go up to the board outside of the station, grab a permit from the "all other trails" box, fill the permit and leave the white paper on the board and keep the yellow. 🔴

Great trail. Was pretty rocky but we start at 7am and ended at 11am. The conditions were great and trail was easy to follow as long as you don't go off it. The views at the top of suicide rock were great also. ⚠️If you do this hike, definitely start early (5-8am). ⚠️There was no crowd really for being the most popular trail in idyllwild. If you come definitely do this hike. A moderate 7 miles.

Victor R.

Very calm trail. Not too extrenous if you have some conditioning. 3.4 mi up and another down for a total of 6.8 miles. Came early in the morning so no problem finding parking

Harmony W.

The first approximately two miles are largely manzanita and oak trees (worth coming back for to see fall colors if you get the timing right), with a few peeks through the trees (the views are better going back down). The mile to Suicide Rock has better views of Tahquitz and the surrounding area, plus a couple of easy creek crossings.

Once you’re at the main viewpoint (which is a big payoff), I suggest walking around a bit and exploring the different views, which are quite spectacular and look down at Idyllwild. AllTrails noted a “true peak,” so I looked around for an unofficial trail of foot tracks, but couldn’t find anything leading up to what looked like would be blocked views by trees anyway.

The trail has plenty of shade. Expect an uphill hike with some big steps. However, unlike Devil’s Slide, this trail evens out every so often, giving you a few seconds to catch your breath. I would rate it as moderately difficult. If you can handle the elevation change, you can handle this.

Chase C.

Started around 6:30am to hike up to San Jacinto peak. There’s a small parking lot right at the trailhead that was empty.

Stayed on the trail 95% of the time and by the end I logged 18 miles total. So it’s a little more than AllTrails says but I definitely didn’t hit 20 miles.

Trail is pretty easy to follow but I needed to check the app a couple times when I had lost it.

Lot of solitude on this trail, didn’t see anyone till 5+ miles on the way up and then the other trails merge so there’s more foot traffic.

Views are beautiful. It gets pretty cold up there with the wind chills especially. I went through 4.5L of water and could’ve drank more. Bring plenty of food and water and layers and don’t be a doofus and forget your trekking poles like me. Luckily someone left one at the trailhead and I used a stick for my left hand.

Happy hiking and be safe!

Brad S.

Stayed at the Nature Center and hiked to suicide rock. Always a great hike with plenty of great scenery. Starts with a good uphill climb.

Joyce X.

The Hiking trail is moderate about difficulty, it is worth recommending the beautiful pine forest.

R G.

Second time on this trail. The beauty of this forest never fails. A few other hikers, perfect weather too.