The Devil's Slide Trail is a strenuous ascent from Humber Park to Saddle Junction, climbing 1,700 feet over roughly five miles with constant switchbacks that’ll have your dog’s legs working. You start at 6,400 feet and gain elevation steadily through pine forest and granite outcrops, with views that expand the higher you go—by the time you hit Saddle Junction, you’re looking out over the valleys below and can see why this trail draws serious hikers.

From Saddle Junction, the trail network opens up considerably. You can continue to San Jacinto Peak at 10,834 feet, head toward the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway terminus at 8,516 feet, or loop over to Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout at 8,846 feet. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Saddle Junction too, so you’ll likely see PCT hikers working through. This entire area falls within the San Jacinto Wilderness, and the terrain feels genuinely remote despite being accessible from Southern California.

The route suits backpacking if you’re interested in staying overnight—the Chinquapin area between Saddle Junction and Tahquitz Peak allows camping. Before heading out, check the Pacific Crest Trail Association‘s guidelines on hiking with dogs in the wilderness; conditions and regulations can shift seasonally.

Getting to Humber Park requires some navigation through Idyllwild. Drive Highway 243 from Banning or Highway 74 from Palm Desert into town, then turn east on North Circle Drive at the Fort Retail Shopping Center. Head north over a mile to South Circle Drive, turn right, then take your first left onto Fern Valley Road. Follow it about two miles to the trailhead at Humber Park. The parking area fills quickly on weekends—arriving early is genuinely necessary if you’re going on Saturday or Sunday, otherwise you’ll be circling for spots that simply aren’t there.