South Ridge Trail near Idyllwild gains 2400 feet over 7 miles and takes most hikers about 4 hours to complete. This is a strenuous climb, but the payoff is genuinely worth it—from both the trail itself and especially from Tahquitz Peak Lookout at the top, you get sweeping views across the Desert Divide, Strawberry Valley, and well beyond. The trail starts at 6450 feet elevation, so you’re already high when you begin.

Summer mornings are your best bet for this hike. Later in the day or during other seasons, the exposed sections can get uncomfortably warm and dry, so plan accordingly. You’ll need a wilderness permit from the Forest Service office in Idyllwild before heading out.

Getting there involves some navigation. From Palm Desert, take Highway 111 to Highway 74 south, then turn right on Highway 243 at Mountain Center and drive about four miles to Saunders Meadow Road. If you’re coming from Banning on I-10, take Highway 243 directly to Idyllwild, then head south out of town until you reach Saunders Meadow Road. Once you’re on Saunders Meadow Road, turn left on Pine Street for a quarter mile, then right on Tahquitz View Drive for about three-quarters of a mile. You’ll see South Ridge Road branching off to the right.

This is where having good vehicle clearance matters. If you have a 4WD vehicle in decent shape, you can drive 1.5 miles up the rough road to the trailhead. If not, plan to walk that distance instead—winter storms can leave the road pretty chewed up with potholes and washouts. Either way, you’re looking at some additional effort just to reach the actual trail, so factor that into your day’s timeline.