Idyllwild is centrally located in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. We are an hour (or less) from Hemet, Temecula and Riverside to the West and Palm Springs and the Cochella Valley to the East. Just two hours from San Diego to the South and Los Angeles to the North West. A mile high above our neighboring desert communities, we offer a welcomed respite from the summer heat, and a cool, snowy wonderland in Winter. The highways to Idyllwild are State Scenic By-ways, which provide stunning views, diverse terrain from the deserts below up to our towering pines, all on well maintained, easy mountain roads.
From Los Angeles/Riverside/Ontario Airport/Banning:
Take Hwy 10 East (or 60 to I-10). Exit Ave 8 (Hwy 243) in Banning. Follow the signs to Hwy 243 (Right off exit, left at first stop sign, Right onto Hwy 243). Continue 25 miles up the mountain to first stop sign at the beginning of Idyllwild proper.
From Palm Springs (and Phoenix):
Take Hwy 10 West. Exit Hargrave. Follow signs to Hwy 243 (Left off exit, Right at first stop sign, Left onto Hwy 243) Continue 25 miles up the mountain to first stop sign at the beginning of Idyllwild proper.
From Palm Desert (Hwy 111 & 74):
Take SR 74 West (Palms to Pines Hwy). At Mountain Center, veer right onto Hwy 243. Continue 5 miles to Idyllwild.
From Hemet:
Take SR 74 East(Palms to Pines Hwy). At Mountain Center, veer left onto Hwy 243. Continue 5 miles to Idyllwild.
From San Diego:
Take I-15 North to Temecula to SR 79 South. Go East (about 20 mins) to SR 371 (stop sign). Turn Left onto Sr 371 towards Anza.
Turn Left onto SR 74 (stop sign) toward Idyllwild/Hemet. At Mountain Center, veer right onto Hwy 243. Continue 5 miles to Idyllwild.
Center of town is located on North Circle Drive across from the Chevron Station on Hwy 243.