Devils Slide Trail 3E05 — Attraction in Idyllwild-Pine Cove

I was really doubting that my friend and I were going to able to hike this one. We had read reports that there was on only a light dusting of snow. Pfffff! Light dusting of snow was definitely an understatement. It was colder than a witches teet I tells ya! So we decided to run back to the car squealing like lil girls and went to the Lumber Mill and porked out on some burgers. The end.......no seriously we decided to hike it and tuff it out and make the best of it. This is my number 2 hike on my list now and most beautiful next to San Jacinto. This one was a lot more challenging for me since it was my first snow hike but a very beautiful one at that! Didn't see any wildlife but the evidence of wildlife was very apparent. Tracks every where and several species as well. Fell a couple of times lost my footing ice on a lot of the trail was very slick to. But the fun stuff we trekked through was powder. It was a bit of work but was able to keep a good cadence most of the time. So as we Forrest Gumped it up to the summit, at that time my fingers were frozen and numb and praying they and other appendages wouldn't fall off. We sat on a rock that kind of warmed up by the sun, the sun was out long enough to recharge and warm up for the way back down. Getting to the fire look out was amazing didn't see any one else at the top, kind of felt like we had the place to ourselves. Went back down and hiked a couple of miles of the Ernie Maxwell trail was getting late and sun was going down so we packed it up and went to the Lumber Mill restaurant in Idyllwild for dinner. Snow hiking is a lot of fun I got to tell you. If you haven't you should at least try it once if you enjoy hiking. Really would like to recommend micro spikes or krampons (don't know if I spelled it correctly) ,.... geez that sounds kind of uncomfortable doesn't it. Anyway back on the hill trekking poles or a stick or two really come in handy. Clothing or dressing for this kind of hike is definitely important parts of the trek were much colder than others. Layering is a must for these kind of hikes. Wear what your comfortable in just keep in mind that your shoes and socks will get wet possibly your pants or shorts. You might want to research Google or siri or whatever layering for winter hikes. Pack extra stuff like socks, shirt and sweater? Again you got to be out there to experience it. Even if you don't make it to the top you can always come back. But this one particular trail like San Jacinto I hold a special place in my heart for both kind of like a lost love or a woman you hold dear to your heart. Kind of like falling in love for the first time. I do not consider myself an expert hiker in fact I'm far from it . I've hiked a lot of places but only locally. But San Jacinto and Devils Slide to Taquitz Peak are places to me that have no equal. I will be coming back to both pretty much any chance I can get. A very beautiful hike, get out there and gain...

FOR PARKING: Adventure Pass or National Recreational Pass needed. THEN, you need a permit for the specific trail itself from the nearby ranger station. They're all free and you should be able to get one a day in advance (i.e. come in on a Monday, get the permit for the Tuesday sort of arrangement). However, for those looking to hike up to that Peaks Restaurant, you'll need a State Park Wilderness Permit for Mt. San Jacinto. I'm ASSUMING you could get that one too from the nearby ranger station but that I can't be sure of as I've never done that. It might even be part of a different agency/district. Idyllwild can be tricky with these permits as there are actually several different agencies in the area as, don't quote me on this, the area itself in general is split up by three counties I believe.

Now with the administrative/bureaucrat stuff out of the way, onto the actual content:

This trail is definitely not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to take at least several breaks as the hike up can be extremely steep. From what I can remember, first hour will be hiking up steep winding trails and I definitely had to rely on a pair of good hiking shoes and hiking sticks. Even in late October, I was working up a sweat and had to switch to a short sleeve shirt with jeans.

It was still a highly rewarding hike once I got past Saddle Junction and into the meadow area of the trails. It might be called "Skunk Cabbage Meadow" but I wouldn't be 100% sure. It's going to feel a bit desolate in that part of the tail but it's worth it. Long Valley / Round Valley was one of the names of the trail at that point.

I couldn't hike all the way towards the restaurant at the end but the views were spectacular. Great views of the valley itself even with most of the trees near the end of my hike torn down or burnt from a fire some time ago. Ferns and bushes were a beautiful autumn color; hiking was far more leisurely once you've reached the Saddle Junction intersection.

I wouldn't bring my dogs on this trail due to the intensity itself so you're better off with the nature trail in the other direction. Ernie Maxwell Trail; should be more dog friendly in comparison to this one. Even then, I'm not 100% sure if dogs are even allowed on this particular trail. Feel free to...

Went on a Tuesday afternoon, late September. Trailhead is clearly marked, as are a couple others that head off from the same parking lot. Judging by the monstrous parking lot, I'd guess this area gets extremely busy at times. This Tuesday, however, I encountered about 20 people during the 3.5 hours I was on the trail, so not bad. The ascent is fairly steady the entire way up. You start at 6,500' and end up just over 8,100' at Saddle Junction, where this trail crosses the Pacific Crest Trail. From there, you can go to one of many peaks, other trails, meadows, camps, etc. There is a lot of shade on this trail. There was also a fairly steady, mild breeze most of the way. I crossed a couple very small streams with small amounts of water still flowing. Things to know---you need a adventure pass to park in the lot. You also need a wilderness permit, even if it's just for the day. It's the first time it's ever happened, but I did get asked for it today about 3/4 mile into the hike. They're free and easily/quickly obtainable from the outside kiosk at the ranger station you pass by to get to the lot. I would also recommend hiking boots for this trail. It's rocky most of the way. I did not need poles, but did see a few people using them. The trail has a lot of narrow sections, with steep drop-offs. Because there are a number of areas with wide-open drops, if you don't like heights, you might consider one of many other trails in the area. If you do go, you won't be disappointed by the views. Safe...