Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07 — Attraction in Idyllwild-Pine Cove

**BE WARNED OF GETTING TOWED

This is a beautiful hike but be warned of parking near the trail that google maps takes you too. Did the hike yesterday and there must have been 2 dozen cars all parked along the road side due to the main trailhead parking being closed. Stores in town are selling adventure passes. We came back down to California highway patrol and local tow trucks having a field day towing unfortunate hikers cars that had no idea. The tow company was starting on my car and we got lucky and they let us go. I asked the officer why adventure passes would be sold if this hike was “closed” he shrugged and didn’t care. All that mattered was towing all the cars. Shame on the city for not displaying proper signage explaining you will be towed for parking the only place you can. Be very careful and make sure your not parked in a tow away area. Absolutely sickening to see them tow away hikers cars. Didn’t help that the tow company’s or officers weren’t wearing...

Wow what a beautiful trail! Over it's approximate 2.5 mile length there is a 1,000 foot elevation change so it's not very steep. Most people start this trail from the parking lot. If you do, the hike is a very easy slightly downhill hike. That means you'll be fighting the incline on the way back. It's not a constant uphill climb back, there are several level sections to catch a breath before the next section. Plus there are several stopping points with beautiful views along the way.

The only restrooms available are at the trail head. There are no facilities at the bottom of the trail. I think this trail would be most fun if taken backwards, that way you get a mid hike restroom break and a slight downhill on...

This was a fun and really pretty trail! 💚 It's been on my to do list forever but I just kept missing it. So glad I finally got up there. 😀 It's an out-and-back near Idyllwild with cute painted signs marking each end. The trail is beautiful and well-maintained; with plenty of really fun opportunities for rock scrambling alongside. 😃 It is a fast and easy five miles, with more of the hill climbing on the way back (assuming you begin at the big trailhead parking area). I expected it to take longer and be a little more challenging than it was, but the optional rocks to climb made up for that in the best way. 🗻 Overall awesome trail and...