Devils Slide Trail Guide in San Jacinto Wilderness
Devil’s Slide Trail is a moderate 2.5-mile route in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild, California. With a steady 1,700-foot climb, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as it winds through lush pine forests and rugged terrain.
Situated at around 6,400 feet of elevation, this trail rewards hikers who enjoy moderate ascents and scenic switchbacks. From Saddle Junction at its terminus, hikers can branch off to destinations such as San Jacinto Peak, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, or Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout. Permits are required, and parking passes must be acquired in advance to avoid fines.
Trail Details
| Trail type | Out-and-back |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length | 2.5 miles (one way) |
| Time | ~2 hours (one way) |
| Elevation gain and loss | +1,700 ft / -1,700 ft |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 33.764563, -116.685794 |
| Location | Humber Park, near Idyllwild, CA |
| Season | Best in spring through fall |
| Information Number | 1-909-382-2921 |
Getting to Devils Slide Trailhead
Humber Park, the starting point for the Devil’s Slide Trail, lies just northeast of central Idyllwild. If you are coming from the Los Angeles area, take I-10 east toward Banning, then merge onto Highway 243 south in Banning. Follow Highway 243 for about 25 miles until you reach Idyllwild. Turn left onto North Circle Drive, then veer left onto South Circle Drive and continue until you reach Fern Valley Road. Follow Fern Valley Road to its end at Humber Park.
The Trail
From the parking area at Humber Park (approximately 6,400 feet in elevation), the Devil’s Slide Trail begins with a steady but manageable ascent. Early in the hike, you’ll notice the terrain’s classic mountain features: tall conifers, occasional granite outcroppings, and, depending on the season, patches of wildflowers along the trail corridor. The path is well-marked with switchbacks that help moderate the climb, though you’ll still gain around 1,700 feet over the 2.5 miles to Saddle Junction.
As you ascend, keep an eye out for glimpses of Tahquitz Peak to the south and the rocky ridges of the San Jacinto range to the north. The trail’s switchbacks gradually reveal expansive views of the valley below. Temperatures can vary; in warmer months, it’s wise to begin your hike early in the day to avoid the midday heat and to secure parking. In winter or early spring, snow and ice may be present, requiring traction devices or poles.
Near the halfway point, you may encounter short stretches of loose gravel on the trail. Take your time on these sections to maintain solid footing. Wildlife sightings can include squirrels, chipmunks, and occasional deer. While black bears are present in the region, they are not common on this trail; still, it’s good practice to keep food secure and follow Leave No Trace principles.
The trail concludes at Saddle Junction, a key crossroads for the San Jacinto area. Several other paths converge here, including routes leading to San Jacinto Peak (10,834 ft.), the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout (8,846 ft.). The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through this junction, making it a popular area for backpackers in the warmer months. From this point, you can explore additional destinations if you have a wilderness permit for those zones or simply turn around to return via Devils Slide.
Camping
While Devils Slide Trail itself is typically completed as a day hike, backpacking is allowed in designated zones of the San Jacinto Wilderness, such as Chinquapin, Skunk Cabbage, Tahquitz, and North Rim. Permits are required for overnight stays, and party sizes are limited to 12 people. Campfires are not permitted; only portable gas stoves may be used. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace practices: camp on durable surfaces at least 200 feet from trails and water sources, and pack out all trash.
For those looking for car camping or more developed facilities, the town of Idyllwild has nearby campgrounds with amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. However, these can fill up quickly in peak season, so reservations or early arrival are recommended.
For information on other things to do in the area, check out our Idyllwild Adventure Guide.
