Palm Springs , United States

Idyllwild Day Tour

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About this experience

Tour Highlights:
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Hike: Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided hike with scenic views of the forest and mountains.

Idyllwild Exploration: Free time to wander through this charming mountain town and take advantage of exclusive discounts at local restaurants and shops.

Scenic Lookout Point: Capture breathtaking photos of the Coachella Valley from a stunning lookout point on the return journey.

Available options

Idyllwild Day Tour

What's included

Water and Granola bar

Driver and Guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Departure from Palm Springs
Begin your journey with a comfortable shuttle ride from Palm Springs to Idyllwild, a quaint mountain town known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful trails, and charming local businesses. Your guide will provide insights into the history of Idyllwild as you head toward the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail.

Arrive at Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail
Upon arrival, we'll begin an easy 2.5-hour hike on the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, a family-friendly route that offers stunning views of the surrounding pine forest and majestic mountain vistas. This moderate trail is perfect for all levels, making it an ideal way to explore the natural beauty of the area. Take in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a peaceful walk through the landscape, with plenty of opportunities for photos along the way.

Lunch in Idyllwild
After the hike, we’ll head into the heart of Idyllwild for lunch at one of the town’s cozy, local restaurants (lunch not included). There are several charming spots to choose from, each offering a variety of delicious options.

Dining and Shopping Deals: While you enjoy lunch, you’ll receive a map of participating restaurants and stores that offer exclusive discounts and special deals for our clients. Whether you want to explore local art galleries, unique shops, or enjoy a cozy café, you’ll have the opportunity to experience all that Idyllwild has to offer.

Scenic Lookout Point Stop
On our way back to Palm Springs, we’ll stop at a scenic lookout point to capture stunning pictures of the Coachella Valley. This vantage point provides breathtaking views of the desert below, a perfect way to end a peaceful day in the mountains.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please park at the public parking lot and meet your tour guide near the structure entrance.

About Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert resort city in Southern California known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and spas. It's a popular destination for outdoor activities, mid-century modern architecture, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

Top Attractions

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

A scenic tram ride from the desert floor to the mountaintops, offering stunning views and access to hiking trails.

Nature/Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate

Palm Springs Art Museum

A premier destination for modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design, housed in a striking mid-century modern building.

Museum/Art 1-2 hours Moderate

Joshua Tree National Park

A unique desert landscape with iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and stargazing opportunities.

Nature/Adventure Full day Free entry for some areas, moderate for others

Palm Springs Walk of Stars

A tribute to celebrities who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, with stars embedded in the sidewalks of downtown Palm Springs.

Historical/Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

In-N-Out Burger

A California classic, known for its fresh, high-quality burgers and fries.

Fast Food Vegetarian options available

Chef's Table at The Parker

A fine dining experience featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Palm Springs Caesar Salad

A local twist on the classic Caesar salad, often featuring fresh greens, avocado, and a unique dressing.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Mountain biking Spa treatments Golfing Poolside lounging Art museum visits Architectural tours

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This is the most popular time to visit with pleasant temperatures and outdoor activities in full swing.

15°C to 30°C 60°F to 85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT, UTC-8)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Palm Springs is generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken to ensure a secure visit.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious in isolated areas at night
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Palm Springs International Airport • 3 miles from city center

By train

Palm Springs Station

By bus

Palm Springs Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient for getting around, but schedules may be limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Palm Springs The Historic District South Palm Springs

Day trips

Joshua Tree National Park

35 miles • Full day

A unique desert landscape with iconic Joshua trees, rock formations, and stargazing opportunities.

Salton Sea

45 miles • Half day

A unique and somewhat eerie destination known for its shrinking lake and diverse birdlife.

Cathedral City

10 miles • Half day

A vibrant city known for its murals, festivals, and diverse dining options.

Festivals

Palm Springs International Film Festival • January Palm Springs Pride • November Palm Springs VillageFest • Thursday evenings year-round

Pro tips

Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for stunning views and hiking opportunities
Explore the mid-century modern architecture with a guided tour
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere
Take advantage of the numerous golf courses and spas
Visit nearby Joshua Tree National Park for a unique desert experience