Time: 4 Hours, 20 minLength: 6.60 MilesLocation: IdyllwildElevation: 7,430ftWeather: 66-79°
Difficulty: Strenuous
Description: The trailhead for this hike is located off of Highway 243 in Idyllwild. If you are heading northwest from Highway 74, you will see the turnout for parking about a mile passed the ranger station.
The turnout is just passed the Idyllwild Nature Center, you can park in either location but they both require a $5 permit for the day. Idyllwild normally requires you to purchase a parking permit and check in with the ranger station before hiking. They do have annual passes that you can buy for $30 online, or at your local Big 5 Sporting Goods.
There are two starting points for the Deer Springs trailhead. You can either start from the parking area, or walk up the street a bit to the original trailhead. The only major difference is from the parking area it is much steeper.
I brought 50oz of water and 4 energy bars on the hike. When I finished the hike I had 1 energy bar and 10oz of water. I started from the parking lot, but when I finished I went to the original trailhead so the GPS will show you both routes.
Coming up from the parking area is steep, but once you’re on the trail, it’s not that bad.
Like most trails in Idyllwild, it is well marked with a good deal of foot traffic. You will be going uphill on your way to Suicide Rock, so there are many switchbacks.
There is a lookout at .64 miles.
It doesn’t have the best view, but if your looking for a break I would do it here.
There are a few spots like this one where people have wondered off the trail, so be sure to take the more traveled route. Here you will go left.
This is a very nice trail that is doable during an early summer morning. I didn’t see many wildflowers this late in the year, and the majority of water in the creek was scarce, until higher elevation.
I doubt you will miss it, but if you had your head down focused on hiking it could happen. Be sure to turn right here towards Suicide Rock.
There is a sign with all the routes and the mileage to help direct you.
Next you will take a left through this tree, there is a good amount of foot traffic going straight so stay left. 
There are plenty of good views looking at Devils slide on your way up to the point.
Finally crossed water at 7,000ft, about 2.5 miles into the hike.
It doesn’t look like much, but depending on the time of year, this spot could be hard to cross without getting wet.
Next you will see the San Jacinto Wilderness San Bernardino National Forest border sign, and the Mt. San Jacinto State park Wilderness border sign. At this point you have about .5 miles to the top.
Once you reach the top be sure to walk to the Suicide point, it has the best view.
There will most likely be people up here, but there are plenty of places to sit.
On a clear day the views are really amazing.
Once you get your fill of the view just head down the way you came up and have a safe drive home.
I have attached an Idyllwild trail map for you to print, click the image to enlarge.
If you have any questions regarding this hike, or would like the GPS Track file, please contact me for more information.
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