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Humber Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
11 reviews for Humber Park
11 reviews in English
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Review from Jason M.
Cerritos, CA
9/20/2011
The Devil's Slide Trail is one of my most favorite hikes in Southern California. I have been going to the San Jacinto Mountains since I was a kid, so I am very familiar with the entire range.
Although the Devil's Slide trail can get crowded on the weekends, what the trail has to offer more than makes up for the trail congestion. The towering pines, the blue sky, the far-reaching vistas, and the heart-pumping workout on a well-maintained trail -- what more could you ask for?
From Humber Park, the trail climbs briskly for the next 2.5 miles, making several switchbacks up the mountainside before leveling off at Saddle Junction, elevation about 8,000ft. From the junction, you can hike up to San Jacinto Peak (10,804'), over to Tahquitz Peak (8,828') or out to Reeds Meadow and Tahquitz Valley.
I prefer hiking from Saddle Junction to Tahquitz Peak, atop of which sits an unmanned fire lookout tower. The distance from the Saddle to Tahquitz is 1.4 miles with an elevation gain of a little over 800 ft.
The views from Tahquitz Peak are sublime; on a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean to the west, Mt. Baldy and Mt. Wilson to the northwest, and the towering rounded dome of Toro Peak to the south.
Several thousand feet below, you can see the shimmering water of Lake Hemet off to your left.
To me, the San Jacinto Mountains are the pre-eminent mountain range in So. Cal. They are more primitive and less used than the more popular and well-known San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, and they don't have any ski resorts or very large Big Bear-like towns to further urbanize the mountain mass.
Idyllwild, the largest city in the San Jacintos, is a tiny town without any streetlights. -
Review from Colleen L.
West Los Angeles, CA
6/22/2011 22 photos
What makes a 5 star hike? Fresh air, wildlife, streams, plenty of waterfalls, solitude and an easy trail to start.
For as long as I can remember, all my life living in Southern California I have wanted to visit Idyllwild. It did not disappoint in the least bit.
Stopped at the Ranger Station, activated my permit, asked the ranger for an easy hike and voila! Drove up to Fernwood, entered Humber Park, then started the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail. To my surprise, within a couple hundred feet we hiked downwards to a waterfall.
Right there and then my hiking partner and I had a picnic. Piece of pie, because he just sprinted back up to the car to stow away our trash!
Tummies fortified, we embarked on our journey and everyone was friendly on the trail. Kids, adults, dogs. Ran into a man who looked like he was very familiar with this trail. I asked him where does it lead? He said to some houses. That didn't sound too promising. I said "any trails that lead to water?" He replied, "just take a left at the stream when it crosses, and go up about 30 minutes, you'll have to climb some rocks and some parts are steep, but the view of the waterfall is worth it!"
He gave simple, clear instructions. It took us much longer, about a hour longer, because I had to stop and take all these pictures. This forest hike which was beyond my imagination. It left me breathless in a good way. Carsick down the hill in a bad way! Which gives me a better excuse to stay up here longer next time. -
Review from Colleen J.
Laguna Hills, CA
3/10/2011 2 photos
Gorgeous! I went here in January with an organized group for some snowshoeing and it was beautiful. The Devil's Slide hike is pretty tough, but with snowshoes on it's a total butt kicker! It doesn't matter though, the summit is beautiful and totally worth the discomfort of the steep hike. While ascending there are beautiful views of Lake Matthews and Perris (at least I think those were the lakes I was seeing).
I did not experience the parking issue in January put I did run into a ranger checking passes - so get yers.
Idyilwild is a cute little mountain town with much more charm than Big Bear.
Had to deduct one star because the actual summit is devoid of views, a pretty disappointing climax if you ask me. -
Review from Michelle P.
Eldorado Springs, CO
6/5/2009 1 photo
Who would have thought that a mere 2 hours are high quality granite faces reminiscent of Tuolumne Meadows? Tahquitz Rock (aka Lily Rock) and Suicide Rock are large granite formations first "discovered" by the climbing community in the 1930s. Today you'll find a plethora of both single- and multi-pitch routes, which are mostly covered by the Falcon Guide by Randy Vogel and Bob Gaines. Some of the more popular climbs also highlighted here:
http://www.summitpost....
http://www.summitpost....
Keep in mind that the town basically shuts down around 8 pm in case you have a post-climb hankering for a burger.
Note: by "parking pass" Nick E means a National Forest Adventure Pass: http://www.fs.fed.us/r... -
Review from T J.
Los Angeles, CA
10/17/2010
If you're hitting Humber Park on a weekend and see a parking lot full of cars don't let that dissuade you. While my rule of thumb when hiking anywhere in Southern California is when I see cars I go the other way, there are a handful of great trails that once you get a couple of miles in you can find your solitude.
Devil's Slide is the trail of choice because once you hit the junction after a steady, but not overly strenuous 2.5 miles you have your choice of trail heads. The hike up to Tahquitz rock is recommended as is Reed Meadow. And if you're there during late October you're treated to some vibrant yellows as you meander through the forest on a rolling and well maintained trail.
I think that 'feel' of the area, once you get up and back a ways, is as close to the High Sierra's as anywhere in Southern California. The mix of granite and pine makes up for the lack of Sequoia's.
One quick note regarding another poster's comment (Kevin T) about permits for Devil's Slide. Maybe I just didn't dig the 'Brilliant. Your gov. at work' snipe. But again, he did ask for the "411."
There's a reason they issue FREE permits for that trail during the summer months. (Available at the Ranger Station in town...just past the first top sign). It's because they're protecting the trail from over use.
The terrain off the side of the trails is fragile and they've obviously had problems on the trail itself from too much traffic. And let's face facts. A lot of people just don't know how to handle themselves in the wilderness. So Kevin...I DO thank my government for the work they do to maintain and preserve such an awesome trail. If they didn't, they might have a whole lot of people out there who also think MBT shoes are appropriate for hiking. And that's just a recipe for disaster.
Check out Humber. You'll be glad you did.
(Tip - Head down from the junction as close to sunset as you can to still make the 2.5 miles down before dark. You'll be treated to an incredible light show). -
Review from Cyrelle D.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2008
Humber Park is just a few minutes walk from my mom's cabin in Idyllwild, and I am very lucky for that. This is an amazing park. At the bottom are several trailheads that go in all directions, plus parking and bathrooms. During the winter this is where everyone plays in the snow. My sister, brother and I have done a couple of the trails and the most impressive is the main trail. We've taken it about two hours up, but the sun was setting and we had to book it back to the bottom. Where we were you could see all of Idyllwild and the most amazing mountain vista with Lily Rock and Suicide Rock. These two peaks are famous for rockclimbing, so if you are a rockclimber, you should check Idyllwild out.
We were winding our way up through pines and boulders and stepping over brooks that crossed the trail. We passed several hardcore hikers coming down from the summit of the mountain, and I've heard that there is a trail that crosses the whole mountain range that can be accessed by the Humber trail.
Then the way back is lots of fun, because it is a pretty well-maintained trail, and you can basically jog down the whole thing.
Awesome, gorgeous fun. -
Review from Will B.
Omaha, NE
11/8/2010
Great hike with buddy on holiday. The 9 mile hike was fun and challenging. Would do it again anytime.
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Review from Mark B.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2010
Gorgeous hike up Devil's Slide this past weekend. Beautiful vistas. Very dog-friendly trail. Bring plenty of water for fido, he'll need it. It is a moderate 2.5 mile trek to the summit. It was about 90 degrees at the base, and about 75 degrees at elevation. Ran out of his water on the way down, had to give him some from my camelback. Ran into a Ranger on the trail checking permits, so be sure to have yours with you. Also, keep fido on a leash.
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Review from Spencer B.
San Diego, CA
9/4/2010 2 photos
Went on Devil's Slide trail. From the trailhead, it took about 2 hrs to get to the Saddle Junction at the very top, which is where Devil's Slide Trail ends and crosses the Pacific Crest Trail. Perhaps 50% of the trail is shaded by tall trees. Definitely wear sunscreen and bring enough water. You need to get a parking permit for the lot -- several cars had tickets on their windshield upon returning. Took about 1.5 hrs to get back down. The prettiest views are not at Saddle Junction, but perhaps 15 minutes before getting their where you can see the valley below and a distant lake beyond Suicide Rock. Not a hike I'd recommend for small kids. Beautiful views, and a nature lover's delight.
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Review from Bridget W.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2008 1 photo
Finally I've found a place near San Diego to hike under trees! 5 stars for the tall trees, great trails, and calming vistas.
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Review from David P.
Santa Ana, CA
11/16/2009 1 photo
Has many of the most beautiful hikes in Southern California! Devils slide trail!
