Idyllwild and the endless possibilities.
If you’re anywhere close to the mountains right about now, then you’re probably ready to dry out, get some sunshine and feel the spring air. Not to mention needing some serious exercise to work off the copious amounts of craft beer you’ve been drinking. Or maybe you just need to escape the coast for a bit?
Now’s the time to be hiking in the desert before the summer sun cooks lower elevations and makes such outings completely unbearable. Basically, you have until the end of May to enjoy lower spring temperatures that won’t bake you like a human croissant. Here are three of our favorites. And remember, most of them are in regions with plenty of options.
Idyllwild and Southern California’s Pacific Crest Trail
The PCT runs 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada and the Idyllwild Wilderness east of San Diego is really its first mountainous section north of the border. And a mid-life crisis isn’t required to hike it. You can do several hikes out of Idyllwild—which also features some of Southern California’s best rock climbing routes—like the Black Mountain Trail, which starts off Highway 243, just over a mile (1.3) south of the Vista Grande Fire Station. There’s also the Deer Springs Trail in Idyllwild-Pine Cove and a plethora of other options.
You’ll need a permit for the wilderness section of the PCT and a week to spare–if you have both you can try the 55-mile PCT section that starts ¼ mile east of the junction of Highways 371 and 74 in Garner Valley. This is a good trip to have a shuttle set. The trail hits civilization again on Interstate 10 north of Gabazon Peak in the desert near Palm Springs. Here’s a little more info.
Owyhee Canyonlands
Idaho and Oregon’s Owyhee Wilderness is a spectacular place to dry out and go for a hike in the spring. There are a number of options in this ultra-remote locale. Try Big Jacks Creek (or Parker Trail), a relatively easy trip that gets you into the wilderness with a short, steep hike that’ll bust your butt if you’re not in shape. On Idaho 51 head south from Bruneau 25 miles to milepost 45. Just .01 past the mile marker hang a right on Wickahoney Road, moving west 4.8 miles before hitting a wilderness kiosk where you’ll turn right and drive north another 7.4 miles to the marked trailhead. You’re on dirt road and this is remote, rugged terrain with lava rock mountains dotting the horizon in every direction. For a tougher hike, check out Wickahoney Creek, here.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is obviously one of our natural treasures. And it’s a day’s drive from most anywhere in the West. Options for hiking are many on both the north and south rims. Especially day hikes, which we’re looking at.
On south side, simply start with the Rim Trail, that extends from the Village to Hermits Rest. Excellent walking, no cars, insane views. This is a super-accessible hike (see beginners or those not feeling in shape yet) and you can use the shuttle busses to create the distance you feel comfortable with.
If you wanna go a little bigger, the North Kaibab Trail has as much as you can take. This is the only trail the park service maintains into the canyon and there’s two short hikes that can get you spectacular views without the full meal deal: Coconino Overlook is 1.5 miles roundtrip and Supai Tunnel is 4 miles in and out. The biggest day trip you can probably pull off (then again, dirtbag paddlers have pulled off heavier days on emergency hikes out of the canyon) is Roaring Springs, 3,050 feet below the canyon rim and a 9.4-mile roundtrip. A roundtrip hike down to the Colorado River is 28 miles. Use your best judgment. And have fun.
