Since moving to San Diego in 2005, I've heard only good things about the little mountain town of Idyllwild, CA. Finally my travels lead me to the mountain retreat this month.
In Idyllwild, we found quality coffee at Cafe Aroma, a hearty burrito and refreshing micheladas from La Casita and gourmet pizza from Idyllwild Pizza Co. The other meals we cooked at the A-Frame, which came equipped with a full kitchen. The rates were very affordable and the accommodations couldn't have been more convenient and comfortable. I definitely recommend staying at Fern Village if you don't end up camping out.
Bocce amongst the pines! Watch out for the water hazard :)
The mountain bike ride on Saturday was solid. I started by climbing the Ernie Maxwell trail and then randomly met four guys at the top who were starting to ride down and they invited me to join them. I followed them down Ernie Maxwell up a crazy-steep climb to South Ridge Road, where we bombed a single track descent off the back down towards Hurkey Creek.
That's where we parted ways and I headed back to town via a long climb up May Valley Fire Road. Killer ride!
So the next day I did the climb and descent again, solo :) After that, my friends and I headed out on a 2.5 hour hike from Humber Park up until the snow turned us back.
Jesse and Emmy on "snack rock"
Only 110 miles from San Diego, Idyllwild has a bunch of shops in town, trails, rock climbing and fresh air to offer. If you're in need of a retreat, treat yourself to "Ideal Wild."
Oh wow! You were just a couple of blocks from our cabin, I love the Ernie Maxwell. Great memories!!
Thanks Caitlyn! It was actually your suggestion I followed to get on that trail. Do you guys rent out your cabin?