>> Back to Red Tahquitz -- Red Tahquitz: Hiking Trail Guide
10.5 miles
3100 feet gain
8/10
Idyllwild ,CA (92549) 90.37 miles from you Weather Map
It is very confusing to get to Humber Park. I get lost every time I go. You're supposed to drive 2 miles up Fern Valley Road from Idyllwild, and park at the immense parking area at Humber Park. There isn't a park, just a lot, or at least I've never seen a park.
Follow the Devil's Slide trail 2.5 miles to Saddle Junction. It is well-graded but a moderately steep climb of about 1600'. From there you will see five trails going in all directions, take the second trail on your right. It is marked Tahquitz Valley.
The trail descends and flattens out for 3/4 mile before you start ascending to the peak, turn left on the PCT and follow it for 3/4 mile as well. The peak trail is marked by a cairn to the left of the trail(although it ascends to the right), and it is pretty well worn for an unmaintained trail. You can't miss it. It is easy to follow and not much steeper than the Devil's Slide. It even switchbacks a bit. The register is well hidden in the far rocks.
Get a wilderness permit, and carry it with you. You are bound to come across a ranger on this trail (especially on the weekends.) The Devil's Slide Trail is overused and on a quota system, they will ask for it.
After Saddle Junction, you should have a lot more solitude, most people opt for Tahquitz Peak rather than Red, it's a little farther too, which makes it the thumb's up choice for me and anyone else who likes the wilderness to be wild. You might see a few campers, but the only people I saw on a Sunday were a father and his son.
Although, I also like to make a big loop out of the two and add 3 miles to this hike, plus another 900' of elevation gain. It's worth it, but I'd suggest doing Tahquitz first to avoid crowds (by getting there early) and the steep section of the PCT between Red and the Lookout.
Plus, the views from Red are better than from the lookout, shhhh, don't tell everybody!