About Idyllwild
Idyllwild offers a quaint little shopping area nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains. Recreational opportunities abound in both summer and winter. Idyllwild is the perfect place to escape city life at a budget, and is located only 2 hours from Los Angeles and San Diego. It is only one hour from Palm Springs and Riverside.
Idyllwild offers clear blue skies, sparkling mountain streams in the summer, and clean crisp air. It's a place to relax and enjoy along with some dining, shopping, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, animal watching, or doing nothing at all.
Animals abound in nature for the avid or recreational photographer. Grey squirrels, birds and lizards are commonly found all over. And deer are frequently seen walking through neighborhoods during the day. The nature of Idyllwild is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of southern California. Besides being a world renowned location for rock climbing and hiking, Idyllwild is also famous for being a center for the arts. Idyllwild is home of the Idyllwild Arts Academy, a residential school for the arts, which also offers summer courses for adults. Other summer activities include a July 4th parade, Halloween festival and Jazz festival.
Idyllwild History
Idyllwild has a rich history of change and evolution. Idyllwild is nestled in the San Jacinto Mountain range in southern California. For thousands of years, native Americans of the Cahuilla Tribe (Kawi'a) inhabited this area. The Idyllwild area was first settled by ranchers in the 1800s. Although, it was soon followed by loggers which removed lumber for railroad ties and locomotive fuel. Eventually, a toll road was built to connect Hemet with the Strawberry Valley (the area that Idyllwild now resides). Once the toll was lifted from the toll road, camping and tourism to the area increased exponentially.
In 1889, the first hotel was built in the area dubbed "Camp Idylwilde", which led to the area being named Idyllwild by 1901. Idyllwild grew into a greater tourist destination as automobiles emerged and new roads were built. Much of the forest and mountain area around Idyllwild became part of the San Bernardino National Forest. Mount San Jacinto State Park was also created in the area. As a result, Idyllwild has been protected and has maintained its status of being a small isolated mountain village, retaining its charm.
These days, Idyllwild is most known for the arts and outdoor pursuits, such as hiking and rock climbing.