Summer in the desert often involves little outdoor time during the day. To beat the heat, and get a change of scenery, a trip to Idyllwild does not disappoint. Bustling and full of mom and pop stores, great thrifting, a cute movie theater and restaurants, there is a mountain vibe that combines the rugged outdoorsy, with artsy hippie flavors. Nestled in the mountains, Idyllwild offers rustic elegance and cool forest cover on the scorching summer desert days. On a 112 degree day in Palm Springs, it is often in the high 80’s up in the mountains.
Idyllwild is a terrific day trip, but even better, make a weekend out of it. Two great rustic luxe hotel options offer superb mountain views and comfort:
The majestic mountain Grand Idyllwild integrates the California Craftsman style architecture of the early 1900’s with a modern twist. The traditional craftsmanship using simple, elegant forms, clean lines, and handcrafted wood, glass and stone is enhanced by fresh stylish accents. Arriving guests are greeted by a stunning stone waterfall feature that cascades down the length of the driveway. Comfy leather chairs and a wrap-around porch offer stunning views of the San Jacinto mountains (I suggest you add Peter Gabriel’s San Jacinto to your playlist, it captures the spirit of the place). Lily Rock (sometimes called little El Capitan) and Tahquitz Peak are nearby and visible from the hotel, and popular with hikers and climbers. Both offer breathtaking views of the Valley and Lake Perris.
Stained glass windows, fireplaces, a fitness room, massage and sauna amenities, as well as continental breakfast weekdays and hot breakfast on weekends, make the Grand Idyllwild Lodge great for romantic getaways. With a pool and jacuzzi in the works and a recently added a 9-hole putting green and a scenic nature trail, there is plenty to do in and around the property. A mountain luxury boutique lodge, you will be treated to well appointed rooms with tranquil settings. The views, the service, the attention to detail, the carefully curated furnishings and linens all work in concert to elicit deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Creekstone— adjacent to the Grand Idyllwild Lodge— offers a distinctly different vibe. Popular with hikers and climbers, the feel is fun and fresh; an oasis of cool and hip mountain chic. With shuffleboard, avante garde art, a kombucha bar and cold brew available, the updated Creekstone is a thoughtful modern redesign of a vintage gem. Renovated during the pandemic— by H3K Home+Design— the hip style is a trademark of the owners Amy and Tim Brinkman, who have a number of properties in the Palm Springs area. Cozy, elegant and stylish, both properties rival any upscale mountain town like Aspen, Vail or Tahoe. Both hotels offer majestic views of Lily Rock and immersion in the wooded landscape.
The Creekstone restaurant is set to open in October, and there are quite a few dining options nearby, recommended by Nathan Martinez the General Manager of both properties:
Cafe Aroma, a mountain bistro, is a two minute walk and offers lunch, brunch and dinner favorites including benedicts, pancakes, pasta, steak, salmon and duck a l’orange!
Ferro, an Italian eatery, has been one of Idyllwild’s most talked about restaurants, lauded for both its service and casual take on fine dining. You’ll enjoy elevated Italian cuisine in a mountain hideaway, with patio dining, live music and a fresh and inspiring authentic menu. Dogs are welcome on the patio!
Opened in 2017 the eco-friendly Idyllwild Brewpub’s interior was designed and built by locals. With solar panels and a complex water recycling system, the emphasis has always been to leave the smallest footprint possible in the fragile ecosystem Built to complement and reflect the beautiful surroundings, the restaurant boasts a gorgeous view of Strawberry Creek and tall cedars, as well as a chance to observe the art of brewing through a glass encased state-of-the-art brewery. They feature 21 Idyllwild Brewpub beers on tap, pub-style food, and a full bar with craft cocktails and spirits. You can also buy beer to-go in growlers, cans, and bottles; perfect for the porch back at the hotels!
35 miles and a third of the way between the Coachella Valley and the coast, tucked high in the San Jacinto mountains, Idyllwild is a short trip from the Palm Springs area; a little longer if you enjoy the drive. Highway 74 is a beautiful twisty, steep road that goes from Orange County though the mountains and desert. It passes through many parks and National Forests along its route. This mostly 2-lane highway (with plenty of turnouts) is somewhat treacherous, but beautiful. Called the ‘Palms to Pines Highway’, I stopped at a stunning view point called the Cahuilla Tewanet Scenic Overlook. You can enjoy the journey, stopping at viewpoints for photos or short hikes. It’s amazing to go from desert, to high desert, to pine forest in such a short span of time, but be prepared, you’ll need floppy sun hats and fleeces. One day in March, I got caught in a storm and luckily had a sarong to use as a scarf. Snow fell in late April this year.
Once in town there are plenty of eateries and shops to explore. Mountain treats abound: wood carvings, ice cream, jerky, berry jam. I picked a geode and got it cut in half by a poetic young guy who was not fazed by my over-exuberance. I hit a thrift store and, among other things, bought a few cheesy gnomes for my garden that I cheekily thought would elicit the ire of my boys; now happily ensconced in a patch of succulents.
A woodsy movie theater, recently renovated by a British resident offers live music, comedy and has enhanced the night life in the mountain community. With an International boarding school for the arts in town, a Pride Under the Pines in Idyllwild Festival October 1st, and the annual Art & Wine Event October 8th, Idyllwild is both a sleepy and happening place. Nathan Martinez —who moved here following many years working in Yosemite at another lodge, and has lived in town for three years— says “the community is amazing, it’s like a big family,” and with mudslides and fires, this little town is resilient, on the move and well worth a visit. So unwind, stay cool and soak in some mountain vibes, you will delight in the offerings of this small pine forest getaway.
grandidyllwildlodge.com
(951) 659-2383
creekstoneinn.com
(951) 659-3342
