Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA

For a very scenic drive, take a trip over to Idyllwild, CA.  Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Fern Valley are three adjacent unincorporated communities in the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County, California, United States. Idyllwild is the largest of the three.  "Mile-high Idyllwild" is a mountain resort about one mile (1600 m) in altitude within the San Bernardino National Forest. Set among tall pines, sweet smelling cedars and legendary rocks, the town has kept its "small town" atmosphere. Come and experience the peace and quiet of Idyllwild. If you are ready to get away from the traffic jams, or the noisy city life, this is the town for you. Idyllwild is flanked by two large rock formations, Tahquitz Rock (also known as Lily Rock) and Suicide Rock, which are famous in Southern California rock-climbing circles.    Idyllwild is known for arts and crafts and was named in the 1998 book “100 Best Small Towns in America”

During Parade Week, a drive to Idyllwild should bring a welcome relief from the heat since the town sits at a mile high elevation. The adjoining town of Pine Cove sits on a ridge nearly 1000 feet higher than Idyllwild. Over the years, many movies were filmed in and around Idyllwild.

The drive to Idyllwild from the north is spectacular once you exit I-10 out of Banning onto Highway 243. Don’t be in a hurry, as the numerous twists and turns will keep your speed in check. Plan to spend some time browsing in the shops, then take time for lunch at one of the small restaurants or at the Idyllwild Brewpub. After exploring the area you can continue south on Hwy 243 until it joins the “Palms to Pines” Hwy 74 for more twists and turns as you head back to the Palm Springs area and on to La Quinta in time for a Parade banquet!

  http://www.idyllwild.com/ 

Driving Directions:  https://goo.gl/maps/VHBodVUHGPgjjKYi8  This is the great circle route. You can also backtrack from the way you came in from the north.