Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail Hike

8.5 miles - Hard Effort
Or: 11.5 miles in optional loop
3.5-4.5 Hours (Total)
2,350 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 8,846 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

The Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail hike is one of the most popular hikes in the San Jacinto area for a reason. The scenery and views are incredible, the trails are in excellent condition and are well-marked, and the summit includes a visit to the highest fire lookout in San Bernardino National Forest at 8,846 feet. Because of its popularity, there are times when you need to apply for a permit and other times that you don't. I'll explain it all in the guide.

In this Guide:

Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Hike Video
Getting Devil's Slide Trail Permit
Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail Hike Trail Maps
How to Get to the Devil's Slide Trail Trailhead

Quick Links: Parks Pass - San Jacinto Ranger District - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Sep 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

How to Get to the Devil's Slide Trail

The hike starts and ends in Humber Park, which is also where the start of the Devil's Slide Trail is located. Humber Park is in the small town of Idyllwild, which is a nice spot for lunch or walking around after the hike. You'll also have to stop at the ranger station to get your permit before starting the hike, but luckily it's on the way to the trailhead (more later).

Use this address for Humber Park:
Humber Park, 24559 Fern Valley Rd, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 4 — There are some road signs pointing the way on the streets between the ranger station and Humber Park. The windy backroads of Idyllwild can be tricky.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 6 — You need a national parks pass or adventure pass to park at the trailhead.

Parking At Humber Park — Drive all the way through the park to the last (upper) parking area, just next to the bathrooms. It's the closest to the trailhead. Parking can be hard to get later in the day.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 5 — There are primitive bathrooms by the trailhead.

As always, I recommend leaving at sunrise to beat the crowds.

Devil's Slide Trail Permit

Before you go anywhere on this hike, you'll need to get a permit. The Devil's Slide Trail is the most popular trail in this part of the park, so the park service sometimes controls access to it with a daily quota of 30 hikers. It can be very easy or slightly less easy depending on when you're doing the hike.

If you're hiking on a weekend between Memorial and Labor days, there is a quota in effect for the Devil's Slide Trail, and you need to secure a specific Devil's Slide Trail (quota) permit with the rangers.
If you're hiking any other time, you just fill out a free day-use permit in front of the ranger station and put it in the box. There are no quotas and no need to check with the rangers.

Getting a Devil's Slide Trail Quota Permit

If you do need a quota permit, here's what you need to do:

Just show up at the ranger station the day that you want to hike and see if there are any slots open.

OR if you want to plan in advance:

Call the San Jacinto ranger station in Idyllwild and ask if there is space available on the day you want to hike. They allow a portion of the quota to be booked in advance.
They will give you instructions on how to get your permit, but the process goes like this:
- Fill out the permit PDF and fax it to the ranger station (yea, I know...), then they fax it back to you
- Or you can send it in with snail mail and they'll send a permit back to you
- You bring the permit on your hike

It might just be easier to do it on a weekday or outside of the summer months, right? If you can't get a permit and you want to hike to the fire tower on a quota day, drive to the South Ridge Trailhead and hike up from there.

Rangers actively check quota permits at the Devil's Slide Trailhead on summer weekends.

Getting a Free Day-Use Permit

The good news is that the ranger station is on the way to Humber Park, and if you just need a free day-use permit, you simply fill a form out at the kiosk in front of the entrance. The ranger station doesn't need to be open to fill out a permit. You just fill out the form, sign it, and drop it in the box.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 1 — The San Jacinto Ranger Station is easy to find; it's in the middle of downtown Idyllwild and on the way to the trailhead.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 2 — The self-service permit kiosk is right in front of the entrance. Fill out the day-use permit, put a copy in the box, and carry a copy with you.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 3 — If you're hiking the Devil's Slide Trail on a summer weekend, you need a permit first, you can't just fill one out here.

Gear for the Hike

This is a tough mountain hike even though it's not long. In the summer it can be very hot, in the winter icy and cold. I bring 2L of water, 3L if it's hot or if I'm doing the full loop option. There's a decent amount of shade and only some very small spring crossings. If trekking poles help you on climbs and descents, they will come in handy on this hike.

If there are winter conditions, call the ranger station for a gut check on whether it's okay without mountaineering gear. Sometimes there is enough snow up there that it's not advisable to do the hike.

If you want to check if there's snow on your hike, read this guide.

My Latest Gear Picks

Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI )
HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra ( Zpacks | Review )
Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ( REI | Amazon )

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My September 2023 Top Gear Picks

Tahquitz Peak Trail Maps

This route to Tahquitz Peak takes the Devil's Slide Trail up to Saddle Junction, then follows a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and then branches off the PCT to the peak and fire tower. The entire trail is beautiful, and doing it as an out-and-back route is a good choice that jam-packed with scenery and views.

I also included an optional loop trail that takes you to the peak on the Devil's Slide Trail, and then brings you back down on the South Ridge Trail to Idyllwild, and then up the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail to Humber Park. I'm a loop-trail kind of guy, and I generally do the hike this way.

I've included both options in the map below and in the GPX and printable maps.

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Tahquitz Peak Hike Elevation — It's pretty much a straight shot to the peak, with the beginning a little steeper than the second half.

Tahquitz Peak Loop 3d Map — The (red) Devil's Slide Trail winds up to Saddle Junction, then makes its way to the peak. If you take the optional (purple) South Ridge Trail back, you'll do a nice loop that brings you back to Humber Park.

There's also this handy park service trail map that lays out the trails nicely.

Hike Briefing

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 18 — As you approach the peak, you'll see evidence of the 2018 Cranston Fire, which was started by an arsonist.

There is some debate about how to correctly pronounce Tahquitz, but most folks just say TA-KWITZ
According to Native Soboba tradition, Tahquitz is a demon who lives in the peak and is better left undisturbed. There's a whole legend about Tahquitz that you can read here.
Tahquitz is featured in the Louis L'Amour novel The Lonesome Gods: An Epic Novel of the California Desert.
The fire lookout on the summit was built in 1937 and is not only the highest lookout in the San Bernardino National Forest, but also the forest’s longest continuously operated one. Volunteers man the tower looking for forest fires in the surrounding San Jacinto range. Because no power tools are allowed in the forest (not even battery-powered ones), all improvements and fixes on the tower must be done with hand tools.
You might see evidence of the massive Cranston Fire on the hike, which was started by an arsonist and stopped at Tahquitz Peak and the fire tower.
It can get confusing, but there are two peaks which are called Tahquitz, Tahquitz Rock and Tahquitz Peak. Tahquitz Rock is also known as Lily Rock and is the smaller peak between the trailhead and the tower. Tahquitz Peak is where the fire tower is.
The high granite walls in the area became popular with early rock-climbers, and the Yosemite Decimal System of grading climbs was refined on the faces of Tahquitz. Note that there is no rock climbing or scrambling on this hike, just easy to follow trails.

Tahquitz Peak via Devil's Slide Trail Directions

Stay in Touch: Monthly Email - New YouTube Videos - Instagram

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 7 — The Devil's Slide Trail trailhead is easy to spot at the far end of the parking lot. Make sure you read any notices on the board.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 8 — Shortly after the start, you'll pass the San Jacinto Wilderness sign which is a popular photo spot.

What is a Wilderness Area?

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 9 — And shortly after that another sign reminding you to make smart choices in this wilderness area.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 10 — And then you go up. And you go up some more. The trail is definitely uphill, but has switchbacks and is a manageable climb.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 11 — Soon you'll have nice views of Tahquitz Rock / Lily Rock, the popular rock climbing spot. You'll also be able to see west to Temecula and the Palomar Mountains. If you see a white dome in the distance, it's the Palomar Observatory.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 12 — Keep hiking up the 2.5 miles of Devil's Slide Trail. The views are great and there are a ton of places to stop, catch your breath, and soak it all in.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 13 — The trail will ease up a bit as you approach Saddle Junction. At the junction you're going to make the hard right onto the PCT.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 14 — Once you turn at the junction, take the trail all the way to the right, which is the PCT. There are trails in a few directions at Saddle Junction. The junction is well marked, but people steal signs, so who knows what you'll see.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 15 — This part of the climb on the PCT is uphill but not as tough as the Devil's Slide Trail, with rolling sections through mountain pine trees.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 16 — The trees thin out and you hike up a little more. You'll have views into the Coachella Valley to the left.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 17 — When you reach this junction at Chinquapin Flat, you're going to make the hard right and leave the PCT.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 19 — Here's a closeup of the sign at that junction (facing backward from the direction of your travel). Again, you're leaving the PCT and making the hard right toward Tahquitz Peak.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 21 — Once you make the right, head over the ridge. There are smaller side trails in the area where folks have camped at Chinquapin Flat.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 22 — After that little ridge the main trail is easy to spot straight ahead.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 23 — This portion of the trail is spectacular with Marion Mountain and San Jacinto in the distance.

Tahquitz From Wellman — Here's what it looks like where you are now from the mountain in the last shot. This is Tahquitz.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 24 — When you come to the trail leading off to the left, take it to continue up to the fire tower.

Tahqutiz Summit Route — Here's the turn to the summit. If you continue on the loop option, you follow the purple arrow after the summit.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 25 — Here's a closeup of the sign at that junction.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 26 — Head a short way up the trail to the fire tower.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 27 — Ta-da! There it is, the Tahquitz Peak fire tower.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 29 — You can climb up the stairs (5 at a time) and take in the views and the interior. If there's a volunteer there, they'll also (generally) say hello and answer any questions that you might have. In this picture you can see where the Cranston Fire ended on the ridge (fire damage on right).

Tahquitz Peak Fire Station Nterior — Here's what the interior of the fire tower looks like. Cozy!

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 28 — Once you've had your fill of the summit, you can go back down the way you came, or continue on the loop hike.

Optional Loop Hike on South Ridge Trail

If you don't want to go back down the way you came up, follow these directions for the full loop, which adds another 3 miles and an hour or so to the hike.

Full Loop Elevation — The optional loop descends on the South Ridge Trail, then has a gradual uphill on the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail at the end.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 30 — When you get back to the junction where you climbed to the fire tower, make the left turn towards Idyllwild.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 31 — The South Ridge Trail descends for a while on some switchbacks.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 32 — Eventually the trail levels out on a ridge for a short stretch.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 33 — There's a minor uphill after a flat area where you can see evidence of some camping.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 34 — And then you continue to descend toward Idyllwild.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 35 — At the end of the descent you'll come to a dirt road. Head straight on the dirt road, Forest Road 5S17. There are some parking areas on the left.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 36 — You'll follow the dirt road as it heads downhill toward the streets of Idyllwild.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 37 — There are some spurs coming into the main road. Just go down following the main road.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 38 — There are also several yellow-post camping sites on the left and right as you go down. Continue on the main road. If you'd like to camp for free, these yellow-post sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 39 — When you get to Tahquitz View Drive, make the right and hike for a few minutes on the street.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 40 — After a short while you'll reach the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail off to the right. Look for the sign and the trail, then hike up above the road.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 41 — You'll see a sign at the start of the Ernie Maxwell Trail.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 42 — The Ernie Maxwell Trail is easy to follow, pleasant, and nice and shady. The climb is gradual and mellow, lasting about 2.6 miles to Humber Park.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 43 — Toward the end of the trail, avoid the "climber's route" to the right and continue straight.

Tahquitz Peak Via Devils Slide Trail 44 — Eventually you'll emerge back at the lower parking lot at Humber Park. Walk back to your car and that's the loop!

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

Related Guides

Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Hike

Black Mountain Trail to the Fire Lookout (Idyllwild, CA)

Hike Mt San Jacinto Peak on the Deer Springs Trail

Hike Keller Peak on the Exploration Trail

Slide Mountain Lookout Hike

Hike the Suicide Rock Trail (Idyllwild)

Hike Apache Peak (CA) on the Spilter Peak Trail

Los Angeles Hikes

Palm Springs Hiking Trails

Fire Tower Hikes

Hikes In and Around Riverside County

LA Mountain Hikes

San Bernardino National Forest Hiking Trails

Sierra Club 100 Peaks

Popular Guides

Backpacking For Beginners: Hiker → Backpacker

Hiking Boots or Shoes: Do I Really Need Hiking Boots?

When to Hit SOS on inReach

Garmin inReach FAQ: The Questions You Forgot to Ask

This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

Don't Miss Out

Monthly(ish) Email Newsletter - A list of new guides and important info for hikers.
YouTube - Subscribe for new video notifications. The best way to get notified every time a new guide goes up.
Instagram - I occasionally share pretty pictures from my hikes, broadcast live from the trail, and let you know about new guides.