Deer Springs to Suicide Rock

Dogs No Dogs

Features Spring · Views · Wildflowers

The first part (approx. 1.91 mi) follows the Deer Springs Trail. At the designated trail junction (which says Suicide Rock 1.0 mi), take a right and follow the trail to the summit. Great views of Idyllwild and surrounding mountains from the summit.

Part of this route lies within the Mount San Jacinto State Park which means dogs are not allowed and permit is required. The closest place to get the permit is San Jacinto Ranger Station (54270 Pine Crest Ave, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549) which as of May 2022 is marked on Google maps as "temporarily closed" but self-issued permits are available 24/7 outside of the building; additional places to get the permit can be found at parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636.

Part of this route lies within the Mount San Jacinto State Park which means dogs are not allowed and permit is required. The closest place to get the permit is San Jacinto Ranger Station (54270 Pine Crest Ave, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549) which as of May 2022 is marked on Google maps as "temporarily closed" but self-issued permits are available 24/7 outside of the building; additional places to get the permit can be found at parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636.

As most of the trails in this area, this one is best in the spring after the bulk of snow has melted but before the summer heat hits. This, and the fact that the route traverses a light pine forest and hence is mostly in the shade, means there might be pretty dense patches of show at higher elevations: good shoes and poles are a good idea. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked. About 2 miles along the Deer Springs Trail, there is a marked trail junction with the sign saying "Suicide Rock 1 mi" (see photo), take a right at it. According to a GPS, the summit is slightly farther away from this junction, at 1.3 mi. About 0.55 mi from the junction, the trail crosses Marion Creek with some beautiful forest scenery around (see photo). From that point, the trail follows a gentle slope, staying in the shade of the pine forest pretty much all the way. The only exposed area on the trail is the Suicide Rock summit itself.

The summit offers great views of the Fern Valley, Tahquitz peak and Tahquitz/Lily Rock (see photo), and the surrounding mountains.

Pine trees and oak trees all the way.