

Welcome to RivCoParks

1-800-234-7275
Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District
Camping • Trails • Historic Sites • Nature Centers • Reserves
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NATURE CENTERS
Nature Center & Wildlife Area
Ecological Reserve
and Visitor Center


Idyllwild Nature Center
The Nature Center Museum, Trails, parking & restrooms are open W-SUN from 9 am - 4 pm.
⚠️ Fire Safety Update
Fire season is here!
Read this fire safety brochure.
Located 1 mile northwest of Idyllwild on Highway 243, Idyllwild Nature Center offers a variety of field study trips, environmental education programs and guided tours which can be scheduled by appointment and tailored to fit specific needs or interests. Programs focus on mountain ecology, habitats, flora and fauna, Cahuilla Native culture and the history of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Various seasonal events are held at Idyllwild Nature Center, including the well-known Lemon Lily Restoration Day, Butterfly Daze, Trail of the Acorn Day, and the Wildflower Day. A spacious auditorium is available to rent for special events.
SITE HOURS
Nature Center Trails: Sunrise - Sunset
Nature Center:
Thursday-Sunday | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays- Wednesday and all major holidays
FEES
Please note, costs for events are covered by day use fees. Exceptions may apply.
Day Use
Adults | $4 each
Children (ages 12 and under) | $3 each
Dogs - $1 each
(Dogs must be on leash)
Snow Play
Adult | $10 each
Child (ages 12 and under) | $5 each
FEATURES
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Field Trips
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Educational Programs
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Junior Naturalist Programs
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Guided Tours
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Equestrian Trails
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Snow play
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Rest Rooms
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Picnic Tables
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Gift Shop
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Yearly Memberships
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Auditorium Rentals
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Pet Friendly
Parking: We have a limited number of spots available on a first come first served basis only.
There is a fee for day use in the park. Fees help support the Nature Center programming and facilities.
Your day use fee allows you to tour the museum, hike the trails, picnic and use all the facilities. Please pay your fees inside the museum where you will receive a day use permit and park map.
Campers in the Idyllwild County Park Campground are entitled to a discounted day use fee rate (with receipt) of $3 per adult, $2 per child and dogs are free.
![]() Mountain views from the trailPhoto by Michael Frazier |
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![]() Perfect picnic spots in Idyllwild |
![]() Majestic pines on the trail |
![]() Idyllwild Nature Center sign |
![]() Panning for gold among the pines |
![]() A beautiful clump of Lemon Lillies |
![]() Beautiful butterfly hanging out |
![]() Family crafts at the nature center |
![]() Blue skies thru big pines |
![]() trail marker signs |
![]() hikers and their dog enjoying nature |
![]() Abundant snowfall in the mountains |
![]() Climbing a big rock among the pines |
![]() Nature Center wildlife exhibit |
![]() Nature center wildlife exhibit |
![]() Cahuilla artifacts in Nature Center |
![]() Snow around the bird viewing deck |
ADDRESS
25225 Highway 243
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Phone: (951) 659-3850
or (800) 234-PARK (7275)
Come up for a visit and enjoy our special event!
Click here for the Lemon Lily Day event flyer.

Rumblings from the Idyllwild Nature Center - Spring 2021
TOURS & NATURE EDUCATION
School Tour Programs focus on mountain ecology, wildlife adaptations, their habitats, flora and fauna. Visit Bedrock Mortars above a stream lending itself as an outside classroom as students connect culture to resources- past to present. Programs can be tailored to fit your specific curriculum or interests.
The park is located within an ancient Cahuilla Indian village and provides insight into early cultures with an Archaeologist’s frame work.
Ancient Cahuilla hieroglyphs can be found in the Idyllwild area where these Native Americans lived.
A Cahuilla Indian Woman works to collect natural materials for woven baskets.
Cahuilla Indians wove baskets from twigs and reeds.
Park Friends
The Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks is a member supported non-profit organization based at the Idyllwild Park Nature Center and dedicated to supporting the work of the Riverside County Regional Parks & Open Space District.
The Friends make possible a great variety of cultural and natural history interpretive programs, new exhibits, wildlife observation, facilities, equipment and resources to help children and adults gain appreciation and enjoyment of the San Jacinto Mountains. Benefits of membership include the satisfaction of helping the Nature Center teach people from all over the world about our beautiful and fragile mountains, free admission for members and their families (with Family Membership) to the Nature Shop and all programs & events, invitations to the Friends’ semi-annual potluck dinner and monthly board meetings, and biannual subscription to the Taquitz Telegram newsletter. All memberships are tax deductible;
Becoming a Member
Yearly Membership Levels Basic Categories
Individual – $25.00
Couple – $40.00
Family – $60.00
Higher Categories
Supporting – $200.00 and above
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Friends!

Questions? Call 951-659-3850

Richard & Susie Hampson (from left) are presented a plaque from RivCoParks Ranger Steve Perez in honor of their many years of volunteering at the Idyllwild Nature Center.
Volunteers
The Nature Center relies on a dedicated volunteer corps to assist with environmental education programs, visitor services, trail and facility maintenance and administration. New volunteers are needed year round, especially during our busy summer season. Your desire to help others learn about the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains is all the experience you need!
Some of the benefits of being a volunteer include:
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Meet new people and share your enjoyment of the outdoors in a beautiful setting.
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Gain satisfaction by helping visitors learn about our mountains.
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Opportunities for you to learn about Idyllwild’s natural & cultural history.
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Free admission to the Park & Nature Center.
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20% off all items in the Nature Shop.
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Invitations to potlucks & other events.
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Gain experience in the field of Parks & Recreation.
If you would like to become a volunteer or get more information please call or stop by the Nature Center for an application.
Questions? Call 951-659-3850