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NATURE CENTERS

Nature Center & Wildlife Area

Ecological Reserve

and Visitor Center

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Become a Friend of San Jacinto Mountain

County Parks!

Click Here

to learn more.

Idyllwild Nature Center

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:  

Wednesday-Sunday | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Closed on county observed holidays

FEES

There is a fee for day use in the park.  Fees help support the Nature Center programming and facilities.

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

 

Day Use

Adults | $4 each

Children (ages 2-12 yrs) | $3 each

Infants (under 2 yrs)  | Free

Dogs - $1 each

(Dogs must be on leash)

Amphitheater Use

$50/hour or $200 full day & Event Hall $50/hour or $200 full day

Snow Play

Adult | $10 each

Child (ages 2-12 yrs) | $5 each

Infants (under 2 yrs) | Free

Dogs - $1 each

FEATURES

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Exciting News!

No school field trip fees for 22-23 school year! 

We received a federal grant to cover it.

Mountain views from the trail

Mountain views from the trail

Photo by Michael Frazier

Perfect picnic spots in Idyllwild

Perfect picnic spots in Idyllwild

Majestic pines on the trail

Majestic pines on the trail

Idyllwild Nature Center sign

Idyllwild Nature Center sign

Panning for gold among the pines

Panning for gold among the pines

A beautiful clump of Lemon Lillies

A beautiful clump of Lemon Lillies

Beautiful butterfly hanging out

Beautiful butterfly hanging out

Family crafts at the nature center

Family crafts at the nature center

Blue skies thru big pines

Blue skies thru big pines

trail marker signs

trail marker signs

hikers and their dog enjoying nature

hikers and their dog enjoying nature

Abundant snowfall in the mountains

Abundant snowfall in the mountains

Climbing a big rock among the pines

Climbing a big rock among the pines

Nature Center wildlife exhibit

Nature Center wildlife exhibit

Nature center wildlife exhibit

Nature center wildlife exhibit

Cahuilla artifacts in Nature Center

Cahuilla artifacts in Nature Center

Snow around the bird viewing deck

Snow around the bird viewing deck

ADDRESS

25225 Highway 243

Idyllwild, CA 92549

Phone: (951) 659-3850

or (800) 234-PARK (7275)

  • ​Educational Programs - $5 per person

  • Junior Naturalist Programs

  • Guided Tours

  • Equestrian Trails

  • Snow play

  • Rest Rooms

  • Picnic Tables

  • Gift Shop

  • Yearly Memberships

  • Auditorium Rentals

  • Pet Friendly

  • Museum

    • Cahuilla Culture and history     

    • Live animal displays     

    • History of Idyllwild       

    • Gift Shop        

  • Trails "Easy, Moderate, and Difficult"

  • Scenic outlook

  • Outdoor activities

  • Native Garden

 

RULES

  • The Nature Center allows only Propane

  • BBQ's in the picnic area

  • No Drones

  • Dogs must be on a leash

  • Pick up after Pets

  • Stay on trails

  • Do not remove, deface, or disturb any part of the park features or wildlife

 

Rumblings from the Idyllwild Nature Center - Spring 2021

TOURS & NATURE EDUCATION

TOURS & NATURE ED

Call (951) 659-3850 to book:

  • Field Trips

  • Educational Programs

  • Junior Naturalist Programs

  • Guided Tours

  • Scout Programs

  • Career Day

Come and join us for a fun-filled learning experience as we take your students on a hands-on adventure with presentations, live animals, hikes, and crafts to meet your state science or social science standards. We offer a wide variety of programs to meet the needs and interest levels for grades k-6. The Nature Center normally accommodates 2 average class sizes (60 children). Occasionally we can arrange 3 classes (90 children) 

 

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.

Park Friends

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!

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Questions?  Call 951-659-3850

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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:

  1. Meet new people and share your enjoyment of the outdoors in a beautiful setting.

  2. Gain satisfaction by helping visitors learn about our mountains.

  3. Opportunities for you to learn about Idyllwild’s natural & cultural history.

  4. Free admission to the Park & Nature Center.

  5. 20% off all items in the Nature Shop.

  6. Invitations to potlucks & other events.

  7. 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

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