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
Exciting News!
No school field trip fees for 22-23 school year!
We received a federal grant to cover it.
 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)
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Educational Programs - $5 per person
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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
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Museum
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Cahuilla Culture and history
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Live animal displays
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History of Idyllwild
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Gift Shop
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Trails "Easy, Moderate, and Difficult"
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Scenic outlook
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Outdoor activities
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Native Garden
RULES
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The Nature Center allows only Propane
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BBQ's in the picnic area
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No Drones
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Dogs must be on a leash
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Pick up after Pets
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Stay on trails
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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
Call (951) 659-3850 to book:
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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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Scout Programs
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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.
A Cahuilla Indian Woman works to collect natural materials for woven baskets.
Cahuilla Indians wove baskets from twigs and reeds.
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.
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