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NATURE CENTERS

Nature Center & Wildlife Area
Ecological Reserve
and Visitor Center
Idyllwild Nature Center
The Nature Center is now open TH-SUN from 9 am - 4 pm
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.
ADDRESS
25225 Highway 243
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Phone: (951) 659-3850
or (800) 234-PARK (7275)
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.
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.
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