Welcome to RivCoParks

Idyllwild 
Nature Center

Trails, parking & restrooms are open TH-SUN from 9 am - 4 pm. 

The Nature Center is currently closed. 

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.

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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.

Nature Center Trails:  Sunrise - Sunset

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Nature Center:  

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

Closed Mondays- Wednesday and all major holidays

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)

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Snow Play

Adult | $10 each

Child (ages 12 and under) | $5 each

• Field Trips

• Educational Programs

• Junior Naturalist Programs

• Guided Tours

• Equestrian Trails

• Snow play

• Rest Rooms

• Picnic Tables

• Gift Shop

• Yearly Memberships

• Auditorium Rentals

• Pet Friendly

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Parking: We have a limited number of spots available on a first come first served basis only.

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

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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.

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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.

⚠️  Snow Play update ❄️​​

Please follow these safety measures and rules for snow play in the mountains or snow areas:

✔️  Wear a mask 

✔️  Avoid crowded areas

✔️  Keep strictly to your own household

✔️  Respect private property

✔️  Prepare for conditions (chains may be required)

✔️  Don’t leave trash behind

✔️  Snow play facilities are limited (Idyllwild)

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.

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The park is located within an ancient Cahuilla Indian village and provides insight into early cultures with an Archaeologist’s frame work.

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.

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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;

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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!

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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.

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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