Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Southern Terminus - Hiking area in Idyllwild-Pine Cove - Tahquitz View Dr, USA

If you've been level 1 hiking on flat terrain and are ready to level up to a little elevation, this is the perfect trail. I've been on this "DOG" friendly trail a number of times and it's perfect for families. There's little creeks crossing the trail periodically(great for dogs), plenty of shade, and the grade isn't that intense. Recommend during the warmer months you hike earlier in the morning but, even then it's not that bad. There are rattlesnakes so just be aware. Further, I like to stop at the bottom hike up then back down rather than starting in Humber park.

A really fun and moderate trail. Good scenery with a wide variety of plants. One of the best things is the diversity of plants. Cool rocks and trail goes in and out of tree coverage. It can get hot in the afternoon and no breeze in the exposed sections. This is a good hiking trail that’s is enjoyable doing several times at different times of the year. Always a good choice from either direction you start.

For a novice hiker this was a really good hike. The road is easy and has good steep hills but not overwhelming. The views are breathtaking though. I really liked that the majority of the hike the tall trees give you shade from the sun. It was easy to find too. Overall it was a fun an amazing morning hike. Loved it!

Started around noon, plenty of shade. Walked about halfway, due to Mother's Day reservation. Easy rock hopping at 3 small streams. Lots of dog walkers, some not leashed, noticed bags of poop left for "housekeeping" to pickup 🤔

This was a pretty trail but nothing spectacular. Beautiful views of the giant rock faces and lots of boulders to climb around on. The smell of pine was wonderful. It is mostly shady. We are fairly regular hikers, maybe it was an off day but both of us tripped along the trail, several times, on rocks and roots so just watch your step on this one. Yes, parking is much more limited but I strongly suggest, especially for those who aren't as active, starting at the bottom, off the dirt road, instead of the top at Humber Park. You will enjoy the trail much more than doing uphill on the way out. There is no real glory point at either end so enjoy the trail as you go.

The trailhead is very easy to find, but parking can be a hassle. There's not much space, but get as close as you can to the east side, and you will be fine. My recommendation is to hike from the bottom to the top, or from the south end to the north end, as it were, and then turn around and hike back down. That way you finish with the easier leg.

Easy incline, beautiful scenery. We loved the enormous granite boulders that we were able to walk by on the trail. A good idea is to start at the bottom (southern trailhead) walk uphill and then walk downhill on the way back.

This trail was in fact scenic and beautiful. However, some websites have reported this trail incorrectly. It is 2.6 miles EACH WAY, 5.2 miles total. It is actually what I would consider a Moderately Difficult hike, not only from my own personal point of view, but from the fact that almost everyone we encountered along the uphill route was huffing and puffing, not just strolling along. I think we would have appreciated knowing that it was a longer, more difficult hike than we had expected, just so we could have been prepared for what it was.