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TRAM TO IDYLLWILD
One way hike with shuttle van return.
- Distance: 8.5 miles
- Total Elevation: 800'
- Total Descent: 2500'
- Difficulty: Strenuous**
- Maximum Elevation: 8800
- Minimum Elevation: 6500
- Type: Hike one way with shuttle van return to the PS Tram Station to retrieve your vehicle. The shuttle route is 62 miles one way.
- Advisement: A lot of down slope hiking. There are 14 large trees down across the trail that require hiking over, under or around. Hiking poles may be helpful. Elevation gain 600 feet to Hidden Divide and total gain of 800 feet. See trail profile chart below. You need to be in good physical condition**.
- Meeting location: Tram valley station loading area - 7:30 AM or 7 AM if you need to purchase a first come ticket. You need to have your ticket or pass and standing in line with Hike Leader at the front of the line for loading on the 8 am tram.
- We need to be at the front of the line for first tram
- Departure on the first tram up at 8 AM
Tickets for the Tram: $30.95 Adult $28.95 Senior. Recommend purchasing online at least a week or more before the event as tickets sell out. Important – If online tickets are sold-out or grayed-out for any day, tickets are still available, but can only be purchased on the day of your visit at the Tram’s Valley Station on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be timed for the next available tramcar. $15 parking fee waived for pass holders and local residents. Be in line no later than 7 AM if you need to purchase a ticket. Our tram departure is 8 AM. Purchase tickets here: Palm Springs Tram Tickets (click here)
DESCRIPTION
The condition of Willow Creek Trail is continuing to improve. Smaller treefall hazards on the Forest Service section were cut in June. The two huge (c.50 inch diameter) hazards remaining on the Forest Service side were removed in early July. Whitethorn along the trail has not (yet) grown back significantly, other than a couple of minor areas near Hidden Divide in the State Park section. Treefall hazards currently on the State Park side include two large ones remaining from last year, plus three small new ones, but none pose significant problems for hikers. https://sanjacjon.com/
Hike from Round Valley up to Hidden Divide and down to Willow Creek and down the Devils Slide switchback to Humber Park in Idyllwild. We will take time to enjoy the trail and interesting features on the way. Our van will meet us with cold drinks and take us to a local restaurant in Idyllwild for a meal prior to returning to Palm Springs. Bring $$ for your restaurant meal after the hike.
What to bring: Ten Essentials (click here), water (3 to 4 liters recommended), lunch/snacks, sun protection, layered clothing and hiking poles. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Recommended equipment and preparation
- Gaiters – Protection from the white thorn bush and snakes
- Example: https://kahtoola.com/gaiters/navagaiter-gtx/
- Long pants due to the whitethorn brush along parts of the trail before Saddle Junction.
- Tick repellant - provided
- Water minimum 3 liters , 4 liters recommended
- Electrolyte supplement – powder mix - chew tabs.
- Sun protection – Much of the hike is full exposure.
- Bandana – cooling when wet
**How can I tell if this hike is for me? Click here or contact hike leader if you have questions or concerns.
Registration Fee: Only covers the cost of the van shuttle, but not your tram ticket or meal at a local restaurant (bring cash for that).
Contact Hike Leader: Scott Connelly email
Refund minus $10 service fee only if there is a waitlist.
Expected time of return 5:30 pm is an estimate only as conditions may vary.
Photos: click here
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
