Lake Fulmor Day Use Area
Have you been to Lake Fulmor? This human-made gem is easy to miss while speeding along the way to Idyllwild. Sitting at an elevation of 5,400 ft, the weather is about twenty degrees cooler than the valley floor while located less than an hour away. During the 1930s Alexander Fulmor surveyed the route that became Highway 243. It was his idea to dam Indian Creek in Hall Canyon to smooth and shorten the road. The dam was built in 1947 and water filled the reservoir the next year. Over time picnic tables and other amenities were added. In 1980 the U.S. Forest Service planted a single giant sequoia sapling on the northern shore of the lake. It reproduced on its own to form the Lake Fulmor Grove, one of only two known artificial giant sequoia groves in the world that propagates without human intervention. A fallen tree destroyed the bridge at the far end of the lake, so our plan is to follow the walkway in a horseshoe fashion, explore the giant sequoia grove, then select one or more picnic tables where we will eat and enjoy the view.
- Trail Length: ~1 mile
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 50'
- Difficulty Rating: Easy, although you should have good balance as parts of the walkway are uneven, and there are some steep portions
- 9:30 AM Meet in the Palm Springs Walmart/Petsmart parking lot at Ramon and Crossley map here
- or 10:30 AM at the Lake Fulmor Parking Lot map here. Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass (America the Beautiful) required for each parked car. (Not sold on site.) Pass information here. The parking lot is across the street from the recreation area. We will exercise extreme caution when crossing busy Highway 243.
Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging you own transportation or ride share. Arrive a few minutes before 9:30 AM for briefing and carpooling.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, water (1 to 2 liters recommended), lunch/ snacks, sun protection, layered clothing; hiking poles may be helpful. Carry emergency contact information.
Fishing is allowed from shore or the wooden fishing pier with required license information click here. (Must bring own equipment.)
Swimming is not allowed and any contact with water can result in citation.
Hiking Requirements: You will need to be in good physical condition for this hike. Click here for more information. When you sign up for a hike, the hike leader may ask about your experience and stamina. This is for your safety and that of the group. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
Contact hike leader: Kirk O. click here
Cancellation: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels. Weather Forecast click here.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this hike.
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