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Deer Springs Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 349 Google reviews · Running trail in Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Deer Springs Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Tree- and flower-lined trail leads to Suicide Rock with scenic views in a forest setting.
What runners say about Deer Springs Trailhead
“First half is a very steep incline but otherwise pretty easy trail, with lots of greenery, manzanita trees and great views of San Jacinto forest and Tahquitz peak.”
“Trail is pretty easy to follow but I needed to check the app a couple times when I had lost it.”
“Easy trail to access from the road.”
This was an intense hike, I read online easy/medium difficulty but I say Medium/hard difficulty level!! Great workout uphill pretty much the whole way. I only saw squirrels and I asked other hikers if they saw any animals and they said “squirrels “ too. But that was my first time and I shall return!!
Nice, well marked trail. Not too crowded. I hike a lot and I got winded on the trail. I wouldn't call it difficult, but it does have a decent incline and the elevation took me a few miles to adjust to. I live at sea level....anyway, beautiful scenery and views.
This was probably the best trail in palm springs area and near idyllwild. The elevation gain is steep but the views are very good. Alot cooler up there than in the valley area. Less than 90 definitely throughout the hike.
Enjoyed a long, at times challenging hike from the Deer Springs trailhead to San Jacinto Peak. The trail is well marked, but could do with some tree clearance in the lower pine forest.
Trail conditions & character
“First half is a very steep incline but otherwise pretty easy trail, with lots of greenery, manzanita trees and great views of San Jacinto forest and Tahquitz peak.”
“First half is a very steep incline but otherwise pretty easy trail, with lots of greenery, manzanita trees and great views of San Jacinto forest and Tahquitz peak.”
“Enjoyed a long, at times challenging hike from the Deer Springs trailhead to San Jacinto Peak.”
“I’m a regular hiker and this brought me a better workout and gorgeous trees, tree roots, rocks of all sizes and huge pine cones!”
“This was an intense hike, I read online easy/medium difficulty but I say Medium/hard difficulty level!”
“The trail is well marked, but could do with some tree clearance in the lower pine forest.”
Plan your run at Deer Springs Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(909) 382-2921
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mount San Jacinto State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,801 reviews
Trails wind through this park at the peak of Mount San Jacinto, accessible by tram via Palm Springs.
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Southern Terminus
4.8 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking trail with shade and creek crossings.
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07
4.7 ★★★★★ 210 reviews
Easy, scenic 2.6-mi. trail in the San Jacinto Wilderness featuring stream crossings, wildflowers, and mountain views.
Humber Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 261 reviews
Park for hiking with varied trails and scenic views, including Tahquitz Rock.
