Home › California › Idyllwild-Pine Cove › Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07
4.7 ★★★★★ 210 Google reviews · Running trail in Idyllwild-Pine Cove, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07'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.
Easy, scenic 2.6-mi. trail in the San Jacinto Wilderness featuring stream crossings, wildflowers, and mountain views.
What runners say about Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07
“The views are great and the trails have beautiful sights to see, more than anything the air is fresh and you are in a peaceful and serene enviorment.”
“It's very scenic with lots of trees and vista views and most of the trail is covered by shade canopy from the wilderness.”
“The path is pretty easy to follow as well.”
“Beautiful views and fairly easy trail.”
It's about a 5 miles hike. Lots of shades. But go early in the morning bcuz it could be really hot when the sun is out and you have to make a loop back in the sun with the upper hills coming back. Other than that, nice trail.
Very nice place to go on a hike. The views are great and the trails have beautiful sights to see, more than anything the air is fresh and you are in a peaceful and serene enviorment.
Great trail, very easy and beautiful. Start from the southern terminus (other end) and park on the street that way you go mostly up at first and come back down on the way back.
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.
Trail conditions & character
“The views are great and the trails have beautiful sights to see, more than anything the air is fresh and you are in a peaceful and serene enviorment.”
“At leat there's a mini rock waterfall at the start of the northern trailhead, that was a nice surprise to see.”
“But go early in the morning bcuz it could be really hot when the sun is out and you have to make a loop back in the sun with the upper hills coming back.”
“It's very scenic with lots of trees and vista views and most of the trail is covered by shade canopy from the wilderness.”
“The path is roomy, but they're are times (with dogs) the path can be narrow and just need to work with on coming traffic to pass each other.”
“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.”
“But go early in the morning bcuz it could be really hot when the sun is out and you have to make a loop back in the sun with the upper hills coming back.”
Plan your run at Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail 3E07
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- 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.
Humber Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 261 reviews
Park for hiking with varied trails and scenic views, including Tahquitz Rock.
Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Southern Terminus
4.8 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking trail with shade and creek crossings.
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.
Deer Springs Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 349 reviews
Tree- and flower-lined trail leads to Suicide Rock with scenic views in a forest setting.
Long Valley Discovery Trail
5 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring desert terrain.