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Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Southern Terminus
4.8 ★★★★★ 116 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
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Southern Terminus' 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.
Kid-friendly hiking trail with shade and creek crossings.
What runners say about Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Southern Terminus
“I was expecting a peak with a view but nope, just had to turn back and go back to the parking lot 🤷🏾♀️ other than that, it was really beautiful and refreshing.”
“There's little creeks crossing the trail periodically(great for dogs), plenty of shade, and the grade isn't that intense.”
“I've been on this "DOG" friendly trail a number of times and it's perfect for families.”
You don’t need an adventure pass for parking here. The cars just park to the side of the road by the sign. I visited the ranger station and it said you do NOT need a day pass for this trail, but I filled one out anyway.
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.
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!
Lovely trail. Started at the top near the restrooms. There was a lot of parking but it was pretty busy. I arrived around 10am so perhaps go earlier to secure a parking spot. The trail itself is mostly shaded. There are small streams right now but I bet in the spring they're more like little waterfalls.
Trail conditions & character
“Such a beautiful hike 🌲 Surrounded by forest, fresh mountain air, and that incredible pine scent you can’t mistake for anything else.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Plan your run at Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Southern Terminus
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
- 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.
Deer Springs Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 349 reviews
Tree- and flower-lined trail leads to Suicide Rock with scenic views in a forest setting.
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.
