Airstreams near Idyllwild

The soaring peaks of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains (as high as 10,834 feet) serve as the backdrop for Idyllwild, a mountain town nearly a mile higher than nearby Palm Springs (set on the other side of the mountains). Camping adventures are abundant here, including rock climbing at premier multi-pitch traditional crags: Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. If belaying is not in your plans, miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Pacific Coast Trail, pass through the region, and commanding views of the valley are at every turn for mountain bikers, too. The family-run supermarket and well-stocked general store serves as conveniences for campers staying in Idyllwild for a few days.

Most visitors to the area head for Mount Jacinto State Park, which stretches from Idyllwild to Palm Springs. At the base of Mount San Jacinto, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts up and over the sheer eastern face, traveling 2.5 miles while rotating for a one-of-a-kind experience. At the top, 8,516 feet up from the valley floor, visitors arrive at a temperature difference that averages 40°F. The park houses a number of campgrounds for tent and RV campers, and more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails are set just outside.

Winter conditions can be variable—passes can close without warning—and weather can change suddenly even in summer.