About Idyllwild Nature Center
Located 1 mile northwest of Idyllwild on Highway 243, Idyllwild Nature Center has 5+ miles of hiking trails, picnic area, indoor and outdoor activities for kids, bathrooms, gardens, and a museum. The museum features Native American cultural displays, live and taxidermy animals, and local flora displays. Idyllwild Nature Center offers a variety of school field trips, environmental education programs and guided tours which can be scheduled by appointment via phone and tailored to fit specific needs or interests. Programs focus on mountain ecology, habitats, flora and fauna, Cahuilla Native culture and the history of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Various seasonal events are held at Idyllwild Nature Center, including the well-known Wildflower Show, Lemon Lily Restoration Day, Butterfly Daze, and Trail of the Acorn Day. A 2000 sq.' event space is available to rent for special events. Please inquire via call for more details.
Available to rent for special events. Please inquire via call for more details.
Location
25225 Highway 243 Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-3850 or (800) 234-PARK (7275)
Nature Center Hours
Nature Center
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.┃Wednesday to Sunday
Nature Center Trails
Sunrise to Sunset┃Daily
Nature Center Fees
Campers in the Idyllwild County Park Campground are eligible for free admission with valid receipt.
Day Use
Adults $6 each
Children (ages 2-12 yrs) $3 each
Infants (under 2 yrs) Free
Education Fee
$8 per student
Amphitheater Use
$50/hour or $200 full day & Event Hall $50/hour or $200 full day
Snow Play
Vehicle Fee $30 each
General Center Rules
RULES APPLICABLE TO DISTRICT REGIONAL PARKS
The following rules apply to all regional parks in Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space
District. For rules specific to each park, please refer to the corresponding section for each park.
1. All local, state, and federal laws shall be enforced in all District Regional Parks. County of
Riverside Ordinance 328 shall be enforced in all District Regional Parks.
2. The posted speed limit shall be observed.
3. Vehicles must remain on park roads and/or designated parking spaces.
4. Child/youth is defined as age 12 and under, children under the age of 2 are granted free
entry into the parks.
5. All pet fees are per animal. Maximum three (3) dogs/horses total.
6. Service dogs are exempt from the pet fee and the maximum limit of three (3) dogs/horses.
7. Dogs must be controlled and on a leash at all times no longer than six (6) feet in length.
8. Never leave pets unattended. Pets must be kept inside RV or tent overnight.
9. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up waste generated from their pet(s).
10. Hunting and use of firearms is prohibited in the park.
11. Never disturb or attempt to handle wildlife.
12. Fireworks are prohibited.
13. No off-road vehicles allowed. Street legal vehicles only.
14. Remote controlled flying objects, drones, bow and arrows/archery are not permitted unless
authorized in advance by Director or his/her Designee.
15. Do not remove or damage flowers, rocks, plants, animals, artifacts, and other park features.
16. No attaching, tying, nailing, or screwing of items to the trees. Tampering with these items is a
violation of County Ordinance 328.
17. Amplified music is not permitted unless authorized in advance by the District. Small radios are
permitted except during hours 10pm – 6am so long as the noise does not disturb the peace and
quiet of the campground or neighboring sites.
18. Know before you go! Guests are encouraged to check the website or call the park in advance of
their visit to see if there are temporary rules in place (i.e. campfire restrictions, water
conservation and water use restrictions due to statewide drought, etc.)
19. Notify Park Ranger immediately of any emergency, damage, or other problems arise
Tours and Nature Education
Come and join us for a fun-filled learning experience as we take your students on a hands-on adventure with presentations, live animals, hikes, and crafts to meet your state science or social science standards. We offer a wide variety of programs to meet the needs and interest levels for grades k-6. The Nature Center normally accommodates 2 average class sizes (60 children). Occasionally we can arrange 3 classes (90 children).
School Tour Programs focus on mountain ecology, wildlife adaptations, their habitats, flora and fauna. Visit Bedrock Mortars above a stream lending itself as an outside classroom as students connect culture to resources- past to present. Programs can be tailored to fit your specific curriculum or interests. The park is located within an ancient Cahuilla Indian village and provides insight into early cultures with an Archaeologist’s frame work.
Park Friends
The Friends of the San Jacinto Mountain County Parks is a member supported non-profit organization based at the Idyllwild Park Nature Center and dedicated to supporting the work of the Riverside County Regional Parks & Open Space District.
The Friends make possible a great variety of cultural and natural history interpretive programs, new exhibits, wildlife observation, facilities, equipment and resources to help children and adults gain appreciation and enjoyment of the San Jacinto Mountains. Benefits of membership include the satisfaction of helping the Nature Center teach people from all over the world about our beautiful and fragile mountains, free admission for members and their families (with Family Membership) to the Nature Shop, and all programs & events. All memberships are tax deductible;
Becoming a Member
Yearly Membership Levels Basic Categories
Individual – $25.00
Couple – $40.00
Family – $60.00
Higher Categories
Supporting – $200.00 and above
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Friends!
Questions? Call 951-659-3850
Volunteers
The Nature Center relies on a dedicated volunteer corps to assist with environmental education programs, visitor services, trail and facility maintenance and administration. New volunteers are needed year round, especially during our busy summer season. Your desire to help others learn about the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains is all the experience you need!
Some of the benefits of being a volunteer include:
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Meet new people and share your enjoyment of the outdoors in a beautiful setting.
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Gain satisfaction by helping visitors learn about our mountains.
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Opportunities for you to learn about Idyllwild’s natural & cultural history.
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Free admission to the Park & Nature Center.
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20% off all items in the Nature Shop.
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Invitations to potlucks & other events.
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Gain experience in the field of Parks & Recreation.
If you would like to become a volunteer or get more information please call or stop by the Nature Center for an application.
Call 951-659-3850
