Explore the Suicide Rock Trail in Idyllwild, a challenging but rewarding hiking adventure
Hiking the Suicide Rock Trail delivers a big mountain vibe without the actual mountain climbing. Your journey commences by trekking uphill on the Deer Springs Trail, meandering through oak forests that give way to pine groves as you ascend. And voila! You reach a colossal granite slab offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains, seemingly reminiscent of Yosemite.
Permits for Suicide Rock Trail
Snag a free permit to hike Suicide Rock at the San Jacinto Ranger Station. Here's the exact location: San Jacinto Ranger Station, 54270 Pine Crest Ave, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
Where's Suicide Rock Trail?
With your permit in hand, head 0.8 miles to the Deer Springs Trailhead here: Deer Spring Trail, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549
What Gear to Bring?
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
This hike caters to all seasons, but summer can be roasting hot, while winter might bring snow and ice. Check the San Jacinto Trail Report website for weather updates if you plan to hike during snowy conditions. Inexperienced hikers should hold off if the trail is snowy or icy.
You'll want at least 1L of water, trekking poles for those steep slopes, and insect repellent to fend off bugs during summer.
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
Check out my favorite gear on my Top Gear Picks page for details why. (Last updated June 2025)
Suicide Rock Trail Maps
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Save time with maps and essential updates. View Hike on CalTopo | Download the GPX File
Elevation Profile
AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
3D Map
What's with the Name?
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
The backstory behind the name "Suicide Rock" is shrouded in mystery. Local oral history suggests that the name might have been a tourist trap inspired by a fictional Native American tale of tragic love, with no connection to the popular novel Ramona. Nevertheless, the name, first documented on the 1957 USGS quad map of Palm Springs, has stuck over the years.
Hike Directions
The Suicide Rock trail was the testing ground for the Yosemite Decimal System, the rock climbing difficulty rating system, developed by climbers at nearby Lily Rock during the 1950s.
If you're up for the challenge, summit Suicide Rock by hiking through the trees on the trail's right side. No summit marker; just a pile of rocks camouflaged amidst the foliage. It's usually a pass for me.
- Obtain a free permit for hiking Suicide Rock at the San Jacinto Ranger Station, located at 54270 Pine Crest Ave, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549.
- Head towards the Deer Spring Trailhead, which is 0.8 miles from the ranger station. The location is Deer Spring Trail, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549.
- Invest in essential gear such as the Osprey Hikelite 26 for carrying your items, trekking poles, at least 1L of water, insect repellent, and suitable hiking footwear like the Norda 001.
- Check the San Jacinto Trail Report website for weather updates before embarking on the hike, especially during winter when snow and ice might be present.
- Use a device like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for reliable SOS coverage, and tools like AllTrails Plus for up-to-date maps, offline maps, and off-trail alerts.
- The Suicide Rock trail was used for testing the Yosemite Decimal System, a rock climbing difficulty rating system developed in the 1950s by climbers at nearby Lily Rock. If you are an experienced hiker, you can attempt to summit Suicide Rock by hiking through the trees on the trail's right side. The summit is not marked; it's a pile of rocks camouflaged amidst the foliage. It's usually a pass for me.
