I made a recent ride on the Old 24 hour loop from Hurkey Creek campground. I’m sure a lot of you will remember how well maintained the trail was. It was being maintained by local riders. Rider interest seems to have dropped since the forest service closed sections of the 9+ mile loop after a fire scorched a good portion of it a few years ago.
The good news is the vegetation is growing back. The trail on the other hand is (sadly) poorly maintained. Bushes now practically cover the trail on the ride from the campground up through the meadow. I was almost knocked from by bike by low lying tree branches covering the trail. I had to focus on the trail, due to the vegetation growing almost completely over the trail on sections. The long climb from the campground is sandy and rocky.
On the other hand the forest service has gone to great lengths to keep hikers and riders on the trail by installing signs along the way warning everyone to stay on the trail. It seems they just don’t want anyone there, which seems to be a trend with the forest service in the Idyllwild area. The forest service should be maintaining trails to prevent injury. If the trails were open and maintained it would attract more participation in the area and promote the area for local businesses. So let’s hope that the forest service decides to conduct some trail maintenance or get interested parties involved to maintain the trail.
This is a truly beautiful area and should be enjoyed by all.
