Written Directions
Start Hemet CA
Directions to Idyllwild, CA
Starting from W Florida Ave
1. Head east on CA-74 E/W Florida Ave toward S State St
2. Slight left onto CA-243 N
3. Slight right onto S Circle Dr
Arriving at S Circle Dr
Total: 22.4 mi - about 30 mins
Directions to Banning, CA
Starting from S Circle Dr
1. Head northeast on S Circle Dr toward Strawberry Valley Dr
2. Turn left onto Village Center Dr
3. Turn left onto N Circle Dr
4. Turn right onto CA-243 N
5. Continue onto S San Gorgonio Ave
6. Turn right onto E Ramsey St
Arriving at E Ramsey St
Total: 25.5 mi - about 43 mins
Directions to Beaumont, CA
Starting from E Ramsey St
1. Head east on E Ramsey St toward S Murray St
2. Turn right onto N Hargrave St
3. Turn right to merge onto I-10 W toward Los Angeles
4. Take exit 94 for CA-79/Beaumont Ave
5. Turn right onto Beaumont Ave
6. Take the 2nd left onto E 6th St
Arriving at E 6th St
Total: 6.9 mi - about 9 mins
Directions to Hemet, CA
Starting from E 6th St
1. Head east on E 6th St toward Beaumont Ave
2. Take the 1st right onto Beaumont Ave
3. Continue onto CA-79 S/N Sanderson Ave
Continue to follow N Sanderson Ave
4. Turn left onto California 79/Idyllwild Dr/Ramona Expy
Continue to follow California 79/Ramona Expy
5. Turn right onto N State St
6. Turn right onto W Florida Ave
Arriving at W Florida Ave
Total: 14.3 mi - about 26 mins
Google Map Link
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=212482633594025801612.0004a990f63049cb8d0dd
Scenery
Although I tried looking at the scenery the curves in the road made it difficult to enjoy it. There are points to pull over and look out over the mountains but it you are going to fast you will pass them up. The draw for this ride is that it is a fun curvy ride. It starts in Hemet, then up to Mt. San Jacinto (Elv. 6000ft) then back down for the return to Hemet.
Drive Enjoyment
The road is very well kept. I did notice pine cones which can be scary if you hit one in a curve. There are also "Icy Roads" signs so I don't recommend this road in the winter. The last thing I noticed is when you got to the northern side on the decent there is a lot of sparkly glass on the road evidence of crashes. (Drive Safe). Traffic was limited to two lanes with no passing at all in my experience most motorist are kind enough to pull over and let you pass.
Tourism Opportunities
You are going to the mountains. Idyllwild is a little tourist town so you can find some restaurants there and gas. Expect to pay more if you need gas you are out in nowhere.
