5S06 - Old Control Road

4.1/5 (13 reviews)
The "Old Control Road" is the highlight of this San Bernardino National Forest trail just west of Idyllwild, California. This road was the only route to Idyllwild from the west and it was completed in 1909. This photo is from waypoint 8 "Half-Way Springs", where the tourists from Hemet on their way ... Read More
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Highlights of 5S06 - Old Control Road

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Camping Category Icon Camping
Forest Category Icon Forest
Mud Category Icon Mud
Rock Category Icon Rock
Sand Category Icon Sand
Scenic Category Icon Scenic
Water Category Icon Water
Highest Elevation
5088 ft
Shape of Trail
Connector
Typically Open
Year Round
Best Direction
North
Official Trail Name
5S06 Old Control Road
Nearest Town
Idyllwild
Nearest Services
Idyllwild
Management Agency
San Bernardino National Forest
District
San Jacinto Ranger District

Overview

The "Old Control Road" is the highlight of this San Bernardino National Forest trail just west of Idyllwild, California. This road was the only route to Idyllwild from the west and it was completed in 1909. This photo is from waypoint 8 "Half-Way Springs", where the tourists from Hemet on their way to Idyllwild would re-fill the radiators on their Model T Fords. The Spring would pool behind that concrete footing, now covered with leaves. It became so busy in the early 1920's that in the months of July, August and September, traffic had to be controlled with one-way travel times. You had 1 1/2 hours to complete the 6 mile trip. If unable to do so you were required to pull over and wait for the next available time slot or risk a fine or arrest. You might enjoy the 5 page history of Idyllwild here.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
9 Waypoints
29 Trail Photos
1 Trail Concerns
13 Community Reviews
1 Video
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