Indian Mountain Trail

Total Miles
4.2

Elevation

1,756.59 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

7

Difficult

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

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Indian Mountain Trail 9

Trail Overview

Indian Mountain is a two-way trail between the Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Highway (SR 243) and the San Jacinto Ridge Trail (FS 5S09) in the San Bernardino National Forest. Comprised of mostly hard-pack dirt, the trail weaves through chaparral and pine trees to the summit of Indian Mountain at 5,790 feet. Breathtaking views of Hemet and Diamond Valley Lake are visible to the west, while Mount San Jacinto towers overhead to the east at 10,800 feet. The most significant obstacles are steep climbs and deep cross-trail rain ruts that will test the suspension capabilities of most street-legal vehicles. Sway bar disconnects along with limited-slip or locking differentials are highly recommended due to the likelihood of momentary tire lifting. The trail can be traveled in either direction, however, less capable vehicles should transit north to south due to steep off-camber climbs when traveling the opposite direction. Due to occasional snowfall, this trail is best traveled between April and November.

Photos of Indian Mountain Trail

Indian Mountain Trail
Indian Mountain Trail

Difficulty

Deep cross-trail rain ruts will test the suspension capabilities of most street legal vehicles resulting in momentary tire lifting and a high potential for roll-overs on steep, off-camber sections of the trail.

History

The Indian Mountain Trail (FS 4S21) lies along the Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Highway which is part of the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway. The highway was originally completed in 1910 and officially designated as State Route 243 in 1970.

Technical Rating

7

Status Reports

Jeremy Nolan
Sep 28, 2024
2022 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Ran this trail uphill from its intersection with San Jacinto Ridge Truck Trail. The first mile was definitely the most technical, with several steep, rocky, and deeply rutted climbs that were fun with a manual transmission. A stock Wrangler with decent off-road tires and sway bars disconnected shouldn't have an issue if you choose the right line. Limited slip or lockers aren't necessary but may help with traction if you take a harder line. Road gets pretty off-camber at points so take it slow and you'll have a blast.
Brad Roekle
Sep 14, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
I ran the trail in a Jeep Rubicon with 3.5” lift, 35” tires. I never had to use my lockers. Was some pretty tough spots but overall did amazing and was such a fun trail. I think this is harder than John Bull in Big Bear.
Albert Villagomez
Aug 24, 2024
4x4
Open
Trail is definitely a 7. Ran the trail with my 2022 Ford Bronco Wildtrak Sasquatch package with KM3’s. Definitely Need a spotter for some sketch areas and if you are in an IFS rig you most definitely with experience some wheels off the Ground. The trail is tons of fun Very doable for Novice off roaders.
Jeff Neubauer
Mar 16, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Traveled from South to North (uphill). About a mile in was really rutted out up a steep section. Another vehicle was with me was not capable of the deep holes. The lower half of this trail is significantly harder than the upper half.

Access Description

Indian Mountain Trail can be accessed from the north along State Route 243, just west of the Indian Vista Overlook near milepost 14. The overlook parking area provides a great staging location for a multi-vehicle trail ride. The trail can also be accessed from the south along the San Jacinto Ridge Trail (FS 5S09).

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