A fantastic “desert like” spirited twisty ride (barring traffic), CA Rt 243 starts in Banning (2,400′) and rises to 6,165′ with panoramic vistas over Banning and on top of the mountain to the South toward Hemet with 50+ mi views. This 30 mi ride from the desert to the tall pines in Idyllwild, passes on the rim of the San Jacinto Mountains with tallest peak at 10,833′. Idyllwild’s famous mountain vistas / photos typically feature Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks …. a favorite among mountain climbers with multi-pitch crags….and sadly …. many fatalities!
