Beautiful Hurkey Creek Park, located off of Hwy 74 in the San Jacinto Mountains just 4 miles southeast of Mountain Center, is the perfect locale for reconnecting with nature and our local mountain ecology. This idyllic getaway boasts a seasonal creek, majestic pine trees, awe-inspiring mountain views, and all the charms and tranquility of a classic woodland recreation area.

Hurkey Creek is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts and hosts two well-known mountain biking competitions each year. Though trails are limited within the park, Hurkey Creek Trail leads out the back of the park into USFS public land and other trails are a short ride or drive away. Many trails enter National Forest Wilderness, where a permit is required. Though horses are not allowed on the trails within Hurkey Creek, an equestrian trail that runs along the perimeter of the park connects with McCall Equestrian Campground less than 5 miles away.

The park’s rustic but well maintained campground offers 130 individual campsites for overnight or extended stays of up to 14 days, as well as large group camping areas in 5 separate loops that can accommodate 80-100 campers each. Popular activities for both campers and day-use guests include picnicking, BBQ, hiking, biking and bird-watching. The meadow offers a large area for outdoor games or group gatherings. For the younger set, there is a fun modern playground.

Hurkey Creek now accepts camping reservations year round. In summer, the park is a great place to escape the heat of the valley, but is equally enjoyable in autumn, winter, and spring for experiencing the glory of the changing mountain seasons. Both avid and casual anglers will find ample fishing opportunities at nearby Lake Hemet, approximately 1 mile away, where a small general store is also located. Access to the village of Idyllwild is an easy, scenic 7-mile drive.

Park guides and more information are available at Riverside County Park District Headquarters or at Hurkey Creek Park.

- http://www.rivcoparks.org/parks/hurkey/hurkey-creek/