A Day Trip to Idyllwild

LEMON LILY FESTIVAL in Idyllwild, CA

Last weekend we decided to take a break from the desert heat, and head up the hill to the mountain community of Idyllwild. We also wanted to stop by the Lemon Lily Festival while we were in town.

The Festival is held to promote awareness of the Lemon Lily, with the goal of educating the public about its status and restoring the plant to its former habitats.

The Lemon Lily (Lilium paryii) is a fragrant and showy wildflower that grows in moist, shady habitats such as springs, bogs and canyon bottoms. It can reach an impressive height of up to 5 feet, with multiple blooms at the end of the tall stalk.

Lemon Lily was much more widespread than it is today. One hundred years ago the Lily was already disappearing from its natural habitats due to over-collecting of the bulbs and plants. Today it is found mainly in the most remote  areas of its historic range. Although it is not endangered, it is considered a sensitive species.


The Lemon Lily Festival featured guided nature walks, a native plant sale, live music and plenty of food. Local restaurants offered specially themed items on their menus, and an art fair featured area artists selling their handcrafted items.

We took a relaxing hike on the trails around the Idyllwild Nature Center. Really refreshing to enjoy the pines and oak trees, white puffy clouds, and the cooling breezes.

After leaving the Idyllwild Nature Center, we made a stop at Lake Fulmor. - just a few miles further down the highway.

 The lake was pretty busy, with families picnicking, BBQ-ing, fishing and enjoying the beautiful day outside. The lake is stocked with bluegill, large mouth bass and rainbow trout.