Highway 74 is closed from Hemet to Mountain Center as a staging area for those fighting the Cottonwood Fire that is east of Hemet in the foothills. The fire is heading north and currently the western flank is of more concern than the eastern flank according to the public information officer at the Cranston Ranger Station.

Visitors to Idyllwild this weekend should plan on taking the northern and southern routes to Idyllwild. Those from San Diego County and Temecula area should follow the directions on our web site: “From San Diego” (there’s a link in the main nav bar called “Directions”). Those coming from the desert communities and points east should follow the recommended route on the “Directions” page. Those coming from Orange County County and other points west and north should take I-10 to Highway 243 and ignore the “for the gentlest drive” directions via Hwy 74 off of the Ramona Expressway.