Bay Tree Spring, Idyllwild, CA

## Overview Bay Tree Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located along Highway 243 in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild, California, within Riverside County. Nestled in a forested mountain setting at an elevation of roughly 5,000 feet, the spring once provided fresh, clean water to travelers and locals passing through this scenic mountain corridor. Unfortunately, reports indicate that Bay Tree Spring is currently **closed and non-operational**. A signboard reading "Bay Tree Spring" remains at the site, but the spring infrastructure is broken and in need of repair due to a lack of maintenance. Historically, the spring was a popular stop for drinking water, and visitors who consumed the water over the years reportedly never experienced any health issues. However, given its current state of disrepair, water access may not be available. The corrected GPS coordinates for the spring are approximately **33.8208, -116.7902**, which places it along Highway 243 between Lake Fulmor and the Black Mountain Trail area — a stretch of road known for its beautiful pine forests and mountain scenery. ## Directions 1. **From the north (Banning direction):** Head south on Highway 243 into the San Jacinto Mountains. After passing the Black Mountain Trail crossing, continue driving south for a few miles. Watch for the "Bay Tree Spring" sign on the **right** side of the road. 2. **From the south (Idyllwild direction):** Head north on Highway 243. After passing the Lake Fulmor Day Use Area, continue driving north for a short distance. The spring and its signboard will appear on the **left** side of the road. The spring is directly roadside, so no hiking is required — you can pull over and access the site from the highway shoulder. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a marked spring site with a "Bay Tree Spring" signboard, though the spring itself is currently closed and the water infrastructure is broken. The surrounding area is a beautiful mountain forest along one of Southern California's most scenic drives. Tall pines and fresh mountain air make the stop worthwhile even if the spring is not flowing. The Highway 243 corridor between Banning and Idyllwild offers plenty of nearby outdoor recreation, including Lake Fulmor (a small day-use lake with fishing and picnicking), Black Mountain Trail, and the many trails and campgrounds around Idyllwild. If you're making the drive, it's worth stopping to see the spring's signboard and the surrounding forest, even in its current condition. **A few practical notes:** - The mountain road can be dark and winding at night — daytime visits are recommended. - Cell service can be spotty in this area, so download maps in advance. - The spring sits at a roadside pullover, so be mindful of traffic when stopping. - Check with the San Bernardino National Forest or local Idyllwild community boards for any updates on whether the spring has been restored.