Valley heat sends visitors to Idyllwild

IDYLLWILD, CALIF. (KESQ)- As hot and humid conditions continue across the Coachella Valley, some residents and visitors are heading to higher elevations for a break from the desert heat.

Idyllwild, located in the San Jacinto Mountains, offers cooler temperatures just a short drive from the valley. For local businesses, the change in weather can also mean a boost in customers.

Shops and restaurants in the mountain community say summer visitors often come from the desert looking to spend the day in cooler weather, walk around town, shop and grab something to eat. For local gift shops, those extra visitors can make a difference, especially when uncomfortable conditions in the valley encourage people to make the trip up the mountain.

Visitors say the cooler temperatures and mountain atmosphere give them an easy way to escape the heat without traveling far from home.

The drive also comes with a significant change in elevation, taking visitors from the desert floor to Idyllwild at more than 5,000 feet above sea level.

With more hot weather still ahead in the Coachella Valley, businesses in Idyllwild could continue seeing visitors looking for a nearby escape from the summer heat.

See my full story tonight at 5 on News Channel 3.