There was a bit of a permit fiasco at the start of the hike. We stopped at the ranger station in Idyllwild to get a permit. There was a printed sign saying “for the Devil's slide, fill a blank permit”. We did that but when we arrived at Humber Park to start our hike, a “friendly” volunteer told us that there is a mximum of 30 permits per day for that trail and we need a stamped permit. So much for a “blank permit”. I am not sure that about the rational of limiting the number of people to 30 on that trail (even Mt Whitney allows more each day) and stacking all the hikers on the other trail(s). We decided to hike the Marion Mountain trail. I hate that trail because it is very steep – especially at the start. It was otherwise eventless. A bit crowded at time (see above!).