Route to Southern California resort to stay shut for months

A scenic highway leading to the Southern California mountain resort of Idyllwild will remain closed for months as crews repair substantial damage caused by winter and spring storms.

The Press-Enterprise reports Caltrans says there's no projection for when an extensively damaged section of State Route 243 will reopen. Officials say it could stay closed until next year.

Perched high in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild and neighboring communities are popular retreats for visitors from Southern California's metropolitan areas.

Another way in, State Route 74, was also closed for a time after major storms in February and May. Caltrans this month started allowing mountain access on the 74 with pilot-vehicle escorts.