Wilderness Permits California State Parks

You must obtain a permit before entering the Wilderness. The permits are free; they limit entry to assure solitude and to protect the wilderness area.


Why are Permits Needed?

The growing season is short in the San Jacinto high country, and plant life has little opportunity to recover heavy use during the summer months. The permit system has been established to preserve the wild beauty of the back country by keeping use within the carrying capacities of the Wilderness.


Obtaining Your Permit

The San Jacinto Wilderness is managed by two agencies: The United States Forest Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. If you are camping, you must get your permit from the agency that administers the area where you plan to spend the night. Overnight permits issued by either agency are honored for daytime travel through the other agency's lands.

Day-use permits can be obtained on the day of your trip by visiting one of the ranger stations shown on the map below. Day-use permits issued by either agency are honored by both, except during the summer when permits to enter the Wilderness via Devil's Slide Trail can be obtained only from the U.S. Forest Service.


Download Map


Camping permits can be obtained in advance by mail, in person, or by clicking on the following pdf link: dpr409.pdf. The U.S. Forest Service accepts requests up to 90 days in advance; Mount San Jacinto State Park accepts them up to 56 days in advance. You can also get them on the day of your trip, if any are available at that time. Send your application with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

United States Forest Service
San Jacinto Ranger District
P.O. Box 518
(54270 Pine Crest Avenue)
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-2117

or

Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness
P.O. Box 308
(25905 Highway 243)
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 659-2607

THINGS TO DO

Summer Activities

Winter Activities

Handicap

Handicap Accessible

The Valley Station, Mountain Station and Tram Cars are handicap accessible.

HIGH COUNTRY REGULATIONS

  • Wilderness Permit is required for any backpacking or hiking in the Wilderness. Requests for advance permit may be made in person or in writing. No phone or fax requests can be accepted.

  • Campers must have a permit from the agency in whose area they are camping; day hikers may use a State or Federal Permit.

  • Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds in the State Wilderness.

  • Cans, Bottles, Foil must be packed out. Never bury your refuse. Everything must be packed out.

  • No smoking is permitted on trails.

  • All plant and animal life are protected by State and Federal laws. Do not remove or disturb them.

  • No pets allowed in the State Park

  • Stay on trails.

  • Campers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.