Mount San Jacinto State Park

This park unit is fully open. State Parks will continue to use a monitor and adapt strategy to meet any new guidance it may receive from local and state public health officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly, especially for the elderly, immune-compromised and the unvaccinated.

COVID-19 Guidelines (February 16, 2022)

Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these prevention measures:

Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick
Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
Be COVID-19 Safe – State Parks continues to meet guidance from local and state public officials as COVID-19 is still present and still deadly. Effective March 1, 2022, state guidance recommends that all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, continue masking in indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers. Universal masking remains required in specified high-risk settings. Please plan ahead as local county guidelines may differ from state guidance and visitors are urged to follow county guidelines when required. Read the latest COVID-19 guidance at COVID19.ca.gov.
Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

Phone Number

(951) 659-2607

Max. Trailer Lengths

Trailer: Up to 24 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 24 Feet

Park Hours

Park Headquarters (Idyllwild)
Everyday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Long Valley Ranger Station
Thursday-Monday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs allowed only in the Idyllwild and Stone Creek Campground. Dogs not allowed in the wilderness or on the Palm Springs Tram, with exception of service animals.

Driving Directions to Mount San Jacinto SP

From Riverside, take Interstate 10 East to Hwy 243 South to the park. From San Diego, take Interstate 15 North to 215 North, exit Hwy 74 east to Hwy 243 north to the park.

View on Map

Camping and Lodging

Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

Online Reservations

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Environmental Campsites
Family Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Access

TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching

OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

Park Locations

Park Headquarters:

25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549

Long Valley Ranger Station (via Palm Springs Aerial Tramway):

1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Wilderness Permit Information

Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is located at a high altitude where the growing season is short. Plant life has little opportunity to recover from overuse from one season to the next, and unless we take the steps to protect these areas, they could be lost to us forever. To ensure the preservation of the natural environment and assure the visitor of a quality visitor experience, the Department of Parks and Recreation has instituted a Wilderness Permit System.

Everyone entering the Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness, both for the day and overnight camping, must have a permit in their possession. Groups are limited to 15 people, and juvenile groups must have at least one adult leader for each 14 juveniles. Dogs are not permitted in wilderness areas of the State Park System.

Day Use Wilderness Permits are free and available 24 hours at:

Park Headquarters in Idyllwild
Long Valley Ranger Station on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway side

Wilderness Camping Permits are $5.00 per person and are available at:

Park Headquarters in Idyllwild
Long Valley Ranger Station on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway side
Online application (must be printed and mailed): Wilderness Camping Permit

The San Bernardino National Forest has a similar permit system in effect for its federal wilderness area known as the San Jacinto Wilderness. Both the State Park and National Forest honor each other's DAY USE PERMITS; however, each agency has its own camping permit system that you must apply for separately. San Bernardino National Forest permits are issued at the San Jacinto Ranger District located at 54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild, CA 92549, (909) 382-2921.

Winter Conditions

Winters are highly variable in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Wet winters can dump several feet of snow, while dry winters may only result in a few inches here and there. Regardless, always be prepared for snowy/icy conditions. Traction devices like microspikes or crampons are highly recommended if you plan to hike into the wilderness. For up-to-date trail conditions, call the Long Valley Ranger Station at (760) 327-0222.