Mount San Jacinto State Park

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
Open every day, hours may vary

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.

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.

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


Permits 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.

Day-Use Wilderness Permits
These permits are FREE and available 24 hours. Please confirm whether you are starting your hike in Idyllwild or via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as it is a substantial distance from one corner of the Park to the other. One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is always together. When you fill out your permit, take the carbon copy with you on your hike and place the original copy in the box labeled "Permits”. You may acquire one by:

  • Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground. Permits are available on the porch.
  • Visiting Stone Creek Campground in Pine Cove (open May 1 - October 31). Permits are available on the display board near day-use parking.
  • Visiting the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Permits are available on the porch.


Wilderness Camping Permits
These permits are $5.00 per person and subject to availability, as each backcountry campground has a limited number of designated campsites to preserve the wilderness. It is recommended you call first to confirm your itinerary and availability. Wilderness camping permits may be acquired up to 8 weeks before your desired camping date. One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is always hiking together. You may acquire one by:

  • Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours.
  • Visiting the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway during business hours. Cash-only.
  • Filling out our online application, printing it, and mailing it with a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope to PO Box 308, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Incomplete applications will be rejected. All applications are subject to review and must be postmarked 10 days in advance. 


Special Event-Use Permits
These permits are required for organizations, institutions or non-profits interested in leading group hikes, trainings, or anything outside of the normal scope of Park visitation. There is a $25.00 Filing Fee as well as additional fees depending on the type of event. You may acquire one by:

  • Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours.
  • Completing the application packet (Mt. San Jacinto Special Event-Use Application Packet.pdf) and either emailing it to Donnell Norwood, Operational Liaison-Park Manager: donnell.norwood@parks.ca.gov OR printing and mailing it to PO Box 308, Idyllwild, CA 92549.
  • All applications are subject to review and must be received at least 14-30 days in advance.


Film Permits
These permits are at the discretion of State Parks and may accumulate Review and Monitor Fees. You may acquire one by:

  • Visiting Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground during business hours.
  • Completing the fillable DPR245A.pdf form and emailing it to Donnell Norwood, Operational Liaison-Park Manager: donnell.norwood@parks.ca.gov.
  • You must also submit an online application with the California Film Commission at film.ca.gov. The California Film Commission charges no fees to process the permit.
  • All applications are subject to review and must be received at least 14-30 days in advance.


The San Bernardino National Forest has a similar day use 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.

Winter Day in Long Valley