Mount San Jacinto SP - California State Parks

Welcome to Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness

Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is a stunning 14,000-acre sanctuary of natural beauty with stunning vistas and challenging trails for hikers and climbers of all skill levels. Traverse through a network of over 50 miles of trails, ranging from leisurely strolls through pine-scented forests to strenuous ascents to panoramic viewpoints. Encounter diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems as you immerse yourself in this pristine wilderness. Whether you're camping in the high-country or venturing up the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway, there is something for everyone at Mount San Jacinto.

Basic Information

Click on the dropdown boxes to learn about the parks fees, accepted passes, park address, and operating hours.

Fees & Passes

Parking Fees

• Regular: $10.00 per vehicle*

Visitors can pay in-person at the Park Headquarters at the Idyllwild Campground (credit card and cash accepted exact change is appreciated) or with the LAZ parking app. *Day Use Parking passes are only valid at Mount San Jacinto State Park day use parking areas. **National Forest Adventure Passes not sold at Park Headquarters.

Camping Fees

Developed Campgrounds

• Tent Site: $25.00/night
• Site with Electric: $35.00/night
• Site with Full Hook-Ups: $45.00/night
• Additional Vehicle: $10.00
• *Reservable through ReserveCalifornia.com

Primitive Wilderness Campgrounds

• Camping Permit: $5.00/person
• Wilderness Camping Permit Application

Passes

The following State Park Passes are accepted at Mount San Jacinto State Park:

• California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass*
• Golden Poppy Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass*
• Golden Bear Pass**
• Limited Use Golden Bear Pass (not valid Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day)*
• Disabled Discount Pass (1/2 price day use and camping)**
• Distinguished Veteran Pass
• State Parks Library Pass (must have Library hang tag)
• State Parks Adventure Pass (printout pass to place on your dash)

* Can be purachased at the Park Headquarters

Operating Hours

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

Long Valley Ranger StationOpen every day, hours may vary

Physical Address

Park Headquarters: 25905 Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA 92549 Long Valley Ranger Station (via Palm Springs Aerial Tramway): 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Directions 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. To Long Valley, take Interstate 10 East to California State Route 111, turn right on Tramway Rd., and take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Park Rules

Permits - You must have a permit to enter the wilderness. If you are under the age of 18 you must be with a parent or guardian or have a signed consent to obtain the permit.

Drones - The use of powered unmanned aircraft, drones, or other remote controlled aerial devices is prohibited within the park's boundaries.

Campfires - Campfires and barbeques are permitted within the Idyllwild and Stonecreek Campground. Campfires are only allowed in the park's designated fire rings and are subject to sudden restrictions in the event of high wildlife condtions. In wilderness areas, campfires and barbeques are prohibited. Only portable camp stoves with an on/off switch are permitted for cooking within all designated campsites within the Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness.

Sanitation - In the state wilderness, use the pit toilets in the campgrounds. In USFS areas, bury human waste at least eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from the nearest drainage, trail, or camp.

Waste Water - Wash dishes and dispose of waste water at least 100 feet from any stream, spring, or faucet.

Trails - Please stay on trails. Help preserve plants and prevent erosion by not making or using shortcuts.

Dogs - Except for trained service animals, all dogs are prohibited in the wilderness areas.

Horses - Equestrians must pack in weed-free feed; grazing in the meadows is strictly prohibited.

Motor/Personal Vehicles & Bicycles - Motor vehicles, bicycles, strollers, coolers, and any wheeled devices, except wheelchairs or walkers, are prohibited in the uneven terrain of the state and USFS wildernesses.

Hunting- The wilderness is a state game refuge; possession of firearms, bows and arrows, slingshots, or other weapons is prohibited.

Trash - Pack it in, pack it out!

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.

San Jacinto Wilderness - National Forest Service

Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness encompasses land that is split by the San Jacinto Wilderness, operated by the National Forest Service. The boundary between these two areas is delineated by posted signage and can be viewed on the park's official map. For more information about fees, activities, and regulations with the San Jacinto Wilderness operated by the National Forest Service, please visit the National Forest website.