Idyllwild approach to San Jacinto.
Plan your San Jacinto Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Deer Springs
San Bernardino National Forest issues this free permit on paper. For an overnight, fill in the forest's Wilderness Visitor Permit Application and mail or email it to the San Jacinto Ranger District with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and allow 10 days for it to come back. Or call (909) 382-2921 for locations, availability and reservations. Camping permits cover five zones (Chinquapin, Skunk Cabbage, Tahquitz, North Rim and Desert View) and go out up to 90 days ahead.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Deer Springs permit season
- max group size
- 12people
How to get a Deer Springs permit
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
San Bernardino National Forest issues this free permit on paper. For an overnight, fill in the forest's Wilderness Visitor Permit Application and mail or email it to the San Jacinto Ranger District with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and allow 10 days for it to come back. Or call (909) 382-2921 for locations, availability and reservations. Camping permits cover five zones (Chinquapin, Skunk Cabbage, Tahquitz, North Rim and Desert View) and go out up to 90 days ahead.
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on Deer Springs: Live availability activity
How much a Deer Springs permit costs
Deer Springs permit fee: Free.
When to hike Deer Springs
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Day 4: Extreme heat (100°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
- Day 5: Extreme heat (101°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
- Day 6: Extreme heat (99°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Today
88°
57°
Wed
88°
59°
Thu
94°
60°
Fri
100°
67°
Sat
101°
72°
Sun
99°
73°
Mon
97°
73°
Deer Springs rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area.
- 02Group size limited to 12 people maximum.
- 03No campfires allowed at any time.
- 04Camping permits cover five zones: Chinquapin, Skunk Cabbage, Tahquitz, North Rim and Desert View. Permits are available up to 90 days in advance.
- 05A separate permit is needed for each trip.
- 06Camping on Forest Service ground needs a Forest Service permit; camping in the state wilderness needs a state permit. The two agencies honour each other's day-use permits but not overnight ones.
- 07Walking the whole PCT? "Visitors with a valid PCT Long-Distance Permit do not need to obtain an additional permit from the San Bernardino National Forest for hiking and camping in the federal San Jacinto Wilderness."
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Deer Springs.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Deer Springs · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Deer Springs FAQ
Do I book a Deer Springs wilderness permit online?
No. Recreation.gov sells no San Jacinto permit of any kind. San Bernardino National Forest issues this one itself: a free day-hike form for day use, and for an overnight the Wilderness Visitor Permit Application, mailed or emailed to the San Jacinto Ranger District and posted back to you.
How long does a Deer Springs overnight permit take to arrive?
About a fortnight, so plan ahead. The application says "Allow 10 days for your permit to be mailed back to you. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope." Camping permits go out up to 90 days in advance. If you are short of time, the district office takes it over the phone on (909) 382-2921.
What does a Deer Springs wilderness permit cost?
Nothing. "A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area." Parking is the only cost, and only at some trailheads. The forest asks for an Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass where it applies.
Deer Springs trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Deer Springs permit
Where to stay near Deer Springs
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