Most popular access via the aerial tramway.
Plan your San Jacinto Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Tramway Access
Long Valley sits inside Mount San Jacinto State Park, and California State Parks issues the permit itself. "Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness." Camping permits are $5.00 per person. Get one by post (a completed application, a cheque and a stamped self-addressed envelope to the park in Idyllwild) or over the counter at Park Headquarters, up to eight weeks ahead. The Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the tramway sells same-day permits, cash or check only.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
When it opens
- 8 weeks
- First come, first served from eight weeks before your entry dateYou book on the agency's site.
Source: parks.ca.gov
Tramway Access permit season
- max group size
- 15people
How to get a Tramway Access permit
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
Long Valley sits inside Mount San Jacinto State Park, and California State Parks issues the permit itself. "Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness." Camping permits are $5.00 per person. Get one by post (a completed application, a cheque and a stamped self-addressed envelope to the park in Idyllwild) or over the counter at Park Headquarters, up to eight weeks ahead. The Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the tramway sells same-day permits, cash or check only.
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at California State Parks 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 Tramway Access: Live availability activityDo I need a Palm Springs Tramway / Long Valley permit?
How much a Tramway Access permit costs
Tramway Access permit fee: $5.00 per person (state wilderness camping); day-use permits are free.
When to hike Tramway Access
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
54°
37°
Wed
62°
44°
Thu
67°
53°
Fri
70°
52°
Sat
71°
52°
Sun
68°
53°
Mon
68°
52°
Tramway Access rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness.
- 02Day-use wilderness permits are free and available 24 hours, self-issued at Park Headquarters, Stone Creek Campground or the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the tramway.
- 03Wilderness camping permits are $5.00 per person and may be acquired up to 8 weeks before your camping date.
- 04One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is hiking together at all times.
- 05Dogs and campfires are not allowed in the state wilderness.
- 06Mailing an application? Send the form, a cheque or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope: "we do not process permit applications without a SASE".
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Tramway Access.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Tramway Access · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Tramway Access FAQ
Do I book a Long Valley wilderness permit online?
No. There is nothing to book. California State Parks issues Mount San Jacinto wilderness permits on paper: "Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness", and you get one at Park Headquarters in Idyllwild, at the Long Valley Ranger Station at the top of the tramway, or by post.
What does a Long Valley wilderness camping permit cost?
The park publishes one figure: "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." Day-use wilderness permits are free. The tramway ticket is separate and is not a permit.
How far ahead can I get a Long Valley camping permit?
Eight weeks. "Wilderness camping permits may be acquired up to 8 weeks before your desired camping date." Post the application, a cheque and a stamped self-addressed envelope. The park says outright that "we do not process permit applications without a SASE". At the Long Valley Ranger Station it is cash or cheque, same day only.
Tramway Access trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Tramway Access permit
Where to stay near Tramway Access
- Dark Canyon CampgroundSan Bernardino National Forest
- Marion Mountain campgroundSan Bernardino National Forest
- Fern Basin campgroundSan Bernardino National Forest
- All California campgrounds
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