How to Get a La Jolla Valley Permit
Three tent spaces in a native grassland valley above the Pacific, with no water, no fires and no reservation system.
Check La Jolla Valley permit availability1-2 nights
Duration
moderate
Difficulty
About La Jolla Valley
La Jolla Valley Hike-In is three tent spaces half a mile off the Backbone Trail in Point Mugu State Park. There is no water and there are no fires. It is $10 per night and you auto-pay at the La Jolla/Ray Miller parking area — there is no reservation system, which is both the appeal and the risk. The approach climbs from the Ray Miller Trailhead at 25 feet, the lowest point on the entire 67-mile Backbone Trail. From the camp it is 3.7 miles on to Danielson Ranch, and the full Ray Miller to Danielson Ranch segment is 8.1 miles. Water is the constraint. The NPS advice for this whole range is blunt: there is water available in certain spots, but it is best to assume there is no potable water; purifying is always recommended, but stream water should be avoided if at all possible. Carry everything. The park currently carries a standing mountain lion advisory. Mountain lions have been spotted in the Point Mugu State Park area, and the park asks visitors to avoid hiking alone especially between dusk and dawn, make noise while hiking, and keep children in sight and within arm's reach.
Three spaces makes this the smallest camp on the Backbone Trail. You auto-pay at the parking area and walk in — there is no booking, which means no lottery and no lockout, but also no guarantee.
The Experience
You climb from sea level at the Ray Miller Trailhead into a high valley that feels nothing like the coast below it. Grass, oaks, and a long way from any road.
La Jolla Valley Hike-In is half a mile off the Backbone Trail, in Point Mugu State Park. There are only 3 tent spaces, no water, and no fires. It is $10 per night and you auto-pay at the La Jolla/Ray Miller parking area.
The Ray Miller Trailhead sits at 25 feet — the lowest point on the whole 67-mile Backbone Trail. The Backbone segment from Ray Miller Trail to Danielson Ranch runs 8.1 miles, and from the La Jolla hike-in camp to Danielson Ranch is 3.7 miles.
The park is large: five miles of ocean shoreline, more than 70 miles of hiking trails, and the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area. Bicycles and dogs are not allowed within that wilderness.
What to Expect
Only three tent spaces, and no way to reserve one
No water and no fires at the camp
$10 per night, auto-paid at the Ray Miller parking area
A climb from sea level to reach it
A standing mountain lion advisory for the park
Dogs not allowed on backcountry trails or dirt roads
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Permit Requirements
Three tent spaces, no water, no fires.
$10 per night, auto-pay at the La Jolla/Ray Miller parking area.
Dogs are not allowed on the backcountry trails or dirt roads. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park's day use areas, campgrounds and beaches.
Bicycles and dogs are not allowed within the Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area.
Camping on the Backbone Trail is only allowed at designated campgrounds.
Groups of 50 or more require a permit to hike the Backbone Trail.
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Every litre of water for the whole stay — there is none at the camp
- •Camp stove; no fires are permitted
- •Sun protection for an exposed climb from sea level
- •Headlamp
- •Cash or card for the auto-pay station
Recommended Gear
- •A backup camp in mind, since three spaces cannot be reserved
- •Long sleeves and long pants against ticks and poison oak
- •Extra water for hot months
- •Trekking poles for the climb with a full pack
- •A tide-independent route plan; the beach is not the way in
Hazards & Safety
Mountain lions have been spotted in the Point Mugu State Park area; avoid hiking alone between dusk and dawn, make noise, and keep children within arm's reach.
No water at the camp, and stream water should be avoided if at all possible.
Rattlesnakes, ticks and poison oak throughout the Santa Monica Mountains.
Summer heat on an unshaded climb.
Fires are prohibited at the camp entirely.
Best Time to Visit
Late winter to early spring, when temperatures are cooler, days are longer and the grassland is green. Summer means an exposed climb carrying all your water.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a La Jolla Valley permit?
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La Jolla Valley permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit La Jolla Valley?
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Late winter to early spring, when temperatures are cooler, days are longer and the grassland is green. Summer means an exposed climb carrying all your water.
How difficult is La Jolla Valley?
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Backbone Trail section hikers and anyone who wants a genuinely remote Los Angeles-area night with no booking system standing in the way.
What gear do I need for La Jolla Valley?
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Essential gear includes: Every litre of water for the whole stay — there is none at the camp, Camp stove; no fires are permitted, Sun protection for an exposed climb from sea level, Headlamp, Cash or card for the auto-pay station.
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