Walk-Up7/10
San Jacinto Palm Springs Tramway / Long Valley permit
Most popular access via the aerial tramway....
Walk-UpOvernightModerate Demand
Deer Springs Trailhead Permit
Idyllwild approach to San Jacinto.
How to get Deer Springs
San Bernardino National Forest issues this one on paper. "A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area." For an overnight you fill in the forest's Wilderness Visitor Permit Application and mail or email it to the San Jacinto Ranger District — "Allow 10 days for your permit to be mailed back to you. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope." Or ring them: "Free permits are available for camping within the federal wilderness area. Please 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. Nothing is sold online, so there is no calendar to watch. Read live 2026-09-08.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Deer Springs
San Bernardino National Forest issues this one on paper. "A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area." For an overnight you fill in the forest's Wilderness Visitor Permit Application and mail or email it to the San Jacinto Ranger District — "Allow 10 days for your permit to be mailed back to you. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope." Or ring them: "Free permits are available for camping within the federal wilderness area. Please 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. Nothing is sold online, so there is no calendar to watch. Read live 2026-09-08.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
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Deer Springs Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelModerate6/10
CostFree
Max Group Size12 people
This permit is not bookable online
San Bernardino National Forest issues this one on paper. "A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area." For an overnight you fill in the forest's Wilderness Visitor Permit Application and mail or email it to the San Jacinto Ranger District — "Allow 10 days for your permit to be mailed back to you. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope." Or ring them: "Free permits are available for camping within the federal wilderness area. Please 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. Nothing is sold online, so there is no calendar to watch. Read live 2026-09-08.
Official permit page →Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level6/10
LocationCA
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- UV index 8. High altitude sun is intense—sunscreen and hat essential.
Today
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91°
64°
Mon
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90°
61°
Tue
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90°
61°
Wed
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89°
60°
Thu
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89°
62°
Fri
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92°
64°
Sat
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94°
66°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
How this permit is issued
San Bernardino National Forest issues this one on paper. "A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area." For an overnight you fill in the forest's Wilderness Visitor Permit Application and mail or email it to the San Jacinto Ranger District — "Allow 10 days for your permit to be mailed back to you. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope." Or ring them: "Free permits are available for camping within the federal wilderness area. Please 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. Nothing is sold online, so there is no calendar to watch. Read live 2026-09-08.
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.
3
Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
Learn More
Rules & Regulations
- •A free permit is required for day hiking and overnight trips within the federal wilderness area.
- •Group size limited to 12 people maximum.
- •No campfires allowed at any time.
- •Camping permits cover five zones: Chinquapin, Skunk Cabbage, Tahquitz, North Rim and Desert View. Permits are available up to 90 days in advance.
- •A separate permit is needed for each trip.
- •Camping 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.
- •Walking 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."
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Deer Springs
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Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Safety & Planning
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Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Deer Springs.
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Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
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.
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Trail Conditions
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Deer Springs trip
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