Walk-Up6/10
San Jacinto Deer Springs Trailhead permit
Idyllwild approach to San Jacinto....
Walk-UpOvernightHigh Demand
Palm Springs Tramway / Long Valley Permit
Most popular access via the aerial tramway.
How to get Tramway Access
Long Valley sits inside Mount San Jacinto State Park, and California State Parks issues its wilderness permits off any booking system. "Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness." Camping ones are "$5.00 per person and subject to availability, as each backcountry campground has a limited number of designated campsites", and you 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 them too, but "Cash or check only. Same-day permits only." 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 Tramway Access
Long Valley sits inside Mount San Jacinto State Park, and California State Parks issues its wilderness permits off any booking system. "Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness." Camping ones are "$5.00 per person and subject to availability, as each backcountry campground has a limited number of designated campsites", and you 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 them too, but "Cash or check only. Same-day permits only." 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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Tramway Access Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Cost$5.00 per person (state wilderness camping); day-use permits are free
Max Group Size15 people
This permit is not bookable online
Long Valley sits inside Mount San Jacinto State Park, and California State Parks issues its wilderness permits off any booking system. "Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness." Camping ones are "$5.00 per person and subject to availability, as each backcountry campground has a limited number of designated campsites", and you 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 them too, but "Cash or check only. Same-day permits only." 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 Level7/10
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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67°
57°
Sun
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69°
58°
Mon
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69°
48°
Tue
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69°
44°
Wed
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69°
46°
Thu
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72°
50°
Fri
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75°
52°
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
Long Valley sits inside Mount San Jacinto State Park, and California State Parks issues its wilderness permits off any booking system. "Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness." Camping ones are "$5.00 per person and subject to availability, as each backcountry campground has a limited number of designated campsites", and you 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 them too, but "Cash or check only. Same-day permits only." 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 California State Parks 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
- •Permits are required for hiking and backcountry camping at Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness.
- •Day-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.
- •Wilderness camping permits are $5.00 per person and may be acquired up to 8 weeks before your camping date.
- •One person may fill out the permit for the hiking group (up to 15 people), provided everyone is hiking together at all times.
- •Dogs and campfires are not allowed in the state wilderness.
- •Mailing 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".
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Tramway Access
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Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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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.
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.
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Tramway Access trip
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