Camping / Hiking Mt. San Jacinto

[darthfoster]

I live local (Long Beach) and was thinking of trying to get away in a couple of weeks. I'm off work mid-week and I was wondering if anyone has a recomendation as to where to camp on Mt. San Jacinto? I was thinking of taking the tram to the top, hiking in to camp for the night, then make the trek to the top of Mt. San Jacinto the next day and hike back out to the tram. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Anthony

[HikerBlatt]

Most people who do the hike you describe camp at either Round Valley or Tamarack Valley.

[phydeux]

Are you a little more adventurous than just hiking to Round Valley? Then try hiking o-v-e-r the top of San Jacinto and the short distance down the other side to Little Round Valley. Its quieter over there and it'll get you up to the top on the first day. Get up early the next morning and do the short (but steep!) hike back up to the peak before dawn to watch the great sunrise over the desert. Only limits to this option would be water availability at Little Round Valley this time of year (there's a spring there that usually flows except in the driest years), and if there will be snowfall before your trip.

[HH8]

here are the campgrounds to choose from, first come first served, but no problem autumn weekdays (double click for full size photo)



I especially like the view from Lotus, but it's a bit uphill if you're feeling the elevation the first day.

[Hikin_Jim]

here are the campgrounds to choose from, first come first served, but no problem autumn weekdays (double click for full size photo)



I especially like the view from Lotus, but it's a bit uphill if you're feeling the elevation the first day.

Nice map! Thanks for posting it.

HJ

[Andy]

I just stumbled across this map that also shows some sites at LRV and Strawberry that may also be helpful.

http://www.msjnha.org/images/campsites.jpg

Does anyone know of a similar map showing spots in the Fed Wilderness areas of San Jacinto?

[Hikin_Jim]

I just stumbled across this map that also shows some sites at LRV and Strawberry that may also be helpful.

http://www.msjnha.org/images/campsites.jpg

Does anyone know of a similar map showing spots in the Fed Wilderness areas of San Jacinto?

Nice map!

It's a little different on the Federal side. They do things by zones rather than by specific sites. You can generally camp anywhere you want with in the zone.

San Jacinto Wilderness Zones

Map of zones: http://www.fsva.org/pdf/WildernessMap_2007%20II.pdf

Chinquapin Zone
The best camping area in this zone is along Chinquapin Flats Trail — Pacific Crest Trail about a quarter mile south of Saddle Junction. There are two yellow-post sites for people with fire permits. The closest water is in Skunk Cabbage. Zone capacity is 75.

Skunk Cabbage Zone
This is the most used and, consequently, the most abused area in the wilderness. Camping is not allowed in the meadow because the ecosystem is extremely fragile. There is one yellow-post site for people with fire permits. Water is available at the north end of Skunk Cabbage Meadow and at Will Creek. Zone capacity is 75.

Tahquitz Zone
Easy access, lots of water and lush vegetation make this zone very popular. There are two yellow-post sites for people with fire permits. Water is available almost year-round in this zone. Zone capacity is 50.

North Rim Zone
Although this zone covers a large area, there are few suitable camping areas because of its steep terrain. Because of erosion problems, camping is not allowed at Willow Creek Crossing. Water is available in this zone. Zone capacity is 75.

Lower Basin Zone
A lot of beautiful camping areas are on the large plateau in this zone. There are two yellow-post sites for people with fire permits. During the summer, the water does not flow freely and, consequently, the area’s popularity drops. Zone capacity is 75.

Desert View Zone
This zone is located at the southernmost end of the wilderness. The vegetation varies from coniferous to high chaparral and scrub brush. Very little water is in this zone. There are two yellow-post sites for people with fire permits. Zone capacity is 50.

HJ

[Andy]

Thanks Jim, I wasn't sure if you were required to camp at a brown post site or if one was able to just pick any random spot off in the woods as long as it lies within the selected zone. Sounds like the later is generally the case. I've sent in my permit request, so we'll see if there's any issues.

[Hikin_Jim]

Camp as you like so long as your permit matches the zone you're in. I much prefer the USFS approach.

HJ

[Ulysses]

There are no longer any Yellow Post sites in the San Jacinto wilderness (Fed or State). Campfires are NEVER permitted.