Permit Questions

[Patrick]

I am planning on hiking the part of the PCT that runs from the 10fwy (PCT Mile 209) through the San Jacinto area and to where it crosses Highway 74 (PCT Mile 152).

I know that I will need a permit for hiking/camping near the top areas of San Jacinto from the Forestry Service at http://fsva.org/ .

What about the area(s) from the 10fwy to the 'North Rim Zone' (Mile 209 to Mile 181) of the Forestry Service? Is a permit required for that? From whom?

What about the area(s) from Desert View Zone (Mile 177) of the Forestry Service to hwy 74 (Mile 152)? Is a permit required for that? From whom?

As you can see, the Forestry Service only covers about 4 miles in the middle of my nearly 60 mile trek.
I am certain that I will need overnight permits both before and after the Forestry Service section.
I could use some help with that... PLEASE!

(Note: PCT mileage by 'halfmile')

PS: Am planning late April or early May.

[Ulysses]

Hi Patrick. Technically you need a wilderness permit from the State to hike or camp on the section from just south of Fuller Ridge trailhead to just past Strawberry Junction (183~). You can get the permit from the State Park office in Idyllwild if you are lucky enough to catch them open. I wouldn't bother. I have hiked parts of that section almost every week for the past 5 years and have never seen a ranger or been asked for a permit. You could run into a Forest Service wilderness patrol on the weekend from the Wellman trail south to Red Tahquitz. Highly unlikey to see a ranger south of Red Tahquitz to Spitler Peak trail (great section BTW). Unlikely to be checked around Spitler Peak, but possible some weekend. I wouldn't worry about it south of Spitler Peak trail. Actually I wouldn't bother at all unless you just want the officials to know where you are? PM me with your address and I can mail you some blank permits. Keep in mind that the wilderness patrol has no authority to enforce the necessity of a permit. They are volunteers. They can huff and puff, but thats about it. Just don't give them a hard time and apologize for not knowing (or say you must have left it in your car), and they will give you a little lecture and let you be on your way.

[Patrick]

Thanks for the excellent info.
I sent my addy via PM.

I prefer having a permit at least for the forestry section, but I have been known to break rules on occassion.

If getting all of the permits turns into too big of a hassle I might consider doing without. I usually do such trips during the week... so the office can't find me.

[bluerail]

I'm right there with Ulysess.... completely. actually the run ins ive had with these guys have all been very positive in every place other than the GC.

and thats probably reasonable.

[asabat]

The state park is only mile 183 to 189, so unless you plan on camping there I'd just get a permit from the USFS. It's much easier to get and you don't have to deal with designated campsites (only Strawberry Junction camp is on route in the state park). The USFS permit still lets you hike thru the state park.

Last time I backpacked this I camped on the shoulder of Tahquitz (mile 178) the first night and Fuller Ridge Trailhead (190.5) the second. I rushed the Desert Divide to avoid going off trail for water. There's lots of see there, but in hind sight it was good I did as it snowed all the way down Fuller Ridge the next day and I just made camp at sunset.

Let me know how the water is if you can when you get back. http://pct.4jeffrey.net

[Patrick]

I most certainly will let you know how the water sources look when I return.

Thanks for the info on where you camped, I will see if those areas fit into my plan (3 nights).

[asabat]

Well the camping on the shoulder of Tahquitz (just before the PCT turns right and the trail to the peak goes left) wasn't good, but it was already dark. I just through down my bag between some fallen logs just off the trail, not real level but I was done after 26 miles from 74. I should have camped in Tahquitz Valley at twilight but I just kept walking.