Idyllwild Ranger station - permits

[GoPlayer]

I'm thinking of some hiking up towards San Jacinto from Idyllwild this Saturday. Unfortunately the ranger stations opens late (8am), so I was wondering if they have any self-issue permits outside? If so for which trails?
I'm interested in Devil's Slide, Marion or Deer Springs. Haven't decided yet.

Thanks.

P.S. They don't seem to pick up their phone. Not sure how good they are in returning calls...

[hikerval]

Yes, you can pick up a self-issue permit at the Idyllwild Ranger Station. I am usually on the trail by 7 a.m., having picked up the permit on my way to the trailhead. The only drag is not being able to get any last minute trail condition report from a desk ranger. And no, they don't answer the phone very often, do they?

[GoPlayer]

Yes, you can pick up a self-issue permit at the Idyllwild Ranger Station. ....

Thanks. I'll head over there tomorrow morning and see what I find.

[Lermo]

Hello GoPlayer

Hikerval's spot about permits at the Ranger Station. Be aware that they have seperate permits for:

A. Devil's Slide.
B. All other trails.

I was up Devil's slide twice in the past two weeks. All the snow was melted below Saddle Junction by last Saturday. I saw a couple hiking down with Snowboards strapped to their packs. They said there was plenty of snow on San J. peak. However, with all the heat & sun over the last week this may not still be the case.

Have fun!

[GoPlayer]

Thanks Lermo for the additional info.

Some friends from AZ will come out in a couple of weeks for another C2C attempt. So tomorrow's hike is a training opportunity and a chance to check out the snow situation.

[pieceofschmidt]

Quick question for Hikerval/Lermo

Am I correct in assuming that you can also fill out your parking permits at the trailhead as well? Or do you have to go to the actual ranger station? Already got the hiking permits coming in the mail and wanted to make sure that I won't have to wait around for them to open before I can hike. I am going to be leaving on the devil's slide trail.

[Lermo]

Hey Schmidt,

If by parking permits you're referring to the Adventure Pass that you hang in your car, you can buy them at the Ranger station, and Chevron station in Idyllwild. Also any Big 5 Sporting Good store sells them. A one day pass is $5.00, and a yearly pass is only $30.00. I get the yearly pass so I don't have to hassle with it every time.

If you're hike is more than a week off you can purchase them online.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/vendors.php

Hope this helps

Larry

[pieceofschmidt]

Exactly what I wanted to know

thanks

[LarryK]

F.Y.I. - If you decide to purchase the Adventure pass, you can get an additional vehical pass for a total of $35. So that's 1 for $25 or 2 for $35. I get mine at Sports Chalet.