Newbie Camping Question

[jasnusc]

It's a bit cumbersome, isn't it, but do it a couple of times, and you'll get the hang of it.

Where ya headed?

HJ

Ive been camping and hiking my whole life but never stayed at a back country camp you had to hike into.

For my first trip I just want to hike up Devils Slide and sleep in Tahquitz Valley.

I wanted to do it next wekeend but the form says you have to wait 14 days?

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[jasnusc]

I was just looking online and read I have to camp within 25 feet of a 4x4 brown pole/post?

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[Hikin_Jim]

For my first trip I just want to hike up Devils Slide and sleep in Tahquitz Valley.

Then you only need a permit for the Federal (US Forest Service) portion.

I wanted to do it next wekeend but the form says you have to wait 14 days?

Call the US Forest Service in Idylwild at (951) 659-2117 or (909) 382-2921. That 14 day thing is probably just to allow time for the permit to be mailed to you. You might be able to pick it up in person. Call 'em and see what they say.

I was just looking online and read I have to camp within 25 feet of a 4x4 brown pole/post?

No. Only if you use a brown post site, otherwise camp anywhere in the zone your permit is for.

HJ

[Andy]

Just my two cents...

Speaking only for the federal side of the wilderness:
Devils Slide is the only trailhead with a quota, so if you must enter there, be aware that on busy weekends/holidays you may be out of luck. Otherwise any other trail head (South Ridge, Seven Pines, Marion etc..) there is no trail quota. The same idea applies to which back country area you plan on camping in. If its a popular one, they may bump you to you second or third option. Its never happened to me, but I like to be where others aren't
As far as hiking without a permit...my understanding is that in most situations the ranger(volunteer) will read you the riot act, take down your pertinent info and send you on your way with an extra load of guilt on your back. But I doubt you'll do time or even be turned away.
Lastly, on the permit turn around...I've always faxed mine in to the San Jacinto station and usually have it back in about 3 business day.

[Ulysses]

If you are going to camp in Tahquitz Valley on the weekend in the summer it's likely you will be asked for your permit. I camped their last Saturday and had a ranger (Wilderness Patrol) wander into my camp just after 6PM.

I don't bother with permits in the State wilderness anymore unless i am planning on going to Long Valley or Round Valley.

[Florian]

It is a shame they make it so difficult to hike and camp. I like the fact that it keeps out the Riff Raff but it sure is a pain!

The Long Valley state park ranger station behind the tramway used to always have a stack of self-issue permits outside that you did yourself. Last summer, at least on weekends, they always have the station open and you have to come inside to fill out a permit and have it looked over by a ranger. At first this bothered me. It took maybe a whole extra 10 seconds and all. But now i find i like coming into the station, saying hello, having a brief chat. I figure they get to know me a bit better too since i'm up there once or twice a week. This also gives the rangers a good opportunity to suggest hikes for the inexperienced rather than have people heading up the trail with no clue.

-Florian

[Ulysses]

I wish the State would send someone up to LRV to check permits once in a while. That is such a beautiful spot, and it is getting trashed. Camp fire rings and toilet paper all around.

[Hikin_Jim]

I wish the State would send someone up to LRV to check permits once in a while. That is such a beautiful spot, and it is getting trashed. Camp fire rings and toilet paper all around.

My memory say that they used to have little station there. Budget cuts I suppose.

HJ

[recordalley]

I don't bother with permits in the State wilderness anymore unless i am planning on going to Long Valley or Round Valley

Can't remember the last time a ranger asked me for a permit in the SJSP. I think they got sick of people getting PO'd at them when they would send 'em back to the tram.

[Florian]

Two or three summers ago as i arrived at the SJ summit hut i was surprised to find a ranger checking everyone's permit. I think that was the last time i've been asked by a ranger in the state park to see my permit even tho we sometimes pass each other on the trail and just say hi. However two weeks ago in the national forest near Tahquitz Meadow a forest service ranger did ask to see my permit.

-Florian