You can print out a permit for the SJ Wilderness here:
http://www.recordalley.com/Pages/SanJacintoHikingPermit.aspx
Copies of permits were approved by Sue Neary (head ranger at Round Valley) if anyone asks or print out this letter to show the rangers.
Dear Mr. Stephens:
Thank you for your comments, I hope that the information I provide will be informative. It's been over a year since we moved the permit process to the inside of the ranger station and we did it for multiple reasons. It allows us to provide better customer service by being able to help at least six people at a time with pens and permits, but more importantly it gives us the opportunity to provide information to our visitors regarding trail and weather conditions, proper gear and daily safety information. In doing so, it has helped to reduce a significant number of rescues and life threatening medicals compared to years past.
At this time we do not have the means to issue daily permits. The only permits we issue in advance are for camping, and you can get the permit information on our State Park Website
www.parks.ca.gov.
We understand that we have all different levels of visitors experiencing the State Park wilderness. In an effort to provide better information to the majority of those visitors, we realize that more frequent hikers like yourself may become impatient with the process. As long as you provide us a copy of your permit, and you carry a copy of it with you there is no problem with you making a copy of the permit form. We do expect it to have the current days date and an accurate description of your direction of travel. Please keep in mind that all of our rescues begin with what little bit of information we get from the wilderness permit. Short changing that information only delays the ability to receive care and support when needed.
I appreciate you sharing your concerns, and hope that you continue to enjoy the park.
With Kindest Regards,
Sue Neary