Bird's eye view of the campground

Idyllwild Campground

Stone Creek Campground

Bird's eye view of the park

Mt. San Jacinto SP

This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San
Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert. The route passes
through a series of areas preserved for animal habitat, ranging from desert
oasis to snow-capped mountains, and parts of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto
Mountains National Monument and San Bernardino National Forest. Drivers can
pull off the winding and often steep road at a number of pulloffs or lookout
points, each with habitat ranging from forested mountainsides with pine, oak
and fir, to a reservoir, to arid brush- and cactus-covered stretches -- not to
mention sweeping views of mountains and valleys.

This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert. The route passes through a series of areas preserved for animal habitat, ranging from desert oasis to snow-capped mountains, and parts of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and San Bernardino National Forest.  
Drivers can pull off the winding and often steep road at a number of pulloffs or lookout points, each with habitat ranging from forested mountainsides with pine, oak and fir, to a reservoir, to arid brush- and cactus-covered stretches -- not to mention sweeping views of mountains and valleys.

Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains provide a world-renowned scenic
backdrop to the desert communities of the Coachella Valley. The National
Monument serves as a model for community based support and creation. This
monument reflects the vision of the local jurisdictions that assisted in the
designation.

## Safety

Many areas of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument are
remote and challenging. You cannot always depend on a signpost or a ranger to
get you out of a fix. Bring appropriate equipment so you can be prepared for
weather changes and can take care of yourself, if necessary, overnight.

  * **Do not recreate alone**. Or leave an activity plan with friends, family, or a ranger that detail where you will be and when you expect to return.
  * **Have a communication plan**. Cellphones do not get signal in all parts on the National Monument; a radio, personal locator beacon, satellite phone, or signaling mirror can be crucial in a time of need.
  * **Carry and drink as much water as you can**. At least one gallon per person per day is recommended. When half of your water is gone, turn around and head back.
  * **Protect yourself from the sun**. Dress in layers, Wear a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing, and sturdy footwear. Use sunscreen. Bring warm layers and a waterproof shell on longer hikes – the weather can change quickly.
  * **Know your trail**. Carry a map and pay attention to the terrain so you can find your way back.
  * **Beware of dangerous flora and fauna**. Watch where you put your hands and feet. Cacti, ocotillo, rattlesnakes, and bees (to name a few) may pose danger to visitors.
  * **Keep children near you and stay on the trail**.

## Recreation

To help you decide which of the many trails to take – especially if you’re a
newcomer – we have divided the National Monument into three areas: the San
Jacinto Mountains west of Palm Canyon divide, the Northern Santa Rosa
Mountains between the Palm Canyon divide and Highway 74, and the Southern
Santa Rosa Mountains from Highway 74 to the Monument’s border with Anza
Borrego Desert State Park. Each area has its own personality. Along with the
trail areas listed above, these are some of the more popular trails in the
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Trails are rated as easy, moderate, or strenuous in accordance with the
following criteria*:

  * **Easy** – Generally a leisurely walk, but don’t expect the trail to be flat.
  * **Moderate** – A serious hike, but not difficult for those in reasonably good condition.
  * **Strenuous** – Some trail segments require being in very good condition and/or the trail is long and requires stamina.

*Difficulty ratings are based on one-way trips. When assessing how difficult a trail may be for you, consider whether you plan to return on the same trail, thereby doubling your distance, or by using another trail which also adds mileage and difficulty. Be aware that using two moderate trails to complete a loop may result in a strenuous hike.

The best time of year for enjoying lower elevation trails is November through
April; for higher elevation trails, the best time is May through October.

Many trails are open to all forms of non-motorized travel – hiking, horseback
riding, and mountain biking – but not all trails are open to everyone.
Mountain bikers are prohibited in designated wilderness areas, in the Indian
Canyons, on certain trails near Murray Hill, or on any part of the Pacific
Crest Trail. Check with the appropriate agency if you don’t know the rules.

_**Be safe and enjoy!**_

## Dogs at the Monument

Dogs are not allowed on most trails in the National Monument. At lower
elevations, this prohibition is enforced for the protection of endangered
Peninsular bighorn sheep, which react to dogs as they would to coyotes, a
natural predator. In the San Jacinto Mountains, which are usually accessed via
the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or from the alpine community of Idyllwild,
dogs are prohibited in Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Dogs are
also prohibited in the Indian Canyons.

**Dog Friendly Areas:**

One of the limited opportunities for taking your dog on mountain trails in the
Monument is available on the loop connecting Homme Adams and Cahuilla Hills
Parks in the City of Palm Desert. From Homme Adams Park, follow the Homestead
Trail to the Hopalong Cassidy Trail, then south on the “Hoppy” to the cross or
north to the Gabby Hayes which will take you down to Cahuilla Hills Park, or
viceversa. Be aware, however, that dogs are prohibited on segments of the
Hopalong Cassidy Trail that extend south of the cross and north of the Gabby
Hayes Trail. At higher elevations, dogs are allowed on Forest Service trails,
though be sure not to continue with your dog into Mount San Jacinto State Park
and Wilderness or the Indian Canyons.

  
For details about where dogs are allowed and where they are prohibited, please
contact the National Monument Visitor Center at **(760) 862-9984**.

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains provide a world-renowned scenic backdrop to the desert communities of the Coachella Valley. The National Monument serves as a model for community based support and creation. This monument reflects the vision of the local jurisdictions that assisted in the designation.

<img alt="A view of San Jacinto Peak from the Indio Hills. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and surrounding hills are steep and inhospitable. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM." height="266" src="/sites/blm.gov/files/programs-nlcs-ca-santarosaandsanjacintomountainsnm-terrain-safety.jpg" width="400"/>

 

<h2>Safety</h2>

Many areas of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument are remote and challenging. You cannot always depend on a signpost or a ranger to get you out of a fix. Bring appropriate equipment so you can be prepared for weather changes and can take care of yourself, if necessary, overnight.

<ul>
	<li>Do not recreate alone. Or leave an activity plan with friends, family, or a ranger that detail where you will be and when you expect to return.</li>
	<li>Have a communication plan. Cellphones do not get signal in all parts on the National Monument; a radio, personal locator beacon, satellite phone, or signaling mirror can be crucial in a time of need.</li>
	<li>Carry and drink as much water as you can. At least one gallon per person per day is recommended. When half of your water is gone, turn around and head back.</li>
	<li>Protect yourself from the sun. Dress in layers, Wear a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing, and sturdy footwear. Use sunscreen. Bring warm layers and a waterproof shell on longer hikes – the weather can change quickly.</li>
	<li>Know your trail. Carry a map and pay attention to the terrain so you can find your way back.</li>
	<li>Beware of dangerous flora and fauna. Watch where you put your hands and feet. Cacti, ocotillo, rattlesnakes, and bees (to name a few) may pose danger to visitors.</li>
	<li>Keep children near you and stay on the trail.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Recreation</h2>

To help you decide which of the many trails to take – especially if you’re a newcomer – we have divided the National Monument into three areas: the<a href="/sites/blm.gov/files/programs-nlcs-ca-santa-rosa-san-jacinto-national-monument-hiking-SanJac.pdf" rel="nofollow"> San Jacinto Mountains</a> west of Palm Canyon divide, the <a href="/sites/blm.gov/files/programs-nlcs-ca-santa-rosa-san-jacinto-national-monument-hiking-NSR.pdf" rel="nofollow">Northern Santa Rosa Mountains </a>between the Palm Canyon divide and Highway 74, and the <a href="/sites/blm.gov/files/programs-nlcs-ca-santa-rosa-san-jacinto-national-monument-hiking-SSR.pdf" rel="nofollow">Southern Santa Rosa Mountains </a>from Highway 74 to the Monument’s border with Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Each area has its own personality. Along with the trail areas listed above, these are some of the more <a href="/sites/blm.gov/files/programs-nlcs-ca-santa-rosa-san-jacinto-national-monument-hiking-Other.pdf" rel="nofollow">popular trails </a>in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Trails are rated as easy, moderate, or strenuous in accordance with the following criteria*:

<ul>
	<li>Easy – Generally a leisurely walk, but don’t expect the trail to be flat.</li>
	<li>Moderate – A serious hike, but not difficult for those in reasonably good condition.</li>
	<li>Strenuous – Some trail segments require being in very good condition and/or the trail is long and requires stamina.</li>
</ul>

*Difficulty ratings are based on one-way trips. When assessing how difficult a trail may be for you, consider whether you plan to return on the same trail, thereby doubling your distance, or by using another trail which also adds mileage and difficulty. Be aware that using two moderate trails to complete a loop may result in a strenuous hike.

The best time of year for enjoying lower elevation trails is November through April; for higher elevation trails, the best time is May through October.

Many trails are open to all forms of non-motorized travel – hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking – but not all trails are open to everyone. Mountain bikers are prohibited in designated wilderness areas, in the Indian Canyons, on certain trails near Murray Hill, or on any part of the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/pct/about/?cid=fseprd1157087" rel="nofollow">Pacific Crest Trail</a>. Check with the appropriate agency if you don’t know the rules.

Be safe and enjoy!

<img alt="Hikers yield to mountain bikers along the Art Smith Trail. Rocky hills surround and a California Fan Palm oasis is adjacent to the trail. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM." height="379" src="/sites/blm.gov/files/programs-nlcs-ca-santarosaandsanjacintomountainsnm-recreation.jpg" width="640"/>

 

<h2>Dogs at the Monument</h2>

Dogs are not allowed on most trails in the National Monument. At lower elevations, this prohibition is enforced for the protection of endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, which react to dogs as they would to coyotes, a natural predator. In the San Jacinto Mountains, which are usually accessed via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or from the alpine community of Idyllwild, dogs are prohibited in Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Dogs are also prohibited in the Indian Canyons.

 

Dog Friendly Areas:

One of the limited opportunities for taking your dog on mountain trails in the Monument is available on the loop connecting Homme Adams and Cahuilla Hills Parks in the City of Palm Desert. From Homme Adams Park, follow the Homestead Trail to the Hopalong Cassidy Trail, then south on the “Hoppy” to the cross or north to the Gabby Hayes which will take you down to Cahuilla Hills Park, or viceversa. Be aware, however, that dogs are prohibited on segments of the Hopalong Cassidy Trail that extend south of the cross and north of the Gabby Hayes Trail. At higher elevations, dogs are allowed on Forest Service trails, though be sure not to continue with your dog into Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness or the Indian Canyons.

 
For details about where dogs are allowed and where they are prohibited, please contact the National Monument Visitor Center at (760) 862-9984.

Local community celebrates the 15th Anniversary of the designation of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Santa Rosa San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 15th Anniversary

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mtns. National Monument

Rising abruptly from the desert floor, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument reaches an elevation of 10,834 feet.

Santa Rosa San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

A runner enjoys the solitude of the trails in the Monument.

Trails in the Monument

A Big Horn Sheep blends in with the rocky landscape.

Big Horn Sheep

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

#### Overview

This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains
with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to
steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet. Because of
this elevation gradient, the wilderness reflects a unique transition between
desert, coastal and mountain environments, including the different types of
vegetation representative of each elevation.

#### History

San Gorgonio Mountain was originally known as "Old Grayback" by locals until
officially designated by the US Geological Survey (from the Spanish heritage)
on the original topographical map of the area produced in 1899. At 11,502
feet, it is the highest peak in California south of the Sierras. The San
Gorgonio Wilderness derived its name from this peak within its boundaries. The
Wilderness is located in the southeast portion of the San Bernardino Mountains
on lands administered by the San Bernardino National Forest and the Bureau of
Land Management.

Most of the Wilderness is above the 7,000 foot level. Two rivers (which would
be called creeks anywhere but in Southern California), the Santa Ana and the
White, flow out of the Wilderness. The numerous streams in the Wilderness Area
do not always flow in late summer, and locating water can be difficult. Two
small lakes, several meadows, and large, heavily forested areas provide a
beautiful sub-alpine oasis in the dry lands that surround the mountain range.

The isolated environment contains many threatened and endangered plant and
animal species, as well as bear, deer, mountain lions and bighorn sheep. The
summit of the 10,624-foot San Bernardino Peak provided the initial point in
1852 from which all of Southern California was surveyed. There are over 20
miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in the BLM portion and 81
miles of trails in the National Forest portion of the Wilderness.

<h4>Overview</h4>

This wilderness is part of the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains with topography rapidly changing from low, rolling foothills and canyons to steep, rugged mountains. Elevations range from 2,300 to 5,500 feet. Because of this elevation gradient, the wilderness reflects a unique transition between desert, coastal and mountain environments, including the different types of vegetation representative of each elevation.

<h4>History</h4>

San Gorgonio Mountain was originally known as "Old Grayback" by locals until officially designated by the US Geological Survey (from the Spanish heritage) on the original topographical map of the area produced in 1899. At 11,502 feet, it is the highest peak in California south of the Sierras. The San Gorgonio Wilderness derived its name from this peak within its boundaries. The Wilderness is located in the southeast portion of the San Bernardino Mountains on lands administered by the San Bernardino National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management.



Most of the Wilderness is above the 7,000 foot level. Two rivers (which would be called creeks anywhere but in Southern California), the Santa Ana and the White, flow out of the Wilderness. The numerous streams in the Wilderness Area do not always flow in late summer, and locating water can be difficult. Two small lakes, several meadows, and large, heavily forested areas provide a beautiful sub-alpine oasis in the dry lands that surround the mountain range.

The isolated environment contains many threatened and endangered plant and animal species, as well as bear, deer, mountain lions and bighorn sheep. The summit of the 10,624-foot San Bernardino Peak provided the initial point in 1852 from which all of Southern California was surveyed. There are over 20 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in the BLM portion and 81 miles of trails in the National Forest portion of the Wilderness.

San Gorgonio Wilderness

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve/ACEC is well recognized as an important wildlife
corridor that links BLM's San Gorgonio Wilderness with the San Bernardino
National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park. This corridor allows wildlife;
including mule deer, big horn sheep, and mountain lions, to move freely within
this area in search of food and water.

Perennial water within the area provides a much-needed stopping point for
migrating birds and is essential to the survival of a wide variety of birds,
mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. The lush vegetation that grows in
the canyon is a sharp contrast to the surrounding dry, desert slopes. Big
Morongo ACEC is administered by BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office.

  
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an internationally-recognized birding site.
Several rare or unusual species are known to nest here, and many other species
are abundant during the spring and fall migration seasons.

The Preserve has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the American
Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and the Watchable Wildlife
National Program, and is featured in the National Geographic Guide to Bird
Watching Sites. Over 247 bird species have been recorded in the Preserve, with
at least 72 resident breeding species.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve/ACEC is well recognized as an important wildlife corridor that links BLM's San Gorgonio Wilderness with the San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park. This corridor allows wildlife; including mule deer, big horn sheep, and mountain lions, to move freely within this area in search of food and water.

Perennial water within the area provides a much-needed stopping point for migrating birds and is essential to the survival of a wide variety of birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. The lush vegetation that grows in the canyon is a sharp contrast to the surrounding dry, desert slopes. Big Morongo ACEC is administered by BLM's <a href="https://www.blm.gov/office/palm-springs-south-coast-field-office" rel="nofollow">Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office</a>.

 
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an internationally-recognized birding site. Several rare or unusual species are known to nest here, and many other species are abundant during the spring and fall migration seasons.

The Preserve has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and the Watchable Wildlife National Program, and is featured in the National Geographic Guide to Bird Watching Sites. Over 247 bird species have been recorded in the Preserve, with at least 72 resident breeding species.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Remember your  OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE
RESPONSIBLY.

* * *

### Overview

Encompassing 154,000 acres, including just over 100,000 acres of already
congressionally designated Wilderness, Sand to Snow National Monument is an
ecological and cultural treasure and one of the most biodiverse areas in
southern California, supporting more than 240 species of birds and twelve
threatened and endangered wildlife species. Home to the region's tallest
alpine mountain that rises from the floor of the Sonoran Desert, the monument
also will protect sacred, archaeological and cultural sites, including an
estimated 1,700 Native American petroglyphs. Featuring thirty miles of the
world-famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, the area is a favorite for
camping, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, and
even skiing.

### Know Before You Go

**Sacred Heritage**

The Serrano and Cahuilla Indian people lived at the base of San Gorgonio
Mountain and considered it a sacred place. The Mountain provided food,
medicinal plants, basket making material, deer and other animals to hunt. San
Gorgonio Pass served as a major trade route from Arizona to the California
coast.

**Recreation**

The 11,500-foot San Gorgonio Mountain rises sharply from the Sonoran Desert
floor and is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra Nevada
Mountain Range. The Monument includes 30 miles of the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest
Trail, and visitors can enjoy, hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing,
horseback riding, hunting, fishing, stargazing, mountain biking, photography,
wildlife viewing, cross country skiing, and solitude. A series of preserves
owned by the Wildlands Conservancy are managed for public access and serve as
entry points from the north, south, and east of the Monument.

**Camping**

Campfire permits are required and may be restricted during fire season. Fire
danger is extreme for most of the year. Campfire permits can be obtained
online at www.preventwildfireca.org. To learn more about the do's and don’ts
for dispersed camping please visit www.blm.gov/camping.

**Off-Highway-Vehicles**

The Sand to Snow National Monument encompasses more than 100,000 acres of
Congressionally designated wilderness and is closed to all motorized vehicles
including off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorboats, motorized
equipment, bicycles, motorcycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, and portage.

### Helpful Links

  * Download the Sand to Snow National Monument Information Guide
  * More Information: Sand to Snow National Monument

Remember your <a href="https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics" rel="nofollow"> OUTDOOR ETHICS</a> when enjoying your public lands. Please<a href="https://www.recreateresponsibly.org" rel="nofollow"> RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.</a>

<hr/>
<h3>Overview</h3>

Encompassing 154,000 acres, including just over 100,000 acres of already congressionally designated Wilderness, Sand to Snow National Monument is an ecological and cultural treasure and one of the most biodiverse areas in southern California, supporting more than 240 species of birds and twelve threatened and endangered wildlife species. Home to the region's tallest alpine mountain that rises from the floor of the Sonoran Desert, the monument also will protect sacred, archaeological and cultural sites, including an estimated 1,700 Native American petroglyphs. Featuring thirty miles of the world-famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, the area is a favorite for camping, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, and even skiing.

<h3>Know Before You Go</h3>

Sacred Heritage

The Serrano and Cahuilla Indian people lived at the base of San Gorgonio Mountain and considered it a sacred place. The Mountain provided food, medicinal plants, basket making material, deer and other animals to hunt. San Gorgonio Pass served as a major trade route from Arizona to the California coast.

Recreation

The 11,500-foot San Gorgonio Mountain rises sharply from the Sonoran Desert floor and is the highest peak in California south of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The Monument includes 30 miles of the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail, and visitors can enjoy, hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, stargazing, mountain biking, photography, wildlife viewing, cross country skiing, and solitude. A series of preserves owned by the Wildlands Conservancy are managed for public access and serve as entry points from the north, south, and east of the Monument.

Camping

Campfire permits are required and may be restricted during fire season. Fire danger is extreme for most of the year. Campfire permits can be obtained online at <a href="https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/" rel="nofollow">www.preventwildfireca.org.</a> To learn more about the do's and don’ts for dispersed camping please visit <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping" rel="nofollow">www.blm.gov/camping</a>.

Off-Highway-Vehicles

The Sand to Snow National Monument encompasses more than 100,000 acres of Congressionally designated wilderness and is closed to all motorized vehicles including off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, motorcycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, and portage.

<h3>Helpful Links</h3>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2022-10/Public_Room_CA_SandtoSnowNationalMonument.pdf" rel="nofollow">Download the Sand to Snow National Monument Information Guide</a></li>
	<li>More Information: <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/sand-to-snow-national-monument" rel="nofollow">Sand to Snow National Monument</a></li>
</ul>

Mt. San Jacinto SP

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