Permits

Notes from the Director:

• Highway 38 is closed from Jenks Lake Road east to Big Bear, so there is no access to Aspen Grove or Fish Creek. As a result, permits are not available for those areas.

• Due to fires for the past 6 years many trees are burned and falling. Be prepared, watch for falling trees and be prepared to hike around them.

• When you camp, look up and do not camp under dead trees.

• Search and Rescue advises to always hike with someone and not leave your group. Bring extra food, flashlight, and warm clothes. SGWA trail crews are out each week clearing trails.

• Vehicles are occasionally vandalized and/or burglarized at trailheads. Be sure to take appropriate preventative action.

• It is recommended that water be treated before consumption to reduce risk of illness.

• All visitors parking a vehicle in  San Bernardino National Forest developed parking areas (bathroom, picnic tables) must also have the required Adventure Pass posted in their vehicles.

Getting a permit

Limited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. 

The Mill Creek Visitor Center is open Friday to Sunday 9 – 4:30 PM . Wilderness permits will only be issued online. Continue to use the online reservation procedure below.

Please note: Upon completion of your reservation request, you will receive a downloadable PDF via email. Please retain this download as this is your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out.

If you do not receive a permit, please contact us. ENJOY YOUR HIKE!

Only one reservation needed per group! One person can reserve for up to 12 people. We will cancel any reservations made in the same name for the same date. Browsers Chrome and Edge work best, Internet Explorer 11 is not supported.

Cancellations

If you do not plan on using your permit, please take a moment to cancel so others may go and enjoy the outdoors. Thank you!