Sheep Mountain Wilderness

In 1984, the 44,000-acre Sheep Mountain Wilderness was set aside as one of the Nation's truly unique wild areas. With elevations ranging from 2,400 ft. to over 10,000 ft., this area offers something for everyone. Whether you're a novice hiker, an experienced backpacker, a fisherman or just interested in the "great outdoors", this rugged terrain provides a variety of opportunities for all.

Special Provisions:

There are several private land holdings within the Sheep Mountain Wilderness that frequently conduct what may seem to be non-conforming activities. Special provisions permit reasonable access to these private areas and development of their mining operations. Please respect the rights of these owners/operators during your visit.

Permits:

A Wilderness Permit is required for entry into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness from the East Fork Trailhead only.  This area has traditionally received heavy water-related recreational use. The permit system allows the Forest Service to make decisions to ensure better protection of the wilderness resources in this area.

When entering from the East Fork Trailhead please observe the following permit rules:

• Keep party size small to minimize impacts. 
• Obtain a Wilderness Permit in person or by mail. 
• Permits requested by mail must be received two weeks prior to the date of entry. 
• Self-service Wilderness Permit issuance is available at the East Fork Trailhead. 

Permits are free and available at the following locations:

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

110 N. Wabash Ave.
Glendora, CA 91741
626) 335-1251
(Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) 

Los Angeles Gateway District

12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Rd.
San Fernando, CA 91342
(818) 899-1900
(Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) 

San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center

1960 N. San Gabriel Canyon Road
Azusa, CA 91702
626) 969-1012
(Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
(Saturday - Sunday, 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

"We simply need that wild country available to us, even if we never do more than drive to its edge and look in. For it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope."

-Wallace Stegner