Wilderness

Agua Tibia Wilderness: 18,002 Acres

The 18,002 acre Agua Tibia Wilderness is located on the northern end of the Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest, within San Diego and Riverside Counties. The Wilderness is jointly managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

The steep, chaparral-covered mountains of Agua Tibia Wilderness give way to stands of fir, pine, and oak at higher elevations that rise above 4,400 feet on Agua Tibia Mountain. Elevation ranges from 1,700 feet in the canyon bottoms to the 5,077 foot Eagle Crag Peak. Although light snow may fall in winter and rain from January to April (usually averaging 25 inches annually), summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and water may be hard to find. Temperatures tend to be a more moderate 80-90 degrees at upper elevations.

The Dripping Springs Trail (about 6.8 miles long), part of approximately 25 miles of pathways, receives light human use and provides main access to the area. The trail crosses boulder-strewn Arroyo Seco Creek and climbs Agua Tibia Mountain with splendid views of the mountains of southern California. From the crest of the mountain, the Palomar-McGee Trail (about 5.5 miles) enters a forest, descends to Crosley Saddle, and continues south near Eagle Crag before branching off into the Wilderness. The western portion of the Wilderness is dry and seldom seen.

Hauser Wilderness: 7,547 Acres

The 7,547 acre Hauser Wilderness area is located on the Descanso Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest.
California's southernmost wilderness area on National Forest System lands features rugged mountains with steep slopes, granite boulders, and rocky outcrops. Chaparral and coastal sage dominate the landscape, with scattered woodlands appearing in places like Salazar and Boneyard Canyons. Elevations rise from 1,600 feet near Barrett Lake to nearly 3,700 feet on a peak southwest of Bronco Flats.

Wildlife in the area is diverse. Mule deer, golden eagles, owls, San Diego coast horned lizards, and mountain lions all call this wilderness home, along with over 135 bird species. Visitors may also encounter rattlesnakes, and in warmer months, mosquitoes, ticks, and deerflies can be bothersome. Water is typically unavailable in the interior except during seasonal runoff, so hikers should plan accordingly.

Recreation access is limited. The Pacific Crest Trail briefly crosses the southeast corner of the wilderness for less than a mile, and the Hauser Creek Trail runs just outside the southern boundary along Hauser Canyon. No other official trails exist. Group sizes are capped at 15 people, and campfires are not allowed.

The area has previously experienced impacts from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, non-system trails, and litter, though these issues have declined in recent years.

Pine Creek Wilderness: 13,480 Acres

This wilderness is located on the Descanso Ranger District and is situated in Pine Creek Valley, south of Interstate 8. Access is from Horsethief Canyon Trailhead, located off Lyons Valley Road, an easy reach both from the north (Japatul Road from Alpine) and from the south (Skyline Truck Trail) from Jamul and the western segment of the signed Espinosa Trail. This 13,260 acre area was designated by Congress in October 1984 to the National Wilderness System.

Gently sloping from about 2,000 feet elevation in the south to 4,000 feet in the north, Pine Creek and its numerous tributaries drain this Wilderness in a north-south direction. With the exception of the creek itself, home to rainbow trout and bass, most of the streams dry up part of the year. Chaparral and scrub oak entirely dominate the vegetation, with some riparian and oak woodlands emerging from the stream bottoms. You may see deer, coyotes, mountain lions, gray foxes, hawks, owls, and several species of reptiles. You might also encounter small herds of private livestock grazing because their owners were issued permits prior to designation. 

Several trails provide access to the area yet receive only light human use. The Espinosa Trail leaves the Horsethief Trailhead on the west side of the Wilderness and switchbacks down into Horsethief Canyon taking you to the waters of Pine Creek. From the pools and falls of Pine Creek the Espinosa Trail continues to the junction with the Secret Canyon Trail, a north / south trail that leads 13 miles to the northern boundary of the Wilderness. Groups are limited to 15 people. Campfires are not permitted. Non-conforming uses (e.g. drug trafficking, non-system trails, litter and undocumented immigration) have negatively impacted the wilderness character in the past, though these uses have decreased in recent years.

San Mateo Wilderness: 38,484 Acres

The 38,484-acre San Mateo Canyon Wilderness area is managed by the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest, in Orange and Riverside Counties.

Mountains covered with chaparral and coastal sage dominate the landscape of San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. Many deep drainages hide a lush growth of vegetation, with oak woodlands thick in the lower elevations. Annual rainfall averages 15 to 20 inches, most of it falling in winter and early spring; flash floods rip through narrow canyons in heavy downpours. Spring brings a wealth of wildflower blooms. Summers tend to be very hot and dry, though you will probably find small pools in San Mateo Canyon most of the year. Keep an eye open for wildlife: 139 bird species, 37 mammal species, 46 reptile and amphibian species, seven species of fish. Lizards, rattlesnakes, coyotes, skunks, and mice are commonly seen; the elusive mountain lion is rarely seen. 

The east-west San Mateo Canyon Trail follows the main canyon for 7.5 miles near the center of the Wilderness and provides access to what is probably the best camping in the area: fields of grass, shady stands of oak and sycamore, the best chances for water. This trail is joined by at least six others, most of them easy to moderate, including the 5.4-mile Tenaja Falls Trail. Tenaja Falls, when spring brings a rush of water, is a dramatic sight. Poison oak grows richly around the falls even when the creek dries up. This Wilderness receives light human use and can provide a wild and worthy experience, especially in spring.

The Wilderness is surrounded by large urban population centers. As a result, you may still hear noises from surrounding development in some areas of the wilderness. The wilderness also contains grazing allotments, so you may see cattle as you travel through some areas.

San Mateo Canyon wilderness regulations include a 15-heartbeat limit (includes people, horses, dogs) on the number in a group who may travel and camp together at one time. Campfires are not permitted. Free overnight permits are required for camping and can be obtained in person at the Trabuco Ranger District Office.