Oneluv13T4R
New member
First use this info at your own risk and please do some research and get area info before heading out to find out "area status" open or closed due to current conditions, other important info as fire restrictions,road and weather conditions etc. also Area emergency contact info, Fire, local Ranger or County station etc.
As this is information I put together using my photos,personal experiences, google maps, and from research throughout the Web.I did this for a friend of mine and his group for their 2016 New Years 3 Day Run.
So I figured this could be useful information as a means of quick reference to share with fellow T4R members and camping enthusiast in the So.Cal area.
Yellow Post Sites
Location Areas:
Idylwild, San Jacinto Mtns, Santa Rosa Mtns, Thomas Mtn, Black Mtns
and a few spots scattered in between.
Info Included:
GPS Coordinates, descriptions, Land Marks such as signs,gates,roads,trees to look for to find your way to one of these "hidden usually unspoken gems" aka. Yellow Post Sites.
These are usually campsites off the beaten path in quit secluded areas that also means no amenities like restrooms, water, power, and trash. You be lucky if there is a camp fire pit and picnic table. As these are great get aways for some peace and quit.
The best part is that these are Free Camp Sites to the public which also means "First Come, First Gets The Spot". These are free getaways so with all that so far means and this is the most important part ...."Pack Out, What You Packed In" leave the area looking like you were never there. So from now to generations to come can enjoy them as well," don't be that guy."
.
So. Cal - Yellow Post Camping Sites
Idylwild, Black Mtn., Thomas Mtn., San Jacinto Mtns., Santa Rosa Mtns.
New Years Eve Run
Day 1 - Area: Idylwild, Ca
Thursday, Dec. 31st
List Contains:
Trail/Road options
Yellow Post Camping options
GPS Coordinates and photos included
Some of the 4x4 Roads/Trails in the area to explore are:
3S07
3S08
3S09
4S01 Black Mountain
4S02 Dark Canyon
4S05
4S06 Indian Creek Rd
4S10 East Indian Creek Rd
4S19 Poppet Flat Divide Rd
4S21 Indian Mountain
5S05 Bonita Vista Rd
5S06 Old Control Rd/Toll Rd Canyon
5S07 Bee Canyon
5S09 San Jacinto Ridge Rd
5S10
5S11
5S13
5S15 Rouse Ridge Rd
5S21 May Valley Rd
5S24
6S05 Fobes Ranch Rd
6S09 Gold Hill
6S10 Penrod Canyon
6S11 Garner Ranch Rd
6S13 Thomas Mtn Rd
6S16
6S17 Blackburn Ridge
6S16
6S22 Red Mountain
6S89
7S13 Bull Canyon Rd
Herkey Creek Rd
Apple Canyon Rd
Devils Ladder Rd
Bautista Canyon
In San Jacinto. We camped at yellow post sites 4 & 5 on Black Mountain.
YP4&5 can be found approx 1 mile past Black Mountain Group Campground on 4S01 at N33.8376 W116.745333
YP4&5 will easily accomodate 8-10 Rigs
YP4&5 is one of the nicest places I have ever camped in So. Cal.
At 7700' the temps were perfect, in the mid 80s during the day and the mid 60's at night. But is not gonna be the case this time...freezing lol. There is plenty of area close to camp to explore and 50' from camp is a viewpoint of the valleys below that in fabulous.
These roads are all easy except for 4S21 Indian Mountain. Going downhill it is a mild blue, going uphill it is a difficult blue. It is very similiar to 2N17X, except much narrower. 4S21 starts on the high side at Hwy 243 at the Indian Vista N33.79700 W116.77794 and on the low side on 5S09 at N33.7676 W116.7894
We ran 4S05 from Hwy 243 to 4S06. It is a green easy dirt road in high chapparal.
We ran 4S06 to 4S10 to 5S09. It is a green easy dirt road in high chapparal.
We ran 5S09 from 4S10 to to Hwy 243 in Idyllwild. It is a green easy windy narrow dirt road with some pucker factor if you are afraid of heights. Scenery was high chapparal and grasses early and then just past 4S21 it changed to forest with a great rest stop on the San Jacinto River. There are a couple of yellow post sites between the San Jacinto River and Idyllwild that look to be great places to camp
We ran 4S01 Black Mtn Rd from Hwy 243 all the way to Camp Lackey (an abandoned Boy Scout Camp). It is a 12 mile green easy dirt road in the forest. It is a spur (the only exit is back the way you came). Boulder Basin Campground, Black Mountain Group Campground and 6 yellow post sites are available for camping. Boulder Basin and Black Mountain Group have restrooms and water. Sights along the way are Farview Point and Black Mountain Lookout as well as Fuller Ridge trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail.
We ran 6S13 Thomas Mtn Rd from Devils Ladder Rd to 5S15 Rouse Ridge Rd. It is a green easy dirt road in high chapparal and forest. We ran 5S15 Rouse Ridge Rd from 6S13 to the Cranston Fire Station on Hwy 74 near Hemet. It is a green easy dirt road in high chapparal that stays on ridges for over 8 miles. Great views all around.
Although the trails are mostly easy, the scenery is Awesome and we had a great time. Far less crowds than Big Bear and a nice change.
Thomas Mountain Road - 6S13
Access: Both the entrance and exit of this road are accessed from Hwy 74 in Garner Valley.
Total Distance: 14.51 miles
Elevation Gain/loss: 2156 feet
Starts at: 33.59171°N, -116.61897°W, 4732 feet
Ends at: 33.65749°N, -116.6654°W, 4390 feet
GPS
*N 33.6220 * *W116.6772
Elevation
6,825
Season
Year round
Terrain
Packed dirt, *some washboard, ruts, small rocks.
Difficulty
Easy
Required Vehicle
High clearance 4 wheel drive best
Time
1 1/2 hour loop
Length
14.5 *miles*loop
Directions:*From the South: take I-15 north then HWY-79 south to HWY 371: turn left and follow for 20 miles up into the mountains. *You will come to a t-junction at HWY-74 go left. Thomas Mountain Road is a dirt road sign posted on your left before you reach Lake Hemit.
Site Location and Description: *A packed dirt trail winds up Thomas Road to the summit. *It is a fun and fairly easy dirt trail that winds through oaks and pinyons, to grassy meadows, then tall pines and cedars, *with fir trees at the highest elevations. There are a couple of developed campgrounds at the top, with tables and toilets,*and 9 primative “yellow post’ campsites. Yellow post means that you can have campfires as long as the fire stays within the designated fire ring and as long as fire restrictions allow. *Thomas Mountain Campground is on the summit. and is a very popular spot for locals to camp due to the amazing views and solitude. * There are 6 additional campsites below the summit at Tool Box Springs Campground*with restrooms but no water.
Next:
Tool Box Canyon - Yellow Post Sites
GPS N 33.6220 * *W116.6772
Elevation
6,825
Season
Year round
Terrain
Packed dirt, *some washboard, ruts, small rocks.
Difficulty
Easy
Required Vehicle
High clearance 4 wheel drive best
Time
1 1/2 hour loop
Length
14.5 *miles*loop
Directions:*From the South: take I-15 north then HWY-79 south to HWY 371: turn left and follow for 20 miles up into the mountains. *You will come to a t-junction at HWY-74 go left. Thomas Mountain Road is a dirt road sign posted on your left before you reach Lake Hemit.
Site Location and Description: *A packed dirt trail winds up Thomas Road to the summit. *It is a fun and fairly easy dirt trail that winds through oaks and pinyons, to grassy meadows, then tall pines and cedars, *with fir trees at the highest elevations. There are a couple of developed campgrounds at the top, with tables and toilets,*and 9 primative “yellow post’ campsites. Yellow post means that you can have campfires as long as the fire stays within the designated fire ring and as long as fire restrictions allow. *Thomas Mountain Campground is on the summit. and is a very popular spot for locals to camp due to the amazing views and solitude. * There are 6 additional campsites below the summit at Tool Box Springs Campground*with restrooms but no water.
Yellow Post Camping
Latitude :*
33.615999
Longitude :*
-116.660989
ideal for tent and car camping. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. first-come, first-served.
Next:
Santa Rosa-Yellow Post Sites
These 14 remote camping sites are ideal for tent and car camping Other than a pit for campfires There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required
Location
*Latitude :*
33.537650
Longitude :*
-116.459054
Next:
San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 27
Address
2N10D
santa rosa, California
GPS: 34.212288, -116.956741
Elevation: 7850'
Fire Ring
Picnic Tables
Yellow Post 27
YP27 is located on 2N10D at N34° 12.896 W116° 57.359
Lots of shade. A small creek is flowing near camp. Down a spur road. Room for a couple of vehicles and tents.
Next:
Idyllwild Ca - Yellow Post Sites
To find sites 1-3 turn off of hwy 243 east from Keen Camp on the road to Hurkey Creek Campground. Keep right and follow road for about a mile and you will notice the yellow post makers near the road. You may notice many spaces open that look like you can camp there -- don't be fooled. I spoke to the rangers and they verified that it is illegal to camp anywhere there is no yellow post.
This site is best for car/tent camping or someone with a truck camper.
Site 1
Picnic table and fire pit
There is enough room for about 4 cars or trucks.
GPS Coordinates
33.67662, -116.66766
Site 2
Picnic table and fire pit
This site can accommodate large rigs or trailers. Even enough room for 2 rigs. This site has a great view of the valley.
GPS Coordinates
33.67881, -116.66544
Site 3
I rate 5 stars
Picnic table and fire pit
This is a secluded site that could accommodate large rigs. You could fit all your friends at this site. I would say at least 5 trailers could fit. Easy turn around area.
GPS Coordinates
33.65076, -116.65487
Next:
Morris Ranch Yellow Post Site
2 picnic tables and one fire pit
To arrive at this site, take hwy 234 and turn onto Morris Ranch Road. You will see a fire department on the corner. Drive about 1.5 miles until you see this gate. This site is about a half mile beyond this gate.You will notice there is enough room for maybe 6 rigs at this location. Easy turn around. This is a seldom used site -- I assume it's because of the gate. I first found this site hiking in the area. What a find....
GPS Coordinates
33.63948, -116.59249
Next:
Little Thomas Mountain-Yellow Post Sites
The first site is about 3 hundred yards off of hwy 234 on 6S13. This site is huge with enough room for at least 5 or 6 rigs and is far enough off the hwy not to hear road noise.
Picnic table and fire pit.
If you continue up this road you will find the other sites. None of these sites are suitable for trailer camping...Very rough, narrow road. Expect scratches on your vehicle. You might be able to get a small popup trailer up there.
Enjoy and Good Luck
In all of your future Adventures
All of the photos and area maps that went between each of the paragraphs didn't copy and paste over, and I don't feel like loading each of them in, lol. so if you need these just message me and I would be glad to send them to you.
As this is information I put together using my photos,personal experiences, google maps, and from research throughout the Web.I did this for a friend of mine and his group for their 2016 New Years 3 Day Run.
So I figured this could be useful information as a means of quick reference to share with fellow T4R members and camping enthusiast in the So.Cal area.
Yellow Post Sites
Location Areas:
Idylwild, San Jacinto Mtns, Santa Rosa Mtns, Thomas Mtn, Black Mtns
and a few spots scattered in between.
Info Included:
GPS Coordinates, descriptions, Land Marks such as signs,gates,roads,trees to look for to find your way to one of these "hidden usually unspoken gems" aka. Yellow Post Sites.
These are usually campsites off the beaten path in quit secluded areas that also means no amenities like restrooms, water, power, and trash. You be lucky if there is a camp fire pit and picnic table. As these are great get aways for some peace and quit.
The best part is that these are Free Camp Sites to the public which also means "First Come, First Gets The Spot". These are free getaways so with all that so far means and this is the most important part ...."Pack Out, What You Packed In" leave the area looking like you were never there. So from now to generations to come can enjoy them as well," don't be that guy."
.
So. Cal - Yellow Post Camping Sites
Idylwild, Black Mtn., Thomas Mtn., San Jacinto Mtns., Santa Rosa Mtns.
New Years Eve Run
Day 1 - Area: Idylwild, Ca
Thursday, Dec. 31st
List Contains:
Trail/Road options
Yellow Post Camping options
GPS Coordinates and photos included
Some of the 4x4 Roads/Trails in the area to explore are:
3S07
3S08
3S09
4S01 Black Mountain
4S02 Dark Canyon
4S05
4S06 Indian Creek Rd
4S10 East Indian Creek Rd
4S19 Poppet Flat Divide Rd
4S21 Indian Mountain
5S05 Bonita Vista Rd
5S06 Old Control Rd/Toll Rd Canyon
5S07 Bee Canyon
5S09 San Jacinto Ridge Rd
5S10
5S11
5S13
5S15 Rouse Ridge Rd
5S21 May Valley Rd
5S24
6S05 Fobes Ranch Rd
6S09 Gold Hill
6S10 Penrod Canyon
6S11 Garner Ranch Rd
6S13 Thomas Mtn Rd
6S16
6S17 Blackburn Ridge
6S16
6S22 Red Mountain
6S89
7S13 Bull Canyon Rd
Herkey Creek Rd
Apple Canyon Rd
Devils Ladder Rd
Bautista Canyon
In San Jacinto. We camped at yellow post sites 4 & 5 on Black Mountain.
YP4&5 can be found approx 1 mile past Black Mountain Group Campground on 4S01 at N33.8376 W116.745333
YP4&5 will easily accomodate 8-10 Rigs
YP4&5 is one of the nicest places I have ever camped in So. Cal.
At 7700' the temps were perfect, in the mid 80s during the day and the mid 60's at night. But is not gonna be the case this time...freezing lol. There is plenty of area close to camp to explore and 50' from camp is a viewpoint of the valleys below that in fabulous.
These roads are all easy except for 4S21 Indian Mountain. Going downhill it is a mild blue, going uphill it is a difficult blue. It is very similiar to 2N17X, except much narrower. 4S21 starts on the high side at Hwy 243 at the Indian Vista N33.79700 W116.77794 and on the low side on 5S09 at N33.7676 W116.7894
We ran 4S05 from Hwy 243 to 4S06. It is a green easy dirt road in high chapparal.
We ran 4S06 to 4S10 to 5S09. It is a green easy dirt road in high chapparal.
We ran 5S09 from 4S10 to to Hwy 243 in Idyllwild. It is a green easy windy narrow dirt road with some pucker factor if you are afraid of heights. Scenery was high chapparal and grasses early and then just past 4S21 it changed to forest with a great rest stop on the San Jacinto River. There are a couple of yellow post sites between the San Jacinto River and Idyllwild that look to be great places to camp
We ran 4S01 Black Mtn Rd from Hwy 243 all the way to Camp Lackey (an abandoned Boy Scout Camp). It is a 12 mile green easy dirt road in the forest. It is a spur (the only exit is back the way you came). Boulder Basin Campground, Black Mountain Group Campground and 6 yellow post sites are available for camping. Boulder Basin and Black Mountain Group have restrooms and water. Sights along the way are Farview Point and Black Mountain Lookout as well as Fuller Ridge trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail.
We ran 6S13 Thomas Mtn Rd from Devils Ladder Rd to 5S15 Rouse Ridge Rd. It is a green easy dirt road in high chapparal and forest. We ran 5S15 Rouse Ridge Rd from 6S13 to the Cranston Fire Station on Hwy 74 near Hemet. It is a green easy dirt road in high chapparal that stays on ridges for over 8 miles. Great views all around.
Although the trails are mostly easy, the scenery is Awesome and we had a great time. Far less crowds than Big Bear and a nice change.
Thomas Mountain Road - 6S13
Access: Both the entrance and exit of this road are accessed from Hwy 74 in Garner Valley.
Total Distance: 14.51 miles
Elevation Gain/loss: 2156 feet
Starts at: 33.59171°N, -116.61897°W, 4732 feet
Ends at: 33.65749°N, -116.6654°W, 4390 feet
GPS
*N 33.6220 * *W116.6772
Elevation
6,825
Season
Year round
Terrain
Packed dirt, *some washboard, ruts, small rocks.
Difficulty
Easy
Required Vehicle
High clearance 4 wheel drive best
Time
1 1/2 hour loop
Length
14.5 *miles*loop
Directions:*From the South: take I-15 north then HWY-79 south to HWY 371: turn left and follow for 20 miles up into the mountains. *You will come to a t-junction at HWY-74 go left. Thomas Mountain Road is a dirt road sign posted on your left before you reach Lake Hemit.
Site Location and Description: *A packed dirt trail winds up Thomas Road to the summit. *It is a fun and fairly easy dirt trail that winds through oaks and pinyons, to grassy meadows, then tall pines and cedars, *with fir trees at the highest elevations. There are a couple of developed campgrounds at the top, with tables and toilets,*and 9 primative “yellow post’ campsites. Yellow post means that you can have campfires as long as the fire stays within the designated fire ring and as long as fire restrictions allow. *Thomas Mountain Campground is on the summit. and is a very popular spot for locals to camp due to the amazing views and solitude. * There are 6 additional campsites below the summit at Tool Box Springs Campground*with restrooms but no water.
Next:
Tool Box Canyon - Yellow Post Sites
GPS N 33.6220 * *W116.6772
Elevation
6,825
Season
Year round
Terrain
Packed dirt, *some washboard, ruts, small rocks.
Difficulty
Easy
Required Vehicle
High clearance 4 wheel drive best
Time
1 1/2 hour loop
Length
14.5 *miles*loop
Directions:*From the South: take I-15 north then HWY-79 south to HWY 371: turn left and follow for 20 miles up into the mountains. *You will come to a t-junction at HWY-74 go left. Thomas Mountain Road is a dirt road sign posted on your left before you reach Lake Hemit.
Site Location and Description: *A packed dirt trail winds up Thomas Road to the summit. *It is a fun and fairly easy dirt trail that winds through oaks and pinyons, to grassy meadows, then tall pines and cedars, *with fir trees at the highest elevations. There are a couple of developed campgrounds at the top, with tables and toilets,*and 9 primative “yellow post’ campsites. Yellow post means that you can have campfires as long as the fire stays within the designated fire ring and as long as fire restrictions allow. *Thomas Mountain Campground is on the summit. and is a very popular spot for locals to camp due to the amazing views and solitude. * There are 6 additional campsites below the summit at Tool Box Springs Campground*with restrooms but no water.
Yellow Post Camping
Latitude :*
33.615999
Longitude :*
-116.660989
ideal for tent and car camping. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. first-come, first-served.
Next:
Santa Rosa-Yellow Post Sites
These 14 remote camping sites are ideal for tent and car camping Other than a pit for campfires There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required
Location
*Latitude :*
33.537650
Longitude :*
-116.459054
Next:
San Bernardino Yellow Post Site 27
Address
2N10D
santa rosa, California
GPS: 34.212288, -116.956741
Elevation: 7850'
Fire Ring
Picnic Tables
Yellow Post 27
YP27 is located on 2N10D at N34° 12.896 W116° 57.359
Lots of shade. A small creek is flowing near camp. Down a spur road. Room for a couple of vehicles and tents.
Next:
Idyllwild Ca - Yellow Post Sites
To find sites 1-3 turn off of hwy 243 east from Keen Camp on the road to Hurkey Creek Campground. Keep right and follow road for about a mile and you will notice the yellow post makers near the road. You may notice many spaces open that look like you can camp there -- don't be fooled. I spoke to the rangers and they verified that it is illegal to camp anywhere there is no yellow post.
This site is best for car/tent camping or someone with a truck camper.
Site 1
Picnic table and fire pit
There is enough room for about 4 cars or trucks.
GPS Coordinates
33.67662, -116.66766
Site 2
Picnic table and fire pit
This site can accommodate large rigs or trailers. Even enough room for 2 rigs. This site has a great view of the valley.
GPS Coordinates
33.67881, -116.66544
Site 3
I rate 5 stars
Picnic table and fire pit
This is a secluded site that could accommodate large rigs. You could fit all your friends at this site. I would say at least 5 trailers could fit. Easy turn around area.
GPS Coordinates
33.65076, -116.65487
Next:
Morris Ranch Yellow Post Site
2 picnic tables and one fire pit
To arrive at this site, take hwy 234 and turn onto Morris Ranch Road. You will see a fire department on the corner. Drive about 1.5 miles until you see this gate. This site is about a half mile beyond this gate.You will notice there is enough room for maybe 6 rigs at this location. Easy turn around. This is a seldom used site -- I assume it's because of the gate. I first found this site hiking in the area. What a find....
GPS Coordinates
33.63948, -116.59249
Next:
Little Thomas Mountain-Yellow Post Sites
The first site is about 3 hundred yards off of hwy 234 on 6S13. This site is huge with enough room for at least 5 or 6 rigs and is far enough off the hwy not to hear road noise.
Picnic table and fire pit.
If you continue up this road you will find the other sites. None of these sites are suitable for trailer camping...Very rough, narrow road. Expect scratches on your vehicle. You might be able to get a small popup trailer up there.
Enjoy and Good Luck
In all of your future Adventures
All of the photos and area maps that went between each of the paragraphs didn't copy and paste over, and I don't feel like loading each of them in, lol. so if you need these just message me and I would be glad to send them to you.
.
