About this campground
The hike up to this lookout tower through the San Jacinto Wilderness offers some of the most beautiful vistas in Southern California, including the Salton Sea to the southeast. The origin of Tahquitz's name is derived from the Cahuilla god Tahquish, who believe the peak to be the god's home. At an elevation of 8,846 feet, this lookout is the highest within the San Bernardino National Forest, and the only one located within a designated Wilderness area. It is also the forest’s longest continuously operated station, serving some 77 years. Up here, all work must be done with regular hand tools as no motorized equipment is allowed in wilderness areas.
Getting there
The trail to Tahquitz Peak Lookout is a 4.5-mile hike via either Devil's Slide or South Ridge trails. Both require Wilderness permits. Devil's Slide requires an Adventure Pass. Adventure Passes are $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted. For more information, please visit our recreation pass page.
Activities
- HIKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Humber Park Trailhead ParkingSan Bernardino National Forest1 mi
- San Jacinto - Santa Rosa Mountains Recreation AreaSan Bernardino National Forest2 mi
- South Ridge RoadSan Bernardino National Forest2 mi
- FERN BASINSan Bernardino National Forest4 mi
- MARION MOUNTAINSan Bernardino National Forest4 mi
- Alandale Fire StationSan Bernardino National Forest5 mi
Explore more California camping
Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby California campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse California camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.