1. Adventure Pass
When and where is it required? How much is it? Where do the proceeds go? Who are vendors in San Diego County?

Adventure Passes are $5/day or $30 annual. They are required to park your car in the Cleveland National Forest, including the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area (LMRA). Passes are available at the Alpine US Ranger Office in Alpine, Mount Laguna Lodge and at the Mount Laguna Visitor Information Center. There are other locations located throughout San Diego that will sell them as well. Passes are not required for campground guests; day users can purchase a pass from the campground. For more info, contact the United States Forest Service at (619) 445-6235 or use the Internet to visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/.

2. Dogs
Are they allowed on trails or in campgrounds?

Dogs are allowed on trails, under voice command and preferably leashed. They are also allowed in campgrounds if leashed (6ft) and confined at night.

3. Fires
Where are they allowed and what kind?

Wood and charcoal fires are allowed ONLY in designated fireplaces in campgrounds. Only solid and liquid fuel stoves are allowed outside campgrounds.

4. Camping Related
Are there hook-ups or RV sanitary dumps on Mount Lagina?

There are no hook-ups in the Mount Laguna Recreation Area. There is a sanitary dump at Buckman Springs Rest Area 4 miles E of Pine Valley on Interstate 8.

Are there showers?

Yes, Laguna Campground (open year-around) and Burnt Rancheria have pay showers available to non-guests as well.

Where do I get a remote camping permit?

You may have one mailed to you by calling (619) 445-6235, or fill one out at the Descanso Ranger District Station in Alpine, or download one from the Cleveland National Forest website, or stop by the Visitor Information Center.

How do I find out about campfire programs?

Check our calendar of events, ask your campground host or check on the information board outside the Visitor Information Center.

5. Gas
Where are the nearest gas stations?

-Pine Valley Store: 11 miles SW of Mount Laguna, or just off Interstate 8 at the Pine Valley exit.
-Julian: near junction of Routes 78 and 79 E of downtown Julian.

6. ATM
Where is the nearest ATM?

There are no ATMs on Mount Laguna; closest are Pine Valley at the Mountain Market, Pine Valley Store, or in downtown Julian.

7. Keepsakes
Can I carry out pine cones or pottery shards?

No. Nothing can be removed (living or non-living) from the National Forest.

8. Wood-cutting permit
Do I need one? If so,where can I get one?

Wood-cutting is allowed only by permit and can be obtained at the Descanso Ranger District Office in Alpine. (619) 445-6235 Wed - Fr. 9:30 am to 4:30 PM.

9. Picnic Areas
Where are some nice picnic areas?

Three favorites are: Desert View Picnic Area, Pioneer Mail Picnic Area (both have nice desert views) and Big Laguna Trail on the big boulders overlooking Big Laguna Lake.

10. Sunset Hikes
What are the best sunset hikes?

A favorite is the Sunset Trail.

11. Trails
Where is a map and list of trails with difficulty and mileage?

See our homepage Trails and Information. For a list of trails outside the Laguna Recreation Area, visit the CNF website.

12. Hunting
What are the regulations?

See the CNF website for details.

13. Off Road Vehicles (ORV).
Are motorized vehicles allowed on any of the Laguna Recreation trails?

No. There are numerous ORV areas outside the Laguna Mountain area. See any San Diego County recreation guide for locations.

14. Forest Service
What are the nearest Forest Service Offices?

Descanso Ranger District Office in Alpine.

15. Childrens Programs
What children's programs are available?

There are campfire programs for children and adults offered during the summer in Burnt Rancheria and Laguna Campgrounds. Check with campground host, or in the Visitor Information Center, or our website calender for current information. We also have a great Junior Ranger Program; visit the Visitor Information Center for more details.

16. Native American History
Which tribes inhabited the Lagunas?

The Kumeyaay Tribe (including the Kwaaymii American Indians) resided in the Lagunas. Tom Lucas, one of the last remaining original tribe members, died in 1989. His biography is featured in the Visitor Information Center. See our links section for more information on Native American history. One of the visual artifacts left by the Kumeyaays are morteros, or shallow indentations in boulders, used for grinding food. There is a good example of this on the self-guided Desert View Picnic Area (get naturalist pamplet at the VIC), and several morteros along large outcroppings along Pine Creek Road several miles West of Sunrise Highway.

17. Naturalist Programs
Can we request a naturalist program for a group?

Yes, contact Mona, our Interpretive specialist at info@lmva.org.