Dog Friendly: No
Filed Under: Camping, Hiking, Running
The Agua Tibia Wilderness now contains a total of 15,933 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. All of the wilderness is in the state of California.
Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the Agua Tibia Wilderness, this process began in 1975 when 16,971 acres were designated by Public Law 93-632.
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 and above 5,000 feet on Eagle Crag. Untouched by wildfire for what may be more than a century, some of the dense stands of chaparral have manzanita and red shank reaching higher than 20 feet. Although light snow may fall in winter, summer temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and water may be hard to find.
The Dripping Springs Trail (about 6.8 miles long), part of approximately 25 miles of pathways, receives light human use and provides the 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. No overnight use of pack stock is permitted, and campfires, hibachis, and barbecues are not allowed. Groups are limited to 15 people. The western portion of the Wilderness is dry and seldom seen.
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