The road Camino San Ignacio is inside of Warner Springs city limits, not before or after. That part was confusing.
Also, just a note, there are lots of signs saying no trespassing along the road- they are right next to the first stop sign and in other places. If you go there, you are exempt from these "no trespassing signs" as long as you get a permit at the kiosk.
I made the trip out to Warner Springs this weekend (09/17/2011) with the hope of hiking Hot Springs Mountain, but I was informed at the information kiosk that this hike is closed. The woman there was unsure when it would reopen because a fire that took place in July burned down 1100 acres. If you can find a phone number before making the trip out, I would recommend doing so.
I was out there last week. We drove all of the way to the lookout tower, so there is no longer any blockage (was some minor snow). The road was in quite good shape. We did arrange special permission with a phone call in advance (sorry, I don't have the phone number). Despite that, though we were to be met at the gate on a Thursday, we weren't. The gate signs are confusing ("Don't Enter", "If booth unmanned, go to Tribal Office at [some address]". Without cell service, we did some snooping around. We went past the "Don't Enter" sign about 3/4 miles and found the manned Tribal Office on the south side of the main road. Even it was a bit difficult because the sign was up on the road, but there were several unmarked buildings and we were confused until a woman gave us directions. It's the second building as you drive down the hill. Enter from a door on the north side. They contacted the Chief of Police, gave us some entry permits to fill out, then we headed back to the main entry to meet the Chief of Police. He completed the permits, gave them back to us with instructions to place on dashboard. Then for a driver's license he gave us a key to the gate. We drove up, no problems, back down via Rough Road (to the campground), no problems, returned the key and received back the driver's license. He said they are doing that key/license swap now because of an accident a while back when a couple got locked behind the gate and in an attempt to exit the reservation via Jeep trails on the back side of the reservation, the male died and the female was found barely alive a week later. Hope this help. This was actually part of a Jeep trip into the desert that I was filming, but the information would seem useful for any hikers. Don't hesitate to message me if you have any questions.
The entrance fee is now $10 PER PERSON. Also note that the dirt road (Sukat Road) you drive or hike to the summit is currently roped off and in bad shape due to erosion further up. You can only hike or bike up it. Do not climb up the fire tower as it is in bad shape. Bring plenty of water as there are no water sources anywhere on the trail.
NavySeabee - Jan 21, 2010 12:33 pm - Voted 10/10
Elevation FactHot Springs is actually 21 feet higher than Cuyamaca. Thanks for sponsoring this page!
Alex Wood - May 23, 2011 1:23 am - Voted 10/10
Just a few thingsThe road Camino San Ignacio is inside of Warner Springs city limits, not before or after. That part was confusing.
Also, just a note, there are lots of signs saying no trespassing along the road- they are right next to the first stop sign and in other places. If you go there, you are exempt from these "no trespassing signs" as long as you get a permit at the kiosk.
mebo1126 - Sep 19, 2011 5:14 pm - Hasn't voted
Closed Indefinitely?I made the trip out to Warner Springs this weekend (09/17/2011) with the hope of hiking Hot Springs Mountain, but I was informed at the information kiosk that this hike is closed. The woman there was unsure when it would reopen because a fire that took place in July burned down 1100 acres. If you can find a phone number before making the trip out, I would recommend doing so.
Mark Doiron - Dec 9, 2015 4:40 pm - Hasn't voted
Out There Last WeekI was out there last week. We drove all of the way to the lookout tower, so there is no longer any blockage (was some minor snow). The road was in quite good shape. We did arrange special permission with a phone call in advance (sorry, I don't have the phone number). Despite that, though we were to be met at the gate on a Thursday, we weren't. The gate signs are confusing ("Don't Enter", "If booth unmanned, go to Tribal Office at [some address]". Without cell service, we did some snooping around. We went past the "Don't Enter" sign about 3/4 miles and found the manned Tribal Office on the south side of the main road. Even it was a bit difficult because the sign was up on the road, but there were several unmarked buildings and we were confused until a woman gave us directions. It's the second building as you drive down the hill. Enter from a door on the north side. They contacted the Chief of Police, gave us some entry permits to fill out, then we headed back to the main entry to meet the Chief of Police. He completed the permits, gave them back to us with instructions to place on dashboard. Then for a driver's license he gave us a key to the gate. We drove up, no problems, back down via Rough Road (to the campground), no problems, returned the key and received back the driver's license. He said they are doing that key/license swap now because of an accident a while back when a couple got locked behind the gate and in an attempt to exit the reservation via Jeep trails on the back side of the reservation, the male died and the female was found barely alive a week later. Hope this help. This was actually part of a Jeep trip into the desert that I was filming, but the information would seem useful for any hikers. Don't hesitate to message me if you have any questions.
--mark d.
P.S.--Charge per vehicle is now $10.
Lenny72 - Apr 8, 2019 12:22 am - Hasn't voted
Entrance FeeThe entrance fee is now $10 PER PERSON. Also note that the dirt road (Sukat Road) you drive or hike to the summit is currently roped off and in bad shape due to erosion further up. You can only hike or bike up it. Do not climb up the fire tower as it is in bad shape. Bring plenty of water as there are no water sources anywhere on the trail.