Aqua Tibia Wilderness

Located in the Cleveland National Forest in California.

The Agua Tibia Wilderness is in the northern portion of the Palomar Ranger District, east of Temecula and south of State Route 79.

The Agua Tibia was established as a wilderness on January 3, 1975. This 15,934-acre area is mountainous and cut by many deep canyons containing only intermittent streams. Vegetation is mostly chaparral with oak woodlands and some coniferous forests at the higher elevations. Elevation ranges from 1,700 feet in the canyon bottoms to the 5,077 foot Eagle Crag Peak at the southeast corner. Small pools of water in the canyon bottoms become warm in summer months and thus the name Agua Tibia—Spanish for warm water. Summer temperatures may exceed 100 degrees in the canyons and on the slopes, but are a moderate 80-90 degrees at upper elevations. Rain averages 25 inches annually and falls usually from January through April. Snow falls on upper slopes occasionally. The best time to hike is late autumn through midspring.

Agua Tibia has 25 miles of trail. Trail layout and map information can be obtained from the Vail Lake and Pechanga USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps. Trailhead parking is provided just after you turn off Highway 79 before entering Dripping Springs Campground. Here are some highlights. . .

Wild Horse Trail
General location: Eastern Portion of the Agua Tibia Wilderness.
Access: Dripping Springs Campground.
Length and elevation: 9.7 miles, 1, 750' to 3,930'.
The trail begins near the bottom of the Dripping Springs Trail, parallels the Arroyo Seco Creek for about two miles, and gains elevation as it proceed south.

Dripping Springs Trail
General location: Northern portion of the Agua Tibia Wilderness.
Access: Dripping Springs Campground.
Length and elevation: 6.8 miles, 1,600' to 4,400'.
This trail starts at the south end of Dripping Springs Campground, crosses the Arroyo Seco Creek, and then ascends Agua Tibia mountain. Vail Lake and the San Bernardino Mountains can be seen as the trail gains elevation. Low shrubs at the bottom of the trail change to chaparral, oak woodland, and then mixed conifers as the trail ascends.

Palomar-Magee Trail
General location: Southern portion of the Agua Tibia Wilderness.
Access: Dripping Springs Campground via Dripping Springs Trail or Wild Horse Trail.
Length and elevation: 6 miles, 4,680' at Agua Tibia Mountain to 3,930' at Crosley to 4,800' near Eagle Crag.
From Agua Tibia Mountain, the trail starts in a mixed coniferous forest and descends into Crosley Saddle, which is dominated by chaparral. Continuing to the southeast you return to a coniferous forest environment. Scenic views of Pauma Valley, Eagle Crag, and the San Bernardino Mountains can be observed along this trail.

Cutca Trail
General location: Cutca Valley, north of Palomar Observatory.
Access: High Point Road (8SO5) or Palomar Magee Trail.
Length and elevation: 2.3 miles in the wilderness, and 6 miles in Cutca Valley. 3,800' to 4,800'.
The Cutca Trail provides an east-west connection between High Point road and the Palomar-Magee Trail. From either end of the trail, hikers descend into the southern end of Cutca valley through mixed chaparral and some oak woodland. Creeks are seasonal and water is scarce.

Keep in Mind

For further information contact: Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest

Visitor use permits are required for overnight stays in the wilderness. Permits may be obtained by contacting the Palomar Ranger District.

Campfires are not permitted in the Agua Tibia Wilderness, however, fuel stoves are allowed.

Pets are allowed in the wilderness, but they must be on a leash

Be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Bring plenty of water, sunglasses, sun screen, sturdy boots and appropriate clothing.