Can you reserve a site at Dripping Springs Trailhead?

No. Dripping Springs Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Dripping Springs Trailhead, California — sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Dripping Springs Trailhead

Distance

10 - 30 miles depending on trail connections

Pets Allowed

Yes

Fees

Adventure Pass Fee Required

Hike/Ride Time

Full day

Difficulty

Moderate - Difficult

Best Seasons

Fall, Spring

Location

Located 11 miles off Hwy 79 in Temecula

Ranger District

Palomar Ranger District - (760)788-6130

With 4 connecting trail options, including Dripping Springs, Wildhorse, Palomar Magee, and Cutca, great views of the "Big Four" peaks to the north (Santiago Peak, Mt. Baldy, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto) as well as wide ranging views of Vail lake, Temecula Valley and open countryside, Dripping Springs provides many great options for the recreational day user. Those looking for overnight camping accomodations after a long day on the trails can cozy up under the stars at the Dripping Springs Campground.

Since these trails typically offer little shade, it is not recommended for the summer months, as temperatures typically hit triple digits. Fall and Spring bring colorful foliage and lovely wildflowers (after the rain) and are considered the best times of the year. Much of the area receives light use, which provides a pleasant and tranquil outdoor experience.

Getting there

From the LA Basin take I-15 south to Highway 79 near Temecula. Take Hwy 79 south 11 miles to Dripping Springs. Turn right and park in Trailhead parking lot. From San Diego take I-15 north to Highway 79. Follow previous instructions. The trail is reached by walking south from the parking lot .5 mile through Dripping Springs Campground.

33.45806, -116.97000 · 33°27'29.0"N 116°58'12.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 84°F in Aug, down to 51°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	51	51	56	61	69	79	84	84	79	69	58	51
Low °F	37	36	39	42	48	57	64	65	60	51	43	37
Precip in	5.9	7.3	4.6	2.0	0.9	0.2	0.3	0.7	0.5	1.2	2.3	4.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Dripping Springs Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Dripping Springs Trailhead?: No. Dripping Springs Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Also listed by

Dripping Springs Trailhead also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Dripping Springs Trailhead's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$25/night for single unit, $50/night for double unit, $5.00 for day use.

Restrictions:

Vehicles 27 ft. max.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Dripping Springs Trailhead

Dripping Springs Campground (Ca) 0.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Fry Creek Campground 9.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Observatory Campground 9.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Oak Grove Campground 11.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Crestline Group Campground 11.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bautista Creek - National Wild & Scenic River 16.1 mi · Facility
Indian Flats Campground 19.4 mi · Campground
Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground 19.4 mi · Campground
Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site 20.8 mi · Campground
Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Sites 20.9 mi · Facility
Bee Canyon OHV Road 5S07 21.2 mi · Facility
Strawberry Creek 21.2 mi · Facility

Contact

Info Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Dripping Springs Trailhead