Dark Canyon (FR 4S02) in CA

Road corridorSan Bernardino NF, San Jacinto Ranger District

3.1 mi from Idyllwild-Pine Cove

Maps 6,100 ft

Camping permission not confirmed

Miles 0–3.1 cross land the Forest Service doesn't manage; camping there needs the landowner's permission.

Stay limit: 14 days · within 30 days · order effective March 12, 2026 through August 31, 2028

VerizonSTRONG

AT&TNONE

T-MobileMARGINAL

StarlinkGOOD

Difficult

0 of this road’s 6.8 miles are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, mostly paved with 2.4 miles of dirt.
Near Seven Pines Trail.
Estimated climb: 1,100 ft over 6.8 miles through 23 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 12% and pitches to 19%.
Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side.
Dead-end road; turnaround space is not mapped.
A water crossing 1.1 miles along the road.
A gate 1.2 miles along the road.

Known camping along this road at mile 0.9: .

Limited privacy

Limited separation from through roads or other sites here, with the nearest through road 0.0 miles off.
Marion Mountain stands 4,216 ft above the map pin, 3.2 miles east.
North Fork San Jacinto River runs 0.6 mi off.
Estimated night sky: Bortle 3, a dark rural sky.

Camping within 1/4 mile of State Highways, developed campgrounds, picnic grounds, developed recreation sites, trailheads, and private property.
Camping rules

October normals 47–69°F, 1.5″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Dark Canyon (FR 4S02) in CA -- Camping Rules & Access